Tag: God

Devotionals

Have you hardened your heart towards God?         

Loring Schultz

Read: Job 9:1-12 ESV – Job Replies: There Is No Arbiter – Then – Bible Gateway

“He is wise in heart and mighty in strength—who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?” Job 9:4 ESV

Photo by Rafael Garcin on Unsplash

Life throws us many nasty curveballs, to use a baseball analogy. We may be in the batter’s box, expecting a fastball down the middle of the plate, but the Lord God is on the mound, and He has a variety of pitches to keep us guessing. We don’t always get the pitches we would like, but they are from the hand of the Lord God and for our good. We may even get a brush back if we try to crowd the plate. God doesn’t like that; it’s His territory.

Job asked the question, ‘who has hardened himself against him (God), and succeeded?’ (Job 9:4 nlt) No answer is required. It is obvious, no one! Now it is true in baseball that both the pitcher and batter succeed against each other, but when the Lord God is on the mound or has a bat in His hands in the box, we don’t stand a chance. His purpose will prevail.

During times of struggle and unexpected occurrences in our lives, there may be a tendency to harden our hearts toward God. We may even do it unconsciously, not realizing it. We drift away from Him. Some of us automatically distanced ourselves from God, and then others simply question God. There’s nothing wrong with questioning God or asking ‘why.’ He understands but be careful to take note of the condition of your heart. Don’t let it become calloused with doubt, bitterness, or unbelief.   

When struggles and confusion begin to consume our days, what is needed most is listening ears and a soft heart towards the Lord. We can’t go off on our own without Him and expect to succeed in overcoming our problems. So, while you’re looking for that fastball, just take the strike and look unto the Lord God. He’s got it covered.

Devotionals

No Secrets with God

Loring Schultz

There are specific things in our lives we would like to remain secret. Not all these things are of a sinful nature, referred to as secret sins, but also certain matters of embarrassment we rather not be made public. I can recall many dumb and embarrassing things I have done in my life I’d rather be left in the memory of those who have witnessed them. True friends will keep the secret, but others are not so obliged in revealing the episode to others. There is not much you can do after the fact except hope it will not be used against you as a butt of a joke or even worse to harm you. 

Some people are good at keeping certain areas of their lives extremely private and secret. This is not to condemn one who does this, but for whatever reason they choose not to share and keep secret, there is one who knows everything. God the Father knows every detail and the deep dark secrets of our lives. We are unable to keep any secret from God. He even knows what we are thinking, or what we are about to think. But God will not reveal what He knows about us to anyone. God can keep a secret.

Although God can keep a secret, He will never allow us to get away with any sin in our lives unconfessed. And there will be a day when all Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of our lives, both public and private. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” (nlt) May we keep in mind even though God forgives us of our sin, and can keep a secret, “that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” (Rom. 2:16 nlt)

Devotionals

No Excuse; examine the evidence

Loring Schultz

All of us must admit there are times when something is so obvious, so clearly seen, so clearly heard, even so clearly felt, that we cannot deny is authenticity. Indeed it must be true.  Despite the efforts of some who will try to dissuade you from a certain truth either through false comments or actions, if you take the time to examine what they are saying and doing you will find plenty of evidence to the contrary. What is true is true and what is false is false. There is always evidence as to what is true and to what is false if we only take the time to search it out for ourselves. In our current day, we have a vast pool of informational sources available to us to search out a matter. As a result of this, we are without excuse if we continue to be persuaded by others and not look at the evidence ourselves.

When it comes to the existence of God however, God has made it easy for us to determine He does exist and He is God. All throughout history up to including today, there are many people who deny the existence of the God of the Bible. Some display their denial through their words, but most exhibit their denial through their actions. Therefore if there is no God, then there is no God to answer to and I am free to do as I please. They become their own gods determining what is right or wrong according to themselves and their current culture. Their actions are having severe consequences on themselves and society as a whole. Even though some claim to know God, they obviously do not know the God of the Bible.  

But the good news is the God of the Bible, the true God, has made Himself known to every individual through nature itself and the creation of the world. He has made it easy for us to know Him so we are without excuse. We have no excuse for living as if there are no consequences in living in violation of His Word, as if He doesn’t exist or doesn’t care about our actions. He does!

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“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” (Ro,1:20 nlt)

Devotionals

Straining at the oars

Loring Schultz

“He saw the disciples straining at the oars.” Mark 6:48a NIV

Have you ever felt abandoned from the Lord, especially in tough times? You may be facing difficulties at your workplace when 8-hour days are turning into 12 hours days with no relief in sight. You’re studying for a college degree and can’t keep up with the assignment load. You’re a young mother with a houseful of children all wanting and needing your attention. There are yet many other tough time scenarios we can apply, just pick the one that fits you best. But rest assured the Lord has not abandoned you, in fact He always has His eye on you.

Jesus’s disciples were put in a situation where it appeared to them, they were abandoned. Jesus sent them out ahead of Him by boat to Bethsaida across the Sea of Galilee, while He spent time alone in prayer with His Father. What should have been a relatively short trip was turning into an over 8-hour trip with constant wind not in their favor. The wind was carrying the boat towards the center of the lake instead of maintaining a straight course one or two miles offshore. Imagine what thoughts would have been going through the minds of the disciples. Perhaps the same thoughts we have in strenuous times.

The Bible explains to us Jesus saw the difficulty His disciples were having. “Later that night, (when evening came) the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake” (Mk. 6:47-48 niv) Jesus did not go out to them until dawn early the next morning, and He came out to them walking on the water.

During your long difficult days never lose sight that our Lord Jesus never loses sight of you while ‘straining at the oars,’ but He is watching and will be there with the help you need. You’re not abandoned. Learn to put your trust in Him for He sees, He hears, and He’ll be there.

Bible Studies

SOLA GRATIA (Grace Alone)

Loring Schultz

“But no man can be thoroughly humbled until he knows that his salvation is utterly beyond his own powers, devices, endeavors, will, and works, and depends entirely on the choice, will, and work of another, namely, of God alone.” Martin Luther

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The third of the Five Solas to be recognized during the Reformation period was ‘sola gratia’ or (grace alone). In the early sixteenth century there was an emphasis on church teaching of salvation by works of merit and indulgences. Scripture says we are saved by grace alone as Paul writes in the book of Ephesians, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” (Eph. 2:8 esv) The first reformer of the sixteenth century was Martin Luther and he had said, “Our salvation depends entirely on the choice, will, and work of another, namely, of God alone.” We cannot take any credit leading to our salvation, God has done it all.

Yes, ‘for by grace we been saved through faith,’ but the reality is God gives us the faith to believe in His Son through the Holy Spirit as He draws us to Himself. Our regeneration proceeds our faith. It is by His grace that He grants us the faith to believe in Jesus for we would never do this on our accord. Paul, the apostle, quoted from the Old Testament in the book of Romans, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.’” (Ro.3:10-12 esv) God’s saving grace towards sinners is His granting unmerited favor upon us. When God’s saving grace is applied to us it cannot fail to accomplish the purpose for which it was given.

The saving grace that God bestows on His chosen cannot be understood or appreciated until we have a full knowledge of what we have been saved from. There is not one of us who has a right to eternal life, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Ro. 3:23 esv) We are all sinners in Adam, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” (Ro. 5:12 esv) And the punishment for sin is death, physical death and spiritual death being eternally being separated from God in the lake of fire. “And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15 esv)

As we come to accept that there is nothing we could ever do to find favor with God to enter into His presence, we should find ourselves in continued praise and worship for what He has done for us through His grace. God has chosen to love us in Christ, underserving sinners that we are. As Paul writes again in Romans, “For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one-man Jesus Christ.” (Ro. 5:17 esv)

Devotionals

Have you considered my servant?

Loring Schultz

“Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8 NIV

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How well do you handle adversity? The troubles that come into your life will determine your relationship with God by how you will react. Do you seek after God during a personal crisis for comfort and guidance, or do you blame God and demand an answer, even cursing God for the tragedies that are occurring? Those of us who are Christians are reminded, that no matter how hard it can be to accept, God is in control. He allows the events in our lives to happen to draw us closer to Him and for His Glory.

We are given a glimpse of this reality in the book of Job. A conversation between God and Satan is unveiled in the first chapter of Job, verses 6-12. “Then the LORD said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.’” Satan, the adversary, accuses Job of being upright only due to the fact that God has bless him tremendously. He goes on to say if the Lord would stretch out his hand against him, then Job would curse God to His face. Satan is given the go ahead.

Unimaginable physical pain and suffering, along with the loss of his family and all his possessions is most likely the worst experience anyone ever encountered. As you read through the book of Job, you will find that Job, although very distraught at his suffering, never curses God, never loses his faith in God, and remains blameless and upright.

The Lord could say to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job,” because He knew Job could be trusted in following through continuing to trust God. The question is; can you and I be trusted to follow through continuing to trust God during our trails and suffering? Can the Lord say, ‘Have you considered my servant (your name here)’?

Bible Studies

Advent 2025: The Word in a Manger    

Loring Schultz

Read: John 1:1-5, 14 NLT – Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word – In – Bible Gateway

“So, the Word became human and made his home among us.” John 1:14 NLT

Photo by Lee Young on Unsplash

We have reached the fourth Sunday of Advent and are only four days away from Christmas. Preparations are being made for the big day which will start with our Christmas Eve service. Many carols sung that evening in churches around the world will reflect the ‘babe in a manger’ born on that silent night. Most people may know that child is the ‘Christ child born of Mary,’ but how many truly know who He is. How about you, do you know?

The apostle John gives a detailed description of who this baby is. Although the story of Jesus’ birth is found only in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, John recaps it in one simple verse. “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (Jn.1:14 nlt) John wrote his gospel to prove the deity of Christ. Jesus as the Son of God, very God in the flesh. He begins immediately with the very first verse, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (Jn.1:1 nlt)

John’s reference to the ‘Word’ was used as both Jews and Gentiles would have been familiar with what John was expressing. One of the uses of this term by the Greeks would have been ‘divine reason.’ The Jews used it as a term relating to God. When John used ‘Word’ in verse one the Gentiles would think ‘divine reason’ and the Jews would think God. So, what did John say? The ‘Word’ always existed. The ‘Word’ was with God in the beginning and the ‘Word’ was God.

This baby is the ‘Word’ in a manger, the one who created the world and holds its existence. He is the light of world bringing salvation to all who put their trust in Him. The ‘Word’ in a manger is Jesus Christ, the second person of the trinity. He is God in the flesh. ‘O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.’

Devotionals

Who Are You Waiting For?      

Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 30:12-17 NLT – This is the reply of the Holy One of – Bible Gateway

“Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.” Isaiah 30:15 NLT

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What troubles you? Where do you go and to whom do you go to get relief from your troubles? Hezekiah, king of Judah, was seeking an alliance with the forces of Egypt in their trouble with the invading Assyrian army. They apparently forgot about God in the midst of their troubles. The powerful Egyptian army looked like the best option with their swift horses to help them escape the approaching danger. But the Lord reminded them,  “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved.” (Is.30:15 nlt)

Judah was resting in the strength and material sources of their current world system to relieve them of their troubles. They trusted in a foreign government who had no allegiance to the God of heaven. Judah was willing to join themselves to a godless nation for safety rather than to trust in the Lord their God. The Lord warned them it would not work, but they did not want to hear it.

How many times have you chosen the remedies of the world before going to the Lord for what troubles you?  Worse yet, how many times have you been given counsel in the things of the Lord, but as King Hezekiah, you ignored it. The Lord God knows each of us intimately which means He knows exactly what it is that troubles us and how to solve the issue. Returning to the Lord and resting in Him is our only sure way to safety. So, who or what are you waiting for? The Egyptians may have fast horses, but your troubles may be indeed faster, our world may have some answers, but only God knows how to meet your need in times of trouble. It’s time to trust Him in quietness and confidence.

A Christian Perspective

Turn us again to yourself, O God       

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 80:3-7 NLT – Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make – Bible Gateway

“Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Psalm 80:3 NLT

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

As I write this on Thanksgiving day, the United States has yet faced another tragedy on the day before this holiday of thanks. Two of our brave National Guard are fighting for their very lives as they were targeted and shot on the streets of our nation’s capital for doing their job to protect American citizens. There should be such an outcry that it is heard in every corner of the world. I say every corner of the world because it affects every nation and every person in wherever country they live.

That outcry needs to be what the psalmist wrote when pleading for restoration after Israel was plummeted by a foreign power. “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” (Ps.80:3 nlt) Israel had repeatedly sinned against God being warned countless times they continued to turn their back on God, therefore their destruction. The United States has turned its back on God, and we continue to do so. There have been recent attempts to right the ship and I pray they will continue to move forward, but what is needed is a total commitment to return to the country’s founding Judea-Christian principles found only in the Word of God.

There is a sense that God’s hand of judgment is on America. If you think not, take time to read through the history of fallen nations and empires examining the culture and practices of their day and compare them to America in 2025. I think you will see a remarkable resemblance. I do not believe that all is lost, but we are on the verge of losing it all if we do not turn ourselves back to God so He will turn us again back to Himself.

Devotionals

Northern Lights    

Loring Schultz

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?” Psalm 8:3-4 NLT

Photo by Piotr Kowalonek on Pexels.com

Last week a major portion of North America was treated to a display of the Northern Lights. Aurora Borealis, as they are called, are spectacular displays of light that occur in the night sky caused by particles from the sun colliding with the earths upper atmosphere. There are many scientific terms and research that has been done by very intelligent people for explaining how and why these lights occur. I appreciate them all, but I’ll go with the most natural one of all, it’s God painting the sky.

David writing in Psalm 8 notes the wonders he sees in the night sky with the moon and stars. No magnificent light show of the aurora borealis is mentioned. But what David witnessed was enough. The numbers of stars he couldn’t count in the sky and the light of the moon proved God’s greatness and His magnificent show without any northern lights. On a side note, in David’s time the night sky had no intrusion from city lights, airplanes, or cloud-covered gases. David saw the night sky as God had intended it, a spectacular view and a portrait of His greatness.

How often do we pause to recognize God’s creation all around us? We shouldn’t need a reminder of a northern lights occurrence to pay attention to His handiwork. It is seen every day and everywhere if we look for it. The greatest northern light that has ever appeared was when God sent His Son, the light of the world, into this world to save us from our sin. You don’t need to wait for particles from the sun to collide with earth’s atmosphere to see His light, only for the Son to collide with your heart through the Holy Spirit. His light is always visible; will you see it?