Tag: God

Devotionals

Desires of Your heart; it’s a two-step process

Loring Schultz

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:4-5 ESV

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash

Fulfilling a desire of your heart sometimes takes a lifetime. Striving and working towards that goal seems less strenuous as you picture that coveted desire in your mind. Finally, you reach the end of that rainbow only to find out the desire didn’t fill your heart. But take heart, there’s a better way to ensure your desires will fill your heart before you set out on that long journey. The fulfillment of the desires of your heart is a two-step process.

Step1: Delight yourself in the Lord, and totally commit your life to follow Him, trusting Him to lead you in the right way. The Lord God knows what is best you, He created you and understands you better than you understand or know yourself. Delight yourself in getting to know God more intimately through prayer and a daily reading of His Word. Commit to be obedient of all you have learned through Scripture, and trust God to help you through the Holy Spirit.

Step 2: Make sure your desires are God’s desires. It is not as difficult as it sounds if you are willing to let go and let God direct you. Take a good hard look at your desires and ask, is this a desire God would have for me? If you have strong desires that center more on yourself hoping that these are also God’s desires, ask God to change your desires to His and He will.

The Lord God promises to act on our behalf when it comes to obeying Him in desiring what He desires for us. Again, God knows how He made us and how we are wired for His service. He also knows we can only have complete fulfillment in the desires of our hearts when our desires are also His desires. If you haven’t yet begun the two-step process there is not a better time than right now, it is time to start to have the desires of your heart fulfilled.

Devotionals

My Thorn in the Flesh

Loring Schultz

“……So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” 2 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

Photo by Andréas BRUN on Unsplash

Trimming rose bushes for an inexperienced gardener may be hazardous to their flesh, I know. My wife is the gardener around our home, but last fall I decided to contribute and cut down the rose bushes. They were cut down extremely low from their present state as they grew wildly blocking my view from our front porch. So, truth be told, I had a hidden agenda. But as experienced gardeners know rose bushes grow back, and with my wife’s guidance as I was trimming last fall, they are now growing rapidly and fuller and it’s only the beginning of May. Looks like I’m in for some more thorns in the flesh this fall.

A thorn in the flesh is not enjoyable, it is painful. It is a nuisance as you do your trimming. They are always in the way. There are many ‘thorns in the flesh’ in life, therefore the saying of ‘dealing with my thorn in the flesh’ is a way to express frustration with annoyances that hinder your ability to accomplish your goals or so you may think. The thorns could be a physical ailment you are dealing with, constant disruptions in your employment or place of business, or even that annoying obnoxious neighbor who knows the right thorny buttons to push. As much as we don’t appreciate the annoyances there may very well be a good reason for them. And they most likely come from a source we think not.

The apostle Paul tells us the story about his thorn in the flesh, not what it is but why he has one. Paul details an amazing experience he had fourteen years earlier, “…. I was caught up to paradise and heard things so astounding that they cannot be expressed in words, things no human is allowed to tell…. even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.” (2Cor.12:4, 7 nlt)

The purpose of Paul’s thorn in the flesh was to keep him humble. The Lord did want a proud apostle boasting in himself, but in the power of the Lord Jesus. So, Paul was made weak to show the power of God through his weakness. (2Cor.12:9-10) This thorn also came from an unlikely source, Satan, but under God’s direction. And even though Paul prayed three times for it to be remove, God allowed it to remain saying to him each time, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2Cor.12:9a nlt)

Whatever your thorn in the flesh may be, thank the Lord for it and allow His love guide you through your weakness into His strength and say with the apostle Paul, “…. So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” (2Cor.12:9b nlt)

Read: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 NLT – Paul’s Vision and His Thorn in the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Our Call to Love and Obedience

Loring Schultz

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the LORD’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13 NLT

Photo by Peter Laing on Unsplash

Some Christians today struggle with God’s call on their life and understandably so. I’ve been there along with many others of our generation and those of generations past. We’re conflicted by what may or not be a sign from God in a certain direction. We put out feelers to those we trust confiding in them our struggle. Afraid of missing God’s calling or being unable to fulfill all He has for us; we drift along anticipating that bolt of lightning to strike us making clear His will for us. Sometimes it happens that way but don’t waste precious time waiting for lightning to strike.

Just prior to the children of Israel entering the promised land God gave His requirements (His will) for them. His will for them was to fear Him, live for Him, love Him, and serve Him with all their heart and soul, and of course to always obey the Lord’s commands. Israel was at the starting gate and their call was to love God and obey Him. This was foundational for their own good and even survival. Love and obedience were the springboard in seeking God’s will going forward.

A good place for us to start in seeking God’s will is to put ourselves in the starting gate with the children of Israel. What does the Lord require of us in 2024? Very simple, the same requirements He had for His chosen people Israel He has for His chosen people in Christ, our call to love and obedience. If we start there, with the basics, we will be in God’s will. Over time as we grow spiritually the Lord will reveal His plans for us going forward and they will be as clear as a bright sunny day with not a cloud in the sky.

Read: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 NLT – A Call to Love and Obedience – “And – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

An Endless River of Righteous Living

Loring Schultz

“Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” Amos 5:23-24 NLT

Photo by John Price on Unsplash
 

There are many lessons in the pages of Scripture to learn from today. After all, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change. His love for us is the same. His laws do not change over time. All His holy attributes do not change as the attribute of the Immutability of God tells us. We can be confident God doesn’t change and His Word doesn’t change either. It is the same and valid for all eternity, including the year 2024.

In the Old Testament book of Amos, the prophet was called to issue a warning to the northern tribes of Israel. They were to repent of their social evils and pagan worship. Their only hope to prevent judgment from God was total repentance from the blasphemous worship of God they were performing and their lack justice among the people. The Lord wanted a complete change of mind and heart towards Him, the Lord their God, which in turn would result in ‘a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.’ (Amos 5:24 nlt)

Christians today may not equate themselves with all the sins of ancient Israel, but there are similarities to be considered. Are we always just in our dealings with others? Are we more than fair in areas which are under our control? When we worship God are our hearts in the right place? Have we been living righteously throughout week as we enter to worship God on Sunday morning? No, none of us are righteous, but we can walk in step with God through the Holy Spirit. Are we doing that? As with nation of Israel in Amos’s day, the Lord wants to see justice and an endless river of righteous flowing in our lives when we come to worship Him along with our noisy hymns of praise!

Devotionals

The Long Way Home

Loring Schultz

“Normally it takes only eleven days to travel from Mount Sinai to Kadesh-barnea.” Deuteronomy 1:2 NLT

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Taking the long way home is not always your choice, but most of the time it is. You may want to enjoy the scenery the extra miles provide, or you may want to search out a certain restaurant for your next night out or explore a potential new neighborhood in which you would like to live. You may also just want to kill time. But then there are times when the choice is not yours due to detours for several reasons forcing you to take the long way home. Disappointment and frustrations set in as the miles and time added up anticipating your arrival home. There are times in our lives when we take the long way home (God’s place for us) because we were afraid to take that initial step and trust God, rather, we played it safe.

The children of Israel played it safe. The result of not trusting God and not taking that first step turned their eleven-day journey home to the promised land into forty years. When Israel was in Kadesh-barnea, the point of entry to the land God had promised them, they refused to go ahead fearing the battles that would pursue. They didn’t trust God to place them safely in the land even though they were called and chosen to enter it. They didn’t trust God to take away their fear.

The Lord calls each one of us who have trusted Him as savior to a place of His choosing to serve Him. That place is ‘home’ where we will be the most comfortable in our service to God. Not all of us are called to be pastors, missionaries, or Sunday school teachers, but we are called to serve where God directs us and in what specific area of ministry He has for us. Heed that calling whatever it may be and wherever it may be. Don’t let your fear keep you from God’s plan for your life. You’ll probably end up there eventually so quit killing time by taking the long way home and trust God to bring you into His service sooner rather than later.

Devotionals

Safety in the House of God

Loring Schultz

“But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” Psalm 52:8 NLT

Photo by Rafael Albaladejo on Pexels.com

Churches across the globe have been considered sacred places of refuge for centuries. Most notable in times of war, churches were shelters for all who entered through their doors whosever side they were on. Sanctury churches today have a much more complicated task within the twists and turns of world culture. But the mission remains the same, to protect by providing refuge in the house of God.

When David was on the run from King Saul who was in pursuit to kill him, David penned Psalm 52. David describes the wickedness of his enemies and God’s judgement on them as he rests safely in God’s protection. David writes, “But I am like an olive tree, thriving in the house of God. I will always trust in God’s unfailing love.” (Ps.52:8 nlt) Olive trees live a span of hundreds of years. David is putting his trust in the lasting mercy of God for protection. Olive trees also represent prosperity. Being in God’s presence (house of God) David would not only find safety but will grow in his knowledge of Him. David is filled with praise in the sanctuary of God, “I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done. I will trust in your good name in the presence of your faithful people.” (Ps.52:9 nlt)

Psalm 52 is a picture of the reality of evil around us, but also of the justice of God in protecting His children while administrating judgment on the wicked of our day. Christians should take comfort that we are in the house of God, our place of refuge through the Holy Spirit, and are safe as we thrive in His presence praising Him!

Read: Psalm 52 NLT – Psalm 52 – For the choir director: A – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

The Temple of the Living God

Loring Schultz

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 16a NLT

Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.com

There are deep divisions in the world in which we live. We have come to notice it more in recent years due to the political landscape of our day, but divisions have always been throughout millenniums. The bottom line is all the divisions in the world stem from one source, one’s belief or non-belief in the creator of all things. Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Lk. 11:23 nlt) It is easy to see from Jesus’ words, why there is so much division between people, nations, communities, and all the religions of the world. Jesus’ words are divisive, and in today’s world divisiveness is not tolerated. The world is to be united.

The apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth they are the temple of God. Every individual in Christ is a temple of the living God. He stresses God’s temple cannot be in union with the religions of the world (idols). In the same way, Christians (God’s temple) cannot be in union with those who oppose God by living contrary to His teachings in Scripture. Christians are not to be supportive of legislation enacted that violates God’s moral laws, but we are to pray for all those in authority. Paul again writing to Timothy says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1Tim. 2:1-2 nlt)

Christians are to be a beacon of light in a dark world, always being careful not to have our light dimmed by sin in our lives, but to live righteously. Christians are also to be careful not to alienate ourselves from others. We are to live in the world but not be part of it. (Ro.12:2) The command from Christ to tell others about Him cannot be realized if we isolate ourselves. The world must see the temple of the living God in our lives. It is a delicate balance, but scripture points to the fact no union is possible with those outside of Christ no matter how much the desire for unity.

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NLT – The Temple of the Living God – Don’t – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Turn the light on and be careful you don’t fall

Loring Schultz

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 KJV

Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels.com

As a child growing up, I can recall my mother giving a warning as I would either descend or ascend a flight of stairs. She would say, “Turn the light on, and be careful you don’t fall.” My wife gives me that same warning today. The common thread in both their warnings is their love for me and not wanting to see me fall resulting in injury. I’m thankful to the Lord for my mother who loved me all her days and for my wife who loves me still and cares for me.

In the same way, the Lord God loves and cares for each of us. He does not want us to stumble or fall in our walk in this life. It is very easy to do so, even for most Christians, with all of the temptations of a dark world without a light to expose the dangers. God has given us all we need to walk securely and confidently without falling if we read it, study it, and obey it; it is His Word to us, the Bible. 

Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105 kjv) In ancient days, Middle Eastern towns had no fixed lamps for lighting. One who was travelling at night would need a hand torch or a lantern to light the way and only one step or two at a time. Careful observation of what the light revealed guided the traveler and kept him from dangers in his path on the road. Each step taken enabled the traveler safe passage to his destination without harm.

Christians we go through life in a dark world, and we need the light of God’s Word to light the way. Taking one step at a time with the light He gives us, the Lord guides us through the dangers of hidden influences and encourages us to live righteously in Christ Jesus. Let us all heed the warning from all those who love us; turn the light on and be careful you don’t fall.

Devotionals

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Loring Schultz

“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the Most High…. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.” Psalm 50:14, 23a NLT

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

We have recently come out of the Lenten season with the conclusion of Easter Sunday a few weeks ago. A significant part of Lent is to withhold or give up something as a sacrifice to the Lord. This is done to yearn for God more than the sacrifice you gave up. It is a time to drive away any distractions that would keep you from getting closer to God leading into Passion Week. It is a shame we only allot one time a year for this sacrifice as a church, but it can and should be a part of our daily spiritual walk with the Lord.

The idea is not what we give up for the Lord, but that we are in a constant growing relationship with Him. In Psalm 50, a psalm of Asaph, the Lord says, “O my people, listen as I speak.
Here are my charges against you, O Israel: I am God, your God! I have no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer. But I do not need the bulls from your barns
or the goats from your pens.” (Ps.50:7-9 nlt) The Lord then explains He doesn’t need any of their animal sacrifices. All the animals of the forest are His, and He certainly doesn’t need them for food. God wants their sacrifices to be a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Not to diminish any sacrifice we make to the Lord, but the best sacrifice we can make, and make it daily, is a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Giving thanks to God praising Him for all He is, and all He has done for us. The Lord Himself says, “Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God and keep the vows you made to the Most High…. But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.” (Ps, 50:14, 23a nlt) May we truly honor the Lord today with a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Read: Psalm 50:7-15 NLT – “O my people, listen as I speak. Here – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Trusting God Completely

Loring Schultz

“But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!’” Numbers 20:12 NLT

Photo by Frankie Thomas on Pexels.com

Learning from past experiences in life is valuable. Life lessons are to be adhered to not make the same mistake again. If we do not learn from our history, we are sure to repeat it, mistakes, and all. The Christian life is full of learning experiences. A deep soul search for each of us will reveal the Lord’s presence and guidance through each one. Maybe not all of them were pleasant but reassuring of God’s guiding hand. Throughout all our experiences the Lord wants to build our trust in Him. He wants us to trust Him completely, not taking anything into our own hands.

Moses, the man of God, had more life experiences with the Lord’s help than anyone throughout history. He saw God work in miraculous ways in Israel’s release from slavery in Egypt, the opening of the Red Sea, mamma falling for food each day without exception, among other notable events in his time in the wilderness. He had learned to trust God, and his faith in Him grew stronger each year, but Moses, the man of God, had a moment when he failed to trust God completely.

The Israelites, known for their constant grumbling for forty years finally got to Moses. They were complaining again, this time, about the lack of water. Even after all they had witnessed all of God’s provisions over the last forty years, the Israelites still looked to Egypt as a better place. The Lord gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions to provide water, “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water.” (Num.20:8a nlt) Moses took the staff, as instructed, but did not speak to the rock, but struck it twice in anger. Moses may have reasoned to himself that striking the rock was in order, for on a previous occasion the Lord told him to strike the rock for water, but not this time. (Ex. 17:6) He not only struck it once, but twice, and did not speak to it all. Moses didn’t trust God completely adding his own measures to it.

Failure to trust God has its consequences, both for Moses and for us. Moses and Aaron were prevented from entering the Promised Land due to their sin of not trusting God completely and taking the glory for themselves. We, too, at times run ahead of God assuming what worked the first time will work this time, failing to listen for God’s instructions for there may be a slight a change in them. God wants us to daily walk with Him, building our trust in Him, listening for His still small voice as He leads us. Out life lessons are learned by trusting God completely.

Read: Numbers 20:1-13 NLT – Moses Strikes the Rock – In the first – Bible Gateway