God – Page 23 – Word for the Soul

“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!’” John 8:7 NLT

The story of a woman caught in adultery recorded in John’s gospel is a very familiar one with Christians and non-Christians alike. It reveals the hypocrisy of certain religious leaders and those who assumed the role of being one up on everyone else on morality. The main point made by many is Jesus’s words, “let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Admittedly there is not one of us who is able to throw that first stone, “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Rom.3:23 nlt) That lesson should be applied to every Christian in our daily walk in the world in which we live. But there is also another point that lies underneath the surface of the immediate that reveals the foundation for that exchange with Jesus.

The law in which the accusers wanted evoked would have been the Old Testament law of adultery. But certain facts of the case were not presented in their entirety as only one of the participants was presented. This didn’t seem to bother those who brought the woman for their own interpretation of God’s law. The fact is they weren’t as pious towards the carrying out the law as they were about trying to set up a trap for Jesus. They cared nothing about the law, but only the response from the one who came as a fulfillment of the law.

The religious leaders brought to Jesus a woman, minus the man, caught in the act of adultery. Their intent was to corner Jesus into deciding on whether to stone her according to the Law. Jesus essentially ignored them knowing of their deception. If He agreed to stone her, Jesus would be looked upon as having no forgiveness or compassion. If He did not comply with the Law it would appear Jesus was not who He said He was, the Son of God. They did not give up but kept on asking Him. They wanted Jesus to answer them either way to discredit Him. Jesus was interfering with their authority and their way of life.

There are those today who view Jesus as interfering with their authority and their lives. They demand an answer to the laws they perceive as right and just in their own eyes. They view the commands of God found in scripture as irrelevant today. They have gathered stones in their hands and are willing to throw the first stone, believing they have no sin. But tragically their aim is at God and His Word for interfering with their way of life. Be careful not to pick up stones.

Devotionals

Never Alone

July 4, 2024July 3, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 KJV

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Everyone needs a little comfort every now and again. A kindly spoken word will do the trick for some while others need someone able to provide deep emotional comfort by only their presence. The frustrations of living in a complex society can be soothed quickly by others as they encourage us. They affirm the everyday struggles we all deal with, and their words are a lift to our spirit. It is often enough to help us continue. But there are times when we need the constant presence of those who comfort us in our time of need. Unfortunately, that is not always possible, if at all, in our world of responsibility. However, there is one constant companion who will never leave your side of comfort. So, you will never be alone.

In the upper room the night before going to the cross Jesus prepared the disciples for His leaving. He informed them they would not be left comfortless; He would always be with them. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, His constant presence with them. Jesus assured them, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (Jn.14:16 nlt)

Jesus kept His promise. The Holy Spirit is with every believer in Jesus Christ. If you know the Lord as your savior, He is your constant companion and always by your side. “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5b esv) What a comfort it is to know of the Lord’s presence with us in whatever we are going through. There may be times when you feel you are struggling alone, but you are not alone. Your friends and closest loved ones cannot always be there when you need them, but Jesus is always there by your side. You’re never alone.

Devotionals

Knowing God

July 3, 2024July 2, 2024 Loring Schultz

“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.” Romans 1:20 NLT

Scores of people claim it is impossible to know God. Some find it hard to believe He is the storms of life. The western hemisphere is at the beginning of the hurricane season where tropical waves form off the coast of Africa making their way across the Atlantic Ocean. They either gain strength and become a hurricane or fizzle out along the way. If they do develop into a powerful storm, its path can be predicted well in advance, but then again it could change very rapidly. So, caution is always advised ahead of these powerful storms. This mighty power of God is seen in the forces of nature as written in the book of Psalms. “He spoke, and the winds rose, stirring up the waves.” (107:25 nlt)

Storms are one clear visible sign there is an all-powerful God. If we look around us and see all of God’s creation and His power in creating, we will see many of His invisible qualities. Breath taking views around the earth such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, the state of Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, and Niagara Falls in the United States and Canada show amazing wonder only made possible by the power of God. The world has the following list of God’s creation for all to admire; Mount Everest in Nepal’s Himalayan Range, the Amazon Rainforest in South America, the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, and the display of the Northern Lights recently enjoyed by many here in the eastern United States.

These visible signs are given to us by God so none would be without an excuse that we never knew there was a God. The apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans, “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.” (1:20 nlt) God has not left us on this earth without revealing Himself. If we look around, we cannot deny it. Do you know God personally or just acknowledge His existence through His creation? He has also created a way to truly know Him through His Son Christ Jesus, co-creator with Him (Col.1:16) We are without excuse for not knowing God. Don’t wait until a powerful storm of life comes your way to acknowledge God and accept His Son Jesus Christ as your savior. The next storm could be just over the horizon.

Devotionals

God in His Mercy will not throw you away

July 2, 2024July 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.” 2 Samuel 14:14 NLT

Are you separated from a loved one or a dear friend by something you have created? Perhaps the separation is the fault of the other party. Regardless, there is separation. Do you have a desire to restore the relationship or are you just as content to throw it away for good? Maybe you have done all you can to reconcile but to no avail. Don’t give up, ‘God devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.’ We should do the same. You possibly may be one who refuses to make amends but hear this, ‘God does not sweep life away’, and neither should we. Living in a sinful world always hinders us from doing the right thing or even pursuing it. But a better understanding of God and His mercy will go a long way in helping us strive for reconciliation.

A story is told of King David longing to see his son Absalom in the second book of Samuel. Absalom had been banished after killing his brother Amnon for raping their sister Tamar. Joab, captain of David’s army, sought a way to convince the King to bring Absalom back. He sent a woman to David claiming to be a widow with a story about her two sons, one dying by the hand of the other accidently. The rest of the family was demanding he be turned over for execution, leaving her husband’s name erased. David responded, ‘“Leave it to me,’ the king told her. ‘Go home, and I’ll see to it that no one touches him.’” (2Sa.14:8 nlt) The woman then confided in King David revealing her true purpose, “She replied, ‘Why don’t you do as much for the people of God as you have promised to do for me? You have convicted yourself in making this decision, because you have refused to bring home your own banished son.’” (2Sa.14:13 nlt) David got the message Joab sent him and had Absalom brought home.

Difficult passages in the Bible such as the one above provide real life situations for us with truth and wisdom in handling them. Joab devised a way for the King to bring back Absalom. When we have strayed from our King, the Lord Jesus, due to our sin he doesn’t throw us away, but is constantly devising ways to bring us back into fellowship with Him showing us His mercy. It doesn’t matter what we have done. His mercy covers it. When we devise ways to reconcile with those who are separated from us, we extend mercy to them as the Lord extends it to us. Devising ways to reconcile is a lot harder than just throwing them away, but it is worth it in the long run. So, don’t give up!

Read: 2 Samuel 14 NLT – Joab Arranges for Absalom’s Return – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Living in the Moment

July 1, 2024June 28, 2024 Loring Schultz

“We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” Ecclesiastes 1:11 NLT

Social media has masterfully crafted ‘living in the moment’ as a way of life. Our lives are captured moment by moment on our social pages for all the world to see, or if cautious for your friends only, all 2,000 of them. Granted there are special occasions and unexpected events we all like to share. Unfortunately, this has become an obsession with some to share everything, and a desire to know everything about everybody. People follow those they like, those they don’t like, those they admire, entertainers, politicians, sports figures, news organizations, cultural influencers, and just about anybody to get the latest happenings in the moment. Hear what the preacher says in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content.” (1:8 nlt)

Living in the moment has its moments but then they’re gone. They do not last. The preacher also says, “We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” (Ec.1:11 nlt) Insignificant events will not be remembered. Events on a major scale eventually lose impact over time such as September 11^th and the Holocaust. They are still remembered but the effect felt over the world begins to fade. There are occasions when a moment of time is etched in history, but most do not come to mind without the help of Google.

Living in the moment today on social media is frivolous, especially if those moments are meaningless and have no significant impact. Living every moment for the glory of God will have a major impact for eternity. Our entire lives are only for a moment compared to eternity, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (Ja.4:14 niv) If we are going to live in the moment, let us make every moment count for eternity.

Devotionals

Waiting for an answer

June 26, 2024June 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 NIV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How frustrating it is to be waiting for an answer. Depending on your circumstances the frustration level will vary. Waiting for the results of a medical procedure will increase your anxiety. A slow response from a potential employer will overshadow other job opportunities to be explored. Anticipation builds as you wait to receive your final grades towards your goal of graduation from a major university. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive our answers in a timely manner, better yet, to have them beforehand? Before we schedule that medical test, before we take that final exam, or before we apply for that position. Well, it is possible when we bring our requests before the Lord.

There are several passages in Scripture concerning God’s hearing and answering prayers. Isaiah writes that the Lord says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is.65:24 niv) God is saying before we even ask Him in prayer, the answer is already on the way. As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, he told them, “…. for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt.6:8 niv) Before the thought of what we need to ask for comes to our mind, the Lord is already aware. David writes in Psalm 139, “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” (Ps.139:4 nlt) God knows everything we think and are going to say before we say it, especially in prayer. The Lord heard and answered King Hezekiah’s prayer as he was told he was about to die. “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’” (Is.38:5 niv) Hezekiah did not need to wait very long for an answer. It came rather quickly.

Now there may be times when the answers to our prayers do not come immediately. But that is not an indication that God did not hear or did not answer. One of God’s answers to us is not one we like to hear, but He did answer. The answer is ‘wait.’ We can be confident that God hears and answers our prayers. Yes, sometimes we need to wait for the answer to arrive, but the Lord has already answered that prayer before we even called on Him.

Devotionals

The Wisdom of the Wise

June 25, 2024June 22, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 NLT

The world has been blessed by those gifted with intelligence. Inventions throughout the centuries have enriched our way of life. Educators have instructed us to learn from the past and prepare for the future (if we chose to listen and learn.) Advances in modern day technology have simplified the complicated. The medical field along with the world of science have made life-changing discoveries in recent years. Truly we are blessed with such intelligence. Intelligence that comes from our creator, the Lord God.

Although for some intellectuals their intellect becomes their own demise. They rely totally on what is sound, reasonable, and trustworthy according to their own findings. Leaving out any possibility for God in the study of the earth, the universe, medical procedures, and human nature. Their scientific approach leaves them totally depended on their own minds. The results are based solely on man’s knowledge and ability. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters concerning the God of universe and His plan for salvation. There is no knowledge of God, or His love, His holy word, or His judgments. Heaven and hell is considered a myth, and there is no recognition of His continual work of sustaining the earth and the universe. It appears as foolishness to those who consider themselves wise or intelligent.

But notice what Paul writes to the Corinthian church, “God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.” (1Cor.1:27 nlt) Salvation is a gift of God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It most likely sounds unrealistic, childish, and yes even foolish to those who pride themselves as being ever informed and constantly seeking to better themselves and society at large. Assuredly it is neither unrealistic nor foolish, but it is the truth about God and His love for us.

“Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe.” (1Cor.1:21 nlt) If you are one of the wise who need the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ listen to the foolish preaching of those God has chosen. If you are one of the foolish and powerless, be encouraged that you are being used by God bringing the wise to salvation.

Read: 1 corinthians 1 NLT – Greetings from Paul – This letter is – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Trust in your money and down you go!

June 24, 2024June 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.” Proverbs 11:28 NLT

Money is a wonderful thing. Used in a proper manner it meets the needs of individuals, families, businesses, governments, and keeps the economy of each nation and the global economy running smoothly. At least, that is how it is meant to work. Improper use such as overspending for individuals who continue to live outside their means, and the government continuing to print money is not only trusting in money, but trusting in money either of them has. It is foolish guaranteed to have a tragic end, It comes down to lack of discipline and convincing yourself you never have enough to meet your needs. If you are trusting in money instead of God to take of you, take heed to this wise proverb by King Solomon, “Trust in your money and down you go!” (Pr.11:28a nlt)

The Lord God is more than capable to meet our needs. Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount said the following, “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Mt.6:31-33 nlt) Our Lord wants us to trust in Him and not our money. He wants us to desire Him and His kingdom living righteously, and He will bless us accordingly. Solomon was also aware of this when he wrote, “But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.” (Pr.11:28b nlt)

For the Christian, our trust is to be in God who owns everything. He is never in short supply and will grant us what is needed when it is needed. The snare of trusting in money is ever before us in our current day. Our culture demands that we need certain things essential to life itself, but a closer look at them and we see we can get along fine without them. When we trust in the Lord to meet our essential needs, He will. When we trust in our money for the things we think we need to survive in life, it will soon evaporate and down we go! During my career when I would be concerned about financial matters the Lord would remind me with this verse that He supplies our needs, “It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones” (Ps.127:2 nlt) Yes, we are to work, but to also live within our means and God will supply.

Read: Proverbs 11:24-28 NLT – Give freely and become more wealthy; be – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

God, the ultimate judge will overturn all injustices

June 22, 2024June 20, 2024 Loring Schultz

“If they twist justice in the courts—doesn’t the Lord see all these things? Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission?” Lamentations 3:36-37 NLT

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

The United States of America prides itself as having the worlds best justice system. As the motto states, ‘lady justice is blind.’ The justice system does not show partiality or judge on appearance. Over the last decade that motto has been challenged by some of the court decisions from both the state and federal courts. Recent rulings have shown that prejudice and bias have made their way into the judicial system of America. Having made note of that, most verdicts from juries of the American people and from the bench are just, but lady justice is starting to let her blindfold slip and looking around is persuaded by what she sees.

For the Christian living in America or anywhere else in the world we are assured that God is the ultimate judge. The psalmist writes, “But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.” (Ps.9:7-8 nlt) No unjust verdict is sent down without His knowledge and He will execute His righteous judgement in His good time. God will overturn all injustices and make all things right in His heavenly kingdom.

The United States is struggling with the divisions in the nation cause by prejudices and biases. Laws are being enacted either by legislation or executive order, deepening the divide and blurring the vision of what is right and wrong, furthering confusion in the judicial system. Our responsibility as Christians is to pray for all those in authority over us. May we pray for wisdom, a spirit to work together for the sake of the people, and justice to be done in every court case. The Lord is going to clear the slate one day overturning all injustices. Why don’t we decide to get a head start.

“Tell all the nations, ‘The LORD reigns!’ The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly……for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.” (Ps.96:10, 13 nlt)

Devotionals

Obey me, and I will be your God

June 20, 2024June 19, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’” Jeremiah 7:23 NLT

Do you believe in God? If your answer is yes, do you want Him to be your God? You may be a bit confused at this point, but just think it through. Just because you say you believe in God is He really your God or just one of many. Is He in competition with your career, your spouse, your vacation home, automobile, boat, or your favorite sports team? Does He hold first place on every shelf in your life, and do you obey Him wholeheartedly in everything you do? If not, then He is your God in name only.

The Lord speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the nation of Israel says, “…. Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!” (Jer.7:23 nlt) This is what the Lord God wanted Israel to do when He led them out of Egypt. He didn’t want their offerings or their sacrifices, he only wanted their obedience. They believed in God, but also had other gods from the desires of their hearts to put alongside the God of heaven. Over time these idols, other gods, began to push the true God out of their lives. The Lord God says of them, “This is the nation whose people will not obey the LORD their God and who refuse to be taught. Truth has vanished from among them; it is no longer heard on their lips.” (Jer.7:28 nlt)

God is not to be the top rung on the ladder of our gods. He is the whole latter from top to bottom and our access to eternal life through Jesus Christ His Son. There is no other way of salvation and there are no other gods able to bring us satisfaction and joy in this life than the true God of heaven. The Lord is not pleased with our misguided thinking that God is our God simply for our weekly church attendance or our five-minute prayers. He wants us to be totally obedient to Him and to have no other gods before Him, the first commandment. Believe God when He says, ‘Obey me, and I will be your God’ and know for sure that He is.

Read: Jeremiah 7:21-29 NLT – This is what the LORD of Heaven’s – Bible Gateway