Tag: God

Bible Studies

“Mary’s Song-The Magnificat” 5 Songs of Hope for Advent

Loring Schultz

And Mary said,

 “My soul magnifies the Lord,

    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.

   For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for he who is mighty has done great things for me,

   and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49 ESV

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Our second song of hope for this Advent season is most likely the most recognized one of the five. Mary’s song, known as ‘The Magnificat,’ has been read and sung in churches around the world for centuries. It is a song Mary spoke through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Did she sing it or speak it? Scripture says, “And Mary said,” but there was certainly singing in her heart. It was heart-felt praise and adoration for her Lord from the depths of her soul. It is called the ‘Magnificat’ because in the Latin Vulgate translation the opening word is ‘Magnificat’ meaning ‘glorifies.’ Mary’s song displays her vast knowledge of the Scriptures. As John MacArthur points out, “These verses also contain numerous allusions to the law, the psalms, and the prophets. The entire passage is a point-by-point reciting of the covenant promises of God.” (1) There are 15 quotations from the Old Testament in her song. It is noteworthy there is deep concern for the poor and despised, and rejection of the rich and proud. Mary finds herself as one of the poor and despised people of the world. She is astonished and humbled the Lord has found favor with her. R.C. Sproul sees it as a true Cinderella story, not a fairy tale, but reality and truth.

Mary starts by exalting or magnifying the Lord, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Lk.1:46-47 esv) Praising the almighty God, Mary also realized her need of a savior. The child she would bear would indeed be her son but would also be her savior. Despite the historical church teaching to our friends in the Catholic church, Mary was not sinless and needed a savior. Mary says, ‘my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’ Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Christian theologian and philosopher who served under several Popes and was canonized St. Thomas Aquinas in 1323, believed Mary could not have been sinless because of her confession of needing of a savior.

Mary then acknowledges her lowly state and how graciously the Lord God looked upon her. From that point on all generations will realize how blessed Mary was. “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” (Lk.1:48 esv) The word ‘servant’ is also translated ‘maidservant’ was the term for a female slave in that day. Mary, therefore, expressed a deep sense of humility.

Three attributes are rendered in the words of Mary in her song, God’s mighty power, His holiness, and His mercy. (Lk.1:49-50) Mary says the mighty God has done great things for her, a lowly servant. She then notes the holiness of God and says those who fear God and acknowledges Him receives mercy. God’s mighty hand is further seen in Mary’s words as she describes the acts of God. “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Lk.1:51-53 esv) Mary gives us a history lesson of God’s justice by God scattering the proud and bringing the mighty down from their thrones, while raising up those of low estate which Mary was one. If anyone knew God’s mercy towards the poor and the low estate in society, Mary knew. It speaks to her overwhelming humble attitude and praise to God in seeing her lowly handmaid status being raised up by the God of mercy.

Mary ends her song with the assurance that God keeps His promises. Again, Mary, being well versed in Scripture, knew God has helped Israel in the past and will continue to do so. She also knew God is a covenant keeping God, and what was promised and prophesied in Old Testament would come to past. Mary knew the promise of the coming Messiah. She knew He would be born of a virgin; she knew she was in that category. She knew He would be called the Son of God, and He would save His people from their sins. Mary praised and glorified God who chose her in a lowly estate to bring into the world, the savior of the world. So, Mary sang, The Magnificat – “My soul magnifies the Lord.”

Read: Luke 1:46-55 ESV – Mary’s Song of Praise: The – Bible Gateway

(1) MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible. Nashville: Word Publishing, 1997. Pg 1512

Devotionals

Harmony in the Church

Loring Schultz

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 NLT

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The Old fashion hymn sing has been resurrected over the last decade as the classic church hymns have vanished in many of today’s churches. However, there are still churches that include an occasional hymn as part of the worship service. Some churches will schedule a special hymn night throughout the year for the lovers of the old fashion hymns. Nationally, Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Hymn Sing makes its rounds throughout the United States keeping the old gospel hymns alive by reintroducing them to the current and next generations. There is a hunger not only for the music, but for the deeply inspired lyrics from these songwriters of yesteryear.

As these old fashion hymns are sung, especially in church, they are an example of unity and harmony. There are those who sing the main melody and those who sing the harmony parts, my mother was always one of them. Those singing the main parts and those singing the harmony parts combine with those playing the instruments in worshiping and praising through God through music. It is an example of what harmony in the church looks like. We all have a different part to play and sing, and not only in the music. If we all do are part, a beautiful rendition of Christ’s church will be seen and heard.

Unfortunately, there is not always harmony among believers in the church and the music falls flat. Paul’s desire for the church was for it to “live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” (Ro.15:5b nlt) The outside world is watching the disharmony among us as many believers are exiting the church. Perhaps an old fashion hymn sing is just what we need to get back in tune with God and the truth of His Word, harmonizing with each other for the sake of the gospel to all generations.

Devotionals

Where to Find True Miracles: God’s Power Today

Loring Schultz

“Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136: 4 NLT

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 KJV

Photo by CLARA METIVIER BEUKES_on unsplash

Do you need a miracle in your life, something that contradicts all known scientific laws? Where do you go to look for this miracle? There is only one place to go, but the world has its own recommendations to consider keeping you from going to the true source. For instance, the god of this world, Satan, would have you believe that coincidence or random occurrences in your favor are only by chance, denying any divine supernatural power. Some may look for that divine power, but they look in all the wrong places. Many are caught in false religions of the world promising hope and miracles only to find themselves less wealthy and being accused of not having enough faith. Others put their faith in gods of astrology, and various gods presented and worshiped as divine throughout the centuries. None of these possess divine supernatural power to perform miracles. They are not the God of heaven, who alone does mighty miracles.

The question many people ask is this; does God still perform miracles today? The answer is, yes, absolutely! The greatest miracle is a soul set free, and God through the Holy Spirit performs this miracle daily. Scores of people are being radically changed forever from a wayward life every day by accepting God’s only Son Jesus Christ as their savior. People even the world thought were beyond hope, change, and redemption are living a clean life for the Lord and serving others.

Yes, miracles are still happening today. A radically changed person does defy all known scientific laws without divine help. It is the spiritually dead coming to life, everlasting life in Christ. It’s happening every day. Have you received your saving miracle yet, if not do so today!

A Christian Perspective

Playing God

Loring Schultz
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Our lives are under the watchful eyes of God the Father. From beginning to end, nothing escapes His sight in all that goes on. He is aware of the slightest scratch on our bodies, every scar and how it got there, and even the emotional struggles we deal with. Nothing is outside of His knowledge, and for that we should be thankful.

King David was truly amazed and awe-struck of how intimately the Lord God knew him. So amazed that he wrote the 139th psalm to express his feelings towards God’s complete knowledge of himself and every human being. David tried to comprehend it but couldn’t. He wrote, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” (Ps.139:6 nlt) David knew but couldn’t understand how God knew his every move before he made it, every word before he spoke it, he could not get over the infinite mind of God and all its wonders as it pertained to human life. David also was confused how God knew the exact number of days of his life before he was born. Although he couldn’t explain it, David knew it to be true.

David wrote, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Ps.139:16 nlt) David said the Lord God saw his unformed body in his mother’s womb, and why wouldn’t He, God is the creator of life from its very beginning. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Ps.139:13 nlt) The baby in the womb is God’s handywork starting with conception, the beginning of life, and David believed it. “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (Ps.139:14 nlt)

It is a comfort to know our lives are in the hands of God and we are never out of His sight from the moment of conception until we died. It is also a sobering thought to think that every abortion performed is seen by the eyes of God. If only those in the pro-choice movement would realize they are playing God by taking the life of one of His precious children.

Devotionals

Giving Thanks for a Soul Set Free

Loring Schultz

“Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name.” Psalm 142:7a NASB

“I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17 NASB

Photo by Kirk Cameron on Unsplash

This Thanksgiving Day there are over 1 million people in prison in the United States. Souls who will not celebrate the holiday with friends and loved ones. Their cry may be as David’s was, ‘bring my soul out of prison.’ Their desire is to be restored back in society as it was before their incarceration. The fact is their soul can be set free right they are. A prison sentence will pay the debt to society when completed and freedom will be granted. However, there is a prison sentence where no one can ever serve and pay off. It is the sentence of an eternal death separated from God and heaven for our sinful nature and our sins against God. But that soul can indeed be set free.

Perhaps you are not behind prison bars on this day, but you are behind bars that are keeping you imprisoned in your own soul. Your struggles with a particular sin, or vices you can’t seem to control keep you under lock and key. Your desire is the same cry, ‘bring my soul out of prison.’ I’m not a psychologist and not offering advice of which my knowledge is very limited. Professional services are a god-sent in our day and age and should be used if needed. But one thing I do know is that a soul can be set from sin and eternal death through Jesus Christ, God’s Son who sacrificed His life that we may have life. He paid the penalty for a soul to be set free.

If you are sitting in prison behind bars on this day, please understand that your soul can be set free. You can have assurance of eternal salvation and that your sin debt has been paid. For those of you outside prison walls who also need to be set free from your struggles with sin, Christ has paid the sin penalty for you as well. Your prayer, ‘bring my soul out of prison, will be heard and answered by accepting Christ as your savior this day. Then you can praise and thank God with David this Thanksgiving by saying, “I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” (Ps.7:17 nasb) Happy Thanksgiving!

Devotionals

Thanksgiving Travel: Following the Highway of God

Loring Schultz

“A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness.” Isaiah 35:8a NKJV

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.’” Isaiah 40:3 NKJV

Photo by Peter Robbins on Unsplash
 

Today is the busiest travel day of the year across the United States as millions of Americans make their way to friends and family for Thanksgiving. “AAA projects 79.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period. ‘Thanksgiving is the busiest holiday for travel, and this year we’re expecting to set new records across the board, from driving to flying and cruising,’ said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. (1) Of those estimated 79.9 million travelers, 71.1 million people will go by car. That’s a lot of highway miles.

The United States has a vast interstate highway system which can get you to grandma’s house whether 50 or 500 miles away with no trouble. Years of planning the infrastructure of major roadways in America have proven successful. One only needs a roadmap from AAA or a GPS device and you’re all set.

Highways are mentioned several times in Scripture. Isaiah speaks about ‘The Highway of Holiness, a highway for our God.’ It was a prophetic exhortation to Israel for preparing for the coming of the Messiah. It foretold John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ. “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.’” (Mt.3:3 nkjv) The Messiah, the Lord Jesus, had come, and He has come to save those who call on His name.

God had designed His infrastructure of heaven’s highway for you and me before the world began. You don’t need a GPS or a road map. The plan of salvation and the highway to heaven is to simply trust in Jesus and His work on the cross for your sin. There is only one road, one highway to heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (Jn.14:6 nkjv) Accept Christ as your savior this Thanksgiving and you’re on the highway to heaven. What a Thanksgiving feast that will be.

(1) Thanksgiving Travel Expected to Set New Record | AAA Newsroom

Devotionals

Thankfulness through Giving            

Loring Schultz

“Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!” 2 Corinthians 9:15 NLT

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

In gift giving, the recipient is the one giving thanks. They are thankful for the gift received and for the giver. We don’t think much about the giver being the one giving thanks, but as Christians that should be our main intent in giving any gift or doing any good deed for someone. God the Father gave the first gift, His Son Jesus Christ. No other gift will ever match or come close to the gift He gave us. We can never top it. But we can be thankful.

God gave us His only Son to redeem us from eternal separation from Him. Jesus came willingly to earth as a man to pave the way for our salvation from eternal hell fire. Thankfulness, indeed, should be our way of life. One sign of being thankful is giving. The apostle Paul describes the ministry of giving to the church in Corinth as a two-fold operation. The needs of people will be met, and God will be thanked for it. “So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” (2Cor.9:12 nlt) Paul goes on to say, “For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.” (2Cor.9:13b nlt)

The good news of Christ is the gospel unto salvation which we have accepted and are thankful. We show our thankfulness by giving of ourselves, sharing the gospel, and meeting the needs of others. Yes, through giving. Our thankfulness through giving is not only for others, but also to the one most deserving, Jesus Christ. “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Col.3:17 nlt) May we always be giving thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus in everything we say and do, in this way we show our thankfulness through giving.  

Bible Studies

“Godly Leaders’ Work is Never Done” Godly Leadership: the book of Nehemiah

Loring Schultz

“So I purged out everything foreign and assigned tasks to the priests and Levites, making certain that each knew his work. I also made sure that the supply of wood for the altar and the first portions of the harvest were brought at the proper times. Remember this in my favor, O my God.” Nehemiah 13:30-31 NLT

Photo by Tim Wildsmith on Unsplash
 

We have come to end of our study of godly leaders from the book of Nehemiah, but the work, unfortunately, for godly leaders never comes to an end. That is why godly leaders are needed in every facet of society. Last week we recalled the influence Nehemiah, Ezra, and the other leaders had on the people encouraging them and participating with them in the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls. The people responded by celebrating and worshiping God. “Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.” (Neh.12:43 nlt) You may have heard this saying, ‘when the cat’s away, the mice will play.’ Well, Nehemiah was away, back serving the king, and the people playfully went back to their old ways.

Before we are quick to condemn the people of Judah, we should look at ourselves in the mirror, me included. How many times have we repented our sins and past actions, only to repeat them when no one is around to notice. My point is that we need godly leaders around us to help us toe the line. Godly leaders are not perfect as we observed a few weeks back, but they are used by God and need our continue prayers.

Nehemiah may have received word of the turning back of the people while in Persia serving King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah had been back in Persia close to twelve years, enough time for the people to unravel a lot of the reforms that he had put in place. There was inter-marriage taking place again with foreigners. The children from these marriages could not speak the Hebrew language, but the languages of foreign nations. This command of separation from foreigners was for religious purposes and was not racial or political.

The Temple of God was being desecrated. Tobiah, an archenemy of the Jews, had now taken residence in the Temple courtyard where the articles for sacrifice were stored. Eliashib, a priest and supervisor of the storerooms in the Temple, was persuaded by Tobiah to provide accommodations for him while visiting Jerusalem. Tobiah used his influence as a relative to convince Eliashib to the point of moving out the articles for the Temple and bringing in Tobiah’s idols of worship.

In addition, the people neglected to support the priests and Levites who served in the Temple. As a result, they had to neglect their duties in the Temple and return to the fields to support themselves and their families. The Law of Sabbath was also being broken again. Work was being done, and business was transacted on the Sabbath day as any other day of the week.

As mentioned above, Nehemiah may have heard of what was taking place in Jerusalem. There was a reading from the book of Moses ‘on that same day.’ (Neh.13:1) This could have been the anniversary of the dedication of the wall years earlier. Notably, Ezra the scribe, was not present, but what he reinstated was still being carried on. The people may have drifted away, but not so far that they neglected the reading of the Word. Through this reading there was conviction. Perhaps, Nehemiah heard this and responded by coming back.

Nehemiah returned and put new reforms in place. His first act was throwing Tobiah out of the Temple storerooms with all his belongings. “I became very upset and threw all of Tobiah’s belongings out of the room.” (Neh.13:8 nlt) Nehemiah displayed the righteous anger Jesus displayed 450 years later, “Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves.” (Mt.21:12 nlt) Godly leaders should not be afraid and hold back righteous anger when it is called for. It needs to be on displayed, but in a godly way and according to God’s righteousness and justice. Nehemiah then performed a ceremonial cleaning in purifying the Temple storerooms.

The Levites were brought back into the Temple to perform their duties. Tithes were coming back into the Temple and the Levites were being supported for their work. Nehemiah appointed four men of good reputation as treasurers to oversee the distribution to the Levites. These overseers included a Priest, a Levite, a Scribe, and a lay person. A good model to follow today, honest people with different positions working together, and don’t forget the lay person.

Nehemiah then addressed the profaning of the Sabbath. He rebuked the people for working and conducting business on the Sabbath. He called out the nobles by saying to them, “Wasn’t it just this sort of thing that your ancestors did that caused our God to bring all this trouble upon us and our city? Now you are bringing even more wrath upon Israel by permitting the Sabbath to be desecrated in this way!” (Neh.13:18 nlt) Nehemiah commanded the gates to shut from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday threatening violators with arrest if they continued to buy and sell on the Sabbath.

Lastly, and yes again, Nehemiah had to deal with the sin of inter-marriage with pagans. His response may seem a little harsh, but the cat is back, and the mice are guilty. “So I confronted them and called down curses on them. I beat some of them and pulled out their hair. I made them swear in the name of God that they would not let their children intermarry with the pagan people of the land. (Neh.13:25 nlt) Nehemiah’s actions were to prevent this sin from occurring again in the future. He reminded them Solomon was the wisest and most powerful king in the world, and he was brought down by the influence of his foreign wives. The same would happen to them if they continued in this practice.

As we can see, godly leaders are needed for there is always work to do. We could say it’s job security, but it takes the right individual. A godly leader is one who is above reproach, committed to God, and to His work, His justice, His leadership, and must have a desire to do everything for God’s glory. Nehemiah’s motive throughout his ministry was to please and serve God. Godly leaders know it’s not about them, but what God will do through them.

Read: Nehemiah 13 NLT – Nehemiah’s Various Reforms – On that – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

God Blesses Those Who Bless Israel

Loring Schultz

“Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is everyone who curses you.” Numbers 24:9b NLT

Photo by Sander Crombach on Unsplash

Scripture is quite clear of God’s love for His chosen people, the Jews. God chose Abram to leave his homeland and go to a place He would lead him. The Lord spoke to Abram saying, “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.” (Gen.12:2-3 nlt) God has fulfilled His promise to Abram. Israel became a great nation, the Jewish people have been a blessing to the world, and all the families of the world are blessed through Abraham’s seed in the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

God’s love has never wavered for Israel even through their times of sinful idolatry recorded in the Old Testament. The Jews were punished severely for their sins by having their land destroyed and being taken captive to foreign kingdoms. But God had grace and mercy on His chosen people and brought back into the land due to His promised covenant and His love for them. The Jews are indeed God’s chosen people. Throughout history nations who have blessed and supported Israel were blessed, and those who have not, were not blessed, but cursed.

The nations of the world in 2024 have had a close eye on Israel since the terrorist attack by Hamas in October of 2023. There are sympathizers on both sides. A word to the nations who support Hamas and other extremists by agreeing with their ideology. The Jews are still God’s chosen people. The prophet Ezekiel prophesied against Mount Seir, also known as Edom, after the bloodshed they caused against the Jews trying to escape their Babylonian captors. “Your eternal hatred for the people of Israel led you to butcher them when they were helpless, when I had already punished them for all their sins. For you said, ‘The lands of Israel and Judah will be ours. We will take possession of them. What do we care that the LORD is there!’” (Ez.35:5, 10 nlt) Sounds a lot like 2024, the 1930’s and ‘40’s, and all through history. God’s chosen people have always been under attack.

God’s Word still stands true today, “Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
and cursed is everyone who curses you.” (Num.24:9 nlt) Edom was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century B.C. and again by John Hyrcanus, a Hasmonean (Maccabean) leader in 126 B.C… There is no trace of the Edomites in our current day. Curse is everyone who curses Israel.

The United States and many other nations across the world have been supportive of Israel for many years. These nations must be careful not to let their support wane. The United Nations as a governing body hasn’t been much help in garnishing support for Israel. The United States, as the leader of the free world in 2024, has the advantage to take the lead in their support for Israel. As a citizen of the United States and a Christian, I realized America has been blessed beyond measure for our support of God’s chosen people. May the upcoming administration continue and enhance the United States’ support for Israel. For God says, blessed is everyone who blesses Israel.

Photo by Stanislav Vdovin on Unsplash
 

Read: Ezekiel 35 NLT – A Message for Edom – Again a message – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

God’s Rescue Mission for the Lost

Loring Schultz

“I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.” Ezekiel 34:16a NLT

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10 NLT

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash

Search and rescue teams are sent out to find people who have encountered distress and possible danger and are lost due to a tragic event. These could include those lost at sea, adventurous mountain climbers and cave explorers, those working in mines around the world after an accident, survivors of major storms in need of rescue, lost hikers who become detached from their group, and many other situations where an individual or group of people are lost. The mission of the search and rescue team is to look diligently to find the lost and rescue them from the danger around them.

Many Christians today have lost their way and find themselves in need of being rescued by the Lord. Sadly, most do not realize it. The ways of the world take preference over the things of God. Over time, even a seasoned Christian will begin to drift away and suddenly find themselves lost. But the Lord God, the great shepherd, searches for those who are His and brings them back bandaging the wounds they incurred following the things of the world. The Lord never gives up on His people.

You may be one today who knows you are lost. You got in that boat just to fish around a little and found yourself drifting further and further from the shore and away from Lord Himself. Storms of life are starting to rise, and you can’t seem to make your way back. You have lost your sense of direction, and know you are lost. You may not know where you are right now, but God does, and He is on a search and mission rescue. When you sense His presence nudging you, don’t dismiss it. He is walking on the water towards you. Let Jesus into the boat. He will lead you back to shore through the storm healing your self-inflicted wounds and will strengthen you.