Tag: God

A Christian Perspective

United States: A Country Divided

Loring Schultz

Jesus, the great teacher, said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.” Matthew 12:25 NKJV

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The United States of America has established itself as the leader of the free world since its founding in 1776. Based on principles found in the Holy Scriptures from God who created the heavens, the earth, and human beings in His image, these principles have guided the nation for 248 years. Sadly, the United States once united ‘in God we trust’ have abandon, not only the motto, but very God Himself. Although not every citizen has rejected God and His Word, enough has that the United States is now a country divided.

The founding fathers are at the heart of this current divide. Disagreements over the intent of the framers of the constitution and its stability or fluidity have risen over the years. Legislation has been created and court decisions have been entered seizing the opportunity to establish law not found in the constitution. There is naturally a division when these laws are enacted as both sides see their view as the right one. The truth is the only view that matters is God’s and what He has written in His Word.

Many laws have been passed and put into effect and by law are legal, but by God’s law they do not pursue equal justice and violate the dignity of men and women made in God’s image. The founding fathers knew they were just men with human flaws and needed divine revelation in drafting the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Biblical principles were applied to ensure liberty and justice for all. When these principles are neglected and God is no longer relevant in governing the nation, legislation will become law that will divide the citizens of the country.

The United States is more divided in 2024 than any time in its history including the Civil War. History books record for us the result of such division that occurred in the first half of the 1860’s. We may not be heading into a civil war as in the past, but we are in a civil war of ideas, justice, and morality. Jesus’ words need to be resounded across every state in the union, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation.” The United States is on the verge of collapse in Jesus’ words if we don’t reunite under His rule and authority. May we pray for such a reunion.

Devotionals

Two Heavens

Loring Schultz

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

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The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting, a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’

Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and I think he’s right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something’s wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss out on the present one.

(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg.223.

Devotionals

Preventing Falls

Loring Schultz

“You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.” Psalm 18:36 NLT

 Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash

As the human body ages, it can become difficult to get around. Not everyone experiences this at the same rate, but eventually most aging individuals will need to take measures to prevent them from falling. Seniors have several sources to aid them in preventing falls from their health organizations, family physicians, and government regulations. Getting a little older I find myself paying closer attention to these precautions than I did even a few years ago. I am beginning to find out things happen fast and unexpectedly.

Aging spiritually does not prevent one from a spiritual failure or fall. Whatever your age, young, old or in-between despite how many years you have been a Christian does not guarantee you will not slip and fall. In fact, when we think we have it altogether is when we lose our footing causing us to slip. And if we are unable to catch ourselves, we fall whatever our age.

Our Lord God is not going to sit back and not provide any preventive measures for us. David wrote that the Lord ‘made a wide path for (his) feet to keep them from slipping’ from the attacks and battles he faced from his enemies including King Saul. Christians are under constant attack by the deception of the evil one creating circumstances enticing us to follow his lead causing us to slip and fall. But the Lord has made a wide path for every Christian to walk through in our spiritual journey.

When we follow Him through daily prayer and reading His Word, we will be able to spot the potholes on the road of life designed to make us fall. We will be able to resist Satan’s detour signs of a shortcut or scenic route encouraging us to go another way. Preventing physical falls made be more concerning for older adults, but preventing spiritual falls is a major concern for Christians of all ages. Stay on the wide path.

Read: Psalm 18:30-39 NLT – God’s way is perfect. All the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Work for the Peace and Prosperity of Your City

Loring Schultz

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 NLT

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There are cities across the United States and around the world that have a relatively orderly, peaceful, and prosperous land for its residents. You may be saying to yourself, name some because I would like to move there. It is true that many of our cities don’t resemble a place of tranquility. We do live in a fallen world, so we might expect it, but that does not mean there can be no peace and prosperity in the days we live, even if it is only for a period of time.

You and I should be working towards the peace and prosperity of the cities where we live. Christians are the biggest influence in their surrounding communities to make things happen, because we have the biggest influencer supporting us, the Lord God. The first step in being an influencer to bring about change in your city is prayer. The Lord told the captive Israelites as they were carried off to Babylon to do just that. They certainly did not want to be exiled in the heathen city, but the Lord God told them to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jer.29:7 nlt) Very simply, God commanded them to pray for their city, a pagan city. As their city prospered, so would they and there would be peace.

You may be living in a pagan city, but the Lord’s command is the same to pray for your city. The second step is to start working towards peace and prosperity. You and a few others may be the only hope your friends and neighbors have of living a peaceful life due to your prayers and working as the Lord leads you. It will not only bring glory and honor to God as He answers your prayers through the welfare of all, but it will open the door to share the gospel of Christ, the only true source of peace in the world.

Devotionals

God’s Spam Folder

Loring Schultz

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 NIV

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Waiting for an answer from someone could lead to impatience if you do not know that person well. If there is a delay, you may begin questioning yourself if the one you’re waiting for an answer ever got your request. Did my email or text go through? Was I clear to my intentions for the request? Perhaps they sent me a response and I missed it, or it went in my spam folder. When it’s not in my spam folder and haven’t received an answer in a reasonable amount of time, I convince myself that my request was never received, or they would have answered. But then in a day or two I receive the answer. I created those impatient moments on my own for no good reason, but even more concerning is when I create impatient moments when I make my requests known to God.

We never need to worry if God hears our requests in our prayers. He does. The apostle John tells us we can have the confidence that He hears us, but he adds this, “that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1Jn.5:14b niv) According to His will is not always something we like to hear. It would be better, so we think, if it was according to our will, that’s why we’re asking. But the Lord knows what is best for us and will only do what is best for us. If we haven’t received the answer we want from the Lord, perhaps the request went into His spam folder, oh He knows it’s there, but it’s not according to His will.

Be assured that God hears and will answer every request in every prayer to Him according to His will and in His timing. We need not worry if it is directed to His spam folder. God will delete them and will not grant you what is not His will for you. But know this, “if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (1Jn.5:15 niv) We always have God’s best for us and that includes deleting the spam mail we send them.

Devotionals

Our Message of Unity           

Loring Schultz

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23 NLT

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Have you ever given thought that Jesus has prayed for you? Jesus had a specific petition for all future Christians who would make up His church. Near the end of His “high priestly prayer” recorded in John’s gospel chapter 17, Jesus made His requests known soon before He was to go to the cross. He prayed that we would be with Him in eternity and see His Glory, but His specific request was that we all be one in complete unity. Imagine as Jesus was about to be crucified, His concerned for us future believers were for there to be unity. So how are we doing?

Before we answer, perhaps it would good for us to know why Jesus made this request. Jesus reasoned, ‘that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them.’ You made have heard the statement; ‘The only Christ the world will see, is the Christ they see in me.’ That is very true, and Jesus confirms it later in His prayer as He says, ‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you.’ (Jn.17:25 a nlt) Indeed, most of the world does not know God. Many have heard of God and have somewhat of a knowledge of Him, but they do not know the true God and Jesus Christ His Son.

As the world looks at the church and individual Christians today, do they see unity? Do they see the love of Christ between us? Are we in a unifying fashion convincing the world that Jesus is God’s Son sent to save us from eternal damnation? Does the world see their spiritual need by observing authentic Christianity in unity, or is it muddled by in-fighting, pride, and disagreements in doctrine not essential to Salvation? There are legitimate differences of opinion in the teaching of scripture in churches today, but they should not be at the expense of alienating those outside of Christ from hearing the message of the Gospel. So how are we doing in displaying our message of unity?

Read: John 17:20-26 NLT – “I am praying not only for these – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Haman’s Plot Against the Jews” God’s Providential Hand: The book of Esther

Loring Schultz

“He had learned of Mordecai’s nationality, so he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he looked for a way to destroy all the Jews…….” Esther 3:6 NLT

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           Our story in the book of Esther introduces another character this week, Haman, one the King Ahasuerus’ officials. Chapter 3 opens with the king promoting Haman to second in the kingdom and above all the king’s officials. Haman is known as Haman the Agagite. His name affirms his close association with Agag who was king of the Amalekites the archenemies of Israel. Haman’s promotion would seem to be unmerited in contrast to Mordecai who had uncovered a plot to assassinate the king. Shades of this kind of injustice is evident today in many government positions where promotions are granted over those with more experience.

            Haman took his new position very seriously, exalting himself over all others except the king of course. He loved the power he had acquired, again not unlike those in power today. All the king’s officials paid him homage by bowing down to him except one, Mordecai, the Jew. When Mordecai’s colleagues questioned him on why, he told them he was Jew. Naturally Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to one who sees himself as divine in the Persian culture and to one who was an enemy of the Jews. You have heard the saying, ‘with friends like these I don’t need any enemies.’ Mordecai had such friends who wanted to gain favor with Haman and the king, who gave the order to pay homage. They informed Haman of Mordecai’s refusal to bow before him. Haman now observed more closely all the officials bowing and Mordecai standing tall. He hadn’t noticed that before as his pride wouldn’t allow him to think anyone would refuse to honor him.

            Pride, power, and prejudice go together. This is the case with Haman, King Ahasuerus’ right hand man. Haman’s hatred of Mordecai ran much deeper than refusing to bow to him but due to Mordecai’s Jewish heritage. Haman wanted to eliminate Mordecai, but He knew if Mordecai refused to recognize him all the Jews would possibly do the same. So, Haman devised a plot to exterminate the Jewish race. Satan is making another move after the promotion of Haman through King Ahasuerus using him to target the Jews for extinction. Obviously, this plot failed as we will see, but anti-Semitic views of the Jewish people have continued through the centuries up to the 20th century with Adolf Hitler and most recently in our century with Israel’s current war with Hamas and Jewish hatred around the world including some in the United States.

            Haman put his evil plot in motion by seeking the most favorable time for the destruction of the Jewish people. Decisions were made in those days superstitiously by casting lots, or dice, to determine how to proceed. Lots were cast until they received an answer, and the day chosen was eleven months later in the month of Adar. Satan may have made his move, but God’s counter move was to give His people eleven months to prepare.

            Corruption in government affairs is the result of living in a broken world with sinful people. There is plenty of evidence in 2024 of corrupt governments and their leaders. The Persian Empire was a corrupt government ruling on half-truths, lies, power, greed, bribery, and the disinformation of their day. Haman approached King Ahasuerus first with an incomplete report. “Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, ‘there is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom.’” (Es.3:8a esv) He never mentions they are Jews. There were many Jews living in the Persian Empire who attributed greatly to the well-being of the kingdom. Haman then added a half-truth and a lie, “Their laws are different from those of every other people, and they do not keep the king’s laws, so that it is not to the king’s profit to tolerate them.” (Es.3:8b esv) True, their laws were different, but these were their religious laws. They did not violate any of the king’s laws. The king showed his true colors in showing no interest in who these people were, just that they were in a rebellion state, which was not true. Then comes the bribery, Haman agrees to eliminate the problem promising to bring in $15 million in today’s currency from the destruction of the Jews into the Empire’s treasury. The king was eager to get rid of the threat, but the money seemed secondary to him telling Haman, “’Keep the money,’ the king said to Haman, ‘and do with the people as you please.’” (Es.3:11 niv) Haman would have it all, or so he thought.

            The evil decree was made official and sent out across the entire empire stating that on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar to kill all the Jews in the Empire, men, women, and children, plundering all their goods. Satan had positioned himself to annihilate the Jews, God’s chosen people, using Haman as his pawn. Satan hasn’t given up throughout history in his quest to destroy the Jews. He still has his pawns in 2024 making his moves, but the Lord God is the master chess player, and he will make the final move. Haman will soon discover the work of the providential hand of God. To be continued…………

Read: Esther 3 ESV – Haman Plots Against the Jews – After – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

No Disinformation Spoken in the Word of God       

Loring Schultz

“And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David.’” Matthew 9:27 ESV

“And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, ‘Never was anything like this seen in Israel.’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He casts out demons by the prince of demons.’” Matthew 9:33-34 ESV

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Disinformation is a term that has gained great prominence in the past few years. Defined by Merriam-Webster as, “false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth,” has been on display in full force in both social media and the news media. The purpose of each piece of disinformation that is dispensed is to enhance one’s agenda. There are those who will do whatever it takes to secure their position and see to it that their policies go forward.

We may be inclined to believe that disinformation is a 21st century phenomenon, but it can be seen far back in history. During Jesus’ days walking the earth He performed many miracles. Jesus healed the sick, calm storms, fed thousands of people with two fish and five loafs, caused the blind to see and the deaf to hear, and He even raised the dead. The crowds were astonished by what they were witnessing, could this be the Son of David they said? Two blind men had the faith that Jesus was indeed the Son of David, the Messiah, who had come. They also had the faith that Jesus would be willing and able to heal them. “Then he touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith be it done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.” (Mt.9:29-30a esv) But this did not set well with the religious rulers of the day, the Pharisees. They had their own agenda and Jesus was getting in the way.

The Pharisees seized the opportunity to discredit Jesus after He had cast out a demon from a mute and demon-possessed man with a bit of disinformation. They claimed that Jesus casted out the demon by the supernatural power of the prince of demons, even though they knew very well who Jesus was. The crowds were not wrong in saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” Matthew Henry notes in his commentary on the gospel of Matthew, “Because the people marveled, they must say something to diminish the miracle, and this was all they could say.”

We live in a time where disinformation is a way of life for many. Truth has become what it is said to be by those who proclaim it. If you desired true information there is only one true source for it, the Word of God. It is our instruction book on how to live from God Himself. “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Ps. 119:160 esv) No disinformation is ever spoken in the Word of God.

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Devotionals

The Gift of Music

Loring Schultz

“’Now bring me someone who can play the harp.’ While the harp was being played, the power of the LORD came upon Elisha.” 2 Kings 3:15 NLT

“Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.” Psalm 33:3 NLT

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Music has a way of making all things right, at least to some people. I can testify to its effect on me in any given situation. I have been blessed with a wide variety of musical tastes therefore my selection of music is from a long list of genres. Therefore, whatever mood I am in and whatever I need the most to lift me up or settle my mood, I can always find it. The Lord has also given me a gift of recognizing the difference between true talent and the entertainment factor. Both have their place, but they don’t always work together. During my twelve years in radio ministry, I’ve seen people try to make it, as they say, in Christian music only to be disappointed. I’m thankful the Lord had given the opportunity to serve Him in sharing His music in the radio industry, for I can’t sing a lick, and my instrumentalist skills were mediocre.

Music is a gift to all of us from the Lord. Whether He has gifted you in singing, or as talented musician, or a songwriter, or just one who enjoys music as I do, His gift is for us to find enjoyment in it. The ability to change one’s mood emotionally either happy or sad through music is God’s working in musicians and song writers. It has the power to create a divine atmosphere in seeking the Lord, or asking for His help as the prophet Elisha did. He relied on the musicians gifted from the Lord to play the harp, inspiring Elisha to rest easy as he waited for the Lord to answer him. The book of Psalms is filled with praise songs most of them written by David throughout his life from a shepherd boy to king of Israel. God’s give of music through David has continued to bless others all through the centuries. The gift of music will continue right up until the heavenly kingdom where it will never end.

However, the Lord has gifted you in His gift of music to us, use it for His glory. Do not overreach beyond where He has gifted you. If you are a songwriter, write songs. If you are a musician, play skillfully. If you are a singer, sing well. If you are an entertainer, entertain with enthusiasm. If you are gifted in all these areas, don’t hold back and do your best for the Lord. I’ll just sit back and listen.

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Devotionals

Repentance: Something to shout about!        

Loring Schultz

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” Matthew 3:2 NLT

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Those who need to make a valid point will, with emphasis, shout in delivering their message bringing home the main point. John the Baptist, known as the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah, had a message to bring to the people of his day. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” (Mt.3:1b, 2 nlt) His ministry and message were predicted in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’” (Is.40:3 nlt) The call is to repentance, preparing oneself by radically changing their life to live morally and spiritually in the sight of God.

John the Baptist shouted his message of repentance in the wilderness of Judea. Located a full day’s journey from Jerusalem along the western shore of the Dead Sea didn’t prevent those from coming to him to be baptized repenting of their sins. So many people were coming to him from the entire region that it prompted an investigation from the Pharisees and Sadducees. The religious leaders of the Jews had it figured they had no need of repentance due to their heritage as the children of Abraham. But, this repentance was of a personal nature which needed to be dealt with.

That message was something to shout about in John’s day as the Jewish people looked forward to the coming Messiah and the Heavenly Kingdom. There was a great need to get right with God and leave the traditions of men. That same message is something to shout in our day, “Repent of your sins and turn to God.” Some are following their own path which will lead to destruction. Many others are still following the traditions of men, feeling secure in their church attendance or membership. Our family heritage or church affiliation will not get us into the Kingdom of Heaven. There is only one way. “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Read: Matthew 3:1-12 NLT – John the Baptist Prepares the Way – In – Bible Gateway