Tag: God

Devotionals

Are you growing where God planted you?

Loring Schultz

‘“Consider the lilies of the field…’ (Mt. 6:28). They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere.” Oswald Chambers (1)

Photo by Todd Quackenbush on Unsplash

            We live in a transit society. Countless people do not stay long enough in one area to establish any roots. Most employments are only for a season of time pulling up stakes to the next job. Growing families move quite frequently due to changing needs within the household. Others move to enjoy a more seasonable climate, live in a safer community, or avoid an increasing tax scale. And then there are circumstances beyond our control that precipitate a change in our lives that is unexpected. The company you work for is going out of business, you lost your home due to a fire or flooding, or a family member has need of assisted living are necessary reasons for you to uproot and replant yourself. But do you realize God is the one who is doing the planting? And wherever God plants us, He expects us to grow.

            If you are like me, you have had your share replants in your life. Looking back and pondering over each move in my life it is clear the Lord directed my steps and planted me in my new environment. As I reviewed my time in each season of my life there were periods of tremendous growth, but sadly, there were periods of stagnation. There were times, as Oswald Chambers said, when I didn’t take root anywhere. Perhaps I didn’t like where God had planted me, or even worst didn’t realize it was Him who placed me there. Advancing in years provides many opportunities for do-overs and learning from your mistakes and I have taken advantage of all of them.

            So, the question is, are you taking advantage of the season you are in and growing where God has planted you? Make no mistake you are indeed where God wants you to be. God planted you in the field of His choice-your occupation, your city or town, your church, your neighbors, your high school, your college or university, your family, are all God’s choice. You were planted to grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savoir Jesus Christ. You were planted to grow spiritually in your relationship with the Lord your God. You were planted to grow and bear fruit for all to see leading others to salvation. It’s time to grow wherever you are, taking root and bearing fruit for we do not know when the Lord will uproot us replanting us in another location.

(1) Chambers, Oswald Utmost Classic Readings and Prayers. Discovery House: Grand Rapids, 2012. Page 22

Devotionals

Depending on God to Hear and Answer Our Prayer

Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.’” Daniel 10:12 NLT

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

            Do you have the assurance you can depend on God both to hear and to answer your prayer? If you are struggling with prayers that haven’t been answered yet, or perhaps not answered in a way you find favorable, you might begin to doubt if God has even heard your request. Be assured that He has. However, we succumb to suspicion amid a long delay. Our tendency is to pray more feverously along with fasting pouring our heart out to God, which certainly is a good practice, but if we are doing this to ensure He has heard us or persuade His answer our way these prayers are fruitless.

            The Lord certainly desires us to be persistent in our prayers and we should be, but He also wants us to have a loving relationship with Him without all the requests. I remember my mother saying to me many years ago you only need to tell the Lord your request once, He will not forget and will answer in His timing and according to His will. You may have had an experience where God answered a prayer from long ago you forgot that request was made. I have been there many times. God does hear, He doesn’t forget, and He does answer.

            The prophet Daniel mourned and fasted for three weeks praying for an understanding of the visions he had seen. An angel, most likely Gabriel, came in answer to his prayer. The first thing he said after calming Daniel’s fears was God heard his prayer the first day Daniel prayed. His request was heard, and Gabriel came in answer to it. We can rest assured God will indeed do the same for us today. He does hear our prayers and is ready to answer in His time. Our requests are in the most secure safe deposit box with no chance of being lost or forgotten. We can depend on God to hear and answer our prayer.

Devotionals

The LORD himself watches over you!          

Loring Schultz

“The LORD himself watches over you!” Psalm 121:5a NLT

Tim Wildsmith on Unslpash

            We are already a couple of days into the New Year and there is not a whole lot of optimism for prosperous, healthy, and safe 2024. News media outlets along with social media have been looking towards this coming year as a pivotal year with great anticipation. Politically the U.S. Presidential election is this year (‘the most important election of our lifetime,’ where have we heard that before). There are currently two wars being fought overseas, one in the land of Israel, the other in Eastern Europe, and tensions are rising among nations with each other and mainly against the United States. And here in the United States we have enough tension and division among us to start our own war between ourselves.   

            Living in a broken world it is easy to see the results of the sinful actions of pride, lust, hate, the craving of money, recognition, control, and power. It is also easy to see the rejection of the God of the Bible that fuels the evil and chaos in the world today. As Christians we understand the only true hope for this world is in Jesus Christ. When people of all ages, ethnicity, male and female from every country on earth come to trust in Him for salvation this world becomes a better place. We also know that one day Jesus will reign on the earth as the King of kings, but until that time, which may be soon, we have 2024 in front of us.

            As we contemplate about 2024 it is true there have been many signs and warnings over the last few years if not taken seriously could cause an eruption of chaos in the United States and around the world, not to mention God’s judgment on those who have turned their back on Him. So I suppose some turmoil in the world would not come as a surprise. As Christians we need to pray for changed lives and hearts towards the only true God, asking for His grace and mercy in our time of need.

            Although we are in unsettling times we have a God who has never failed to keep a watch over us. Psalm 121 is a psalm that speaks of God’s protection and help throughout our lives and in times of trouble. The psalmist writes our help comes from the Lord. (v. 2) He will not allow us to stumble. The Lord doesn’t stumble, slumber or sleep. (vv.3-4) He is always there to protect us. “The LORD will keep you from all evil.” (v. 7 ESV) Whatever the New Year has in store for us you can be sure that God is already there to protect His children. The signs of the times, as we say, may be prevalent for 2024, but “The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade,” (v. 5) nothing will be able to harm us. The Lord will keep watch over us as we come and go in ’24 and forever more!

Read Psalm 121: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121&version=NLT

Devotionals

Are you a minister of the gospel?

Loring Schultz

“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart……..But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” 2 Corinthians 4:1, 7 ESV

Photo by Furkan Dokuzlar on Unsplash

            How often do you think of yourself as a minister of the gospel? We think of ministers being fully trained in seminaries, going through the process of ordination, pastoring a church by presenting a sermon in formal religious attire, visiting the sick, and helping the poor in the community. These are accurate descriptions of ministers serving in local churches with some variations in seminary training, ordination, and the manner in which the worship service is conducted either formal by tradition or more a contemporary style. But overall we think of the minster as the one who does the preaching and we do the listening, and that also is accurate. But when the service is over, the ministerial duties are passed on to us.

            The word ‘minister’ in its verb form is defined as ‘to give help,’ ‘to tend to the needs of someone.’ As our needs are attended to by the minister during the sermon we are to go out and tend to the needs of others as we have been encouraged and fed the good news of Jesus Christ. We may feel unqualified, even unworthy, but those who know Christ as their savior have been saved by God’s grace and mercy through faith in Christ. It is God’s undeserved gift to us, yes we are unworthy, but again it is through God’s love, grace and mercy He extends the salvation message to all and uses us to minister to those in need of salvation.

            The apostle Paul writing to the church in Corinth says, “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.” (2 Cor. 4:1 ESV) This ministry is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ given to us. Paul further writes, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Cor. 4:7 ESV) Paul uses the illustration of ‘this treasure in jars of clay’ to encourage us that God has entrusted us with the gospel message for it will show God’s power and not ours in sharing the gospel. Jars of clay are of little value, fragile, easily broken, and replaceable, yet God has stored this valuable treasure in us. So we are not to lose heart for God will grant us the necessary means for us to carry out the work of ministry. So are you a minister of the gospel?

Devotionals

The choice is yours!

Loring Schultz

“If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.” Proverbs 9:12 NLT

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

            It is estimated the average individual makes 35,000 decisions in a single day. That number may sound unrealistic but is backed up by numerous creditable sources such as, ‘Psychology Today’, ‘The National Library of Medicine’, and several business and educational institutions measuring the effects of so many choices. Most of these decisions are basic everyday decisions as what clothes to wear, what I am going to have for lunch, should I use blue or black ink, should I repost or comment on a certain post, should I surprise my wife with flowers on my way home, along with other choices in our daily activities. Even my choice to in writing this devotional, ‘the choice is yours’, is one of my 35,000 decisions I’ll make this day.

            Some choices we make each day do not always work out for the best. We have the best of intentions at the time based on our normal pattern of doing things, but it turns out to have been the wrong choice. A lesson to learn is we will not always make the right decision. Each of us are flawed individuals capable of making bad decisions. In trivial matters it’s no big deal as is wearing ‘white’ after Labor Day, but in wearing something offensive or provocative is another matter. There is a way for all of us to limit our bad choices significantly by following the advice of the wisest man that has ever lived outside of Christ, King Solomon.

            We should all be in agreement in desiring to make wise choices. Within those 35,000 decisions we make a day are many we do not give deep thought to as they become mere habit. There is nothing wrong with that, but what is the foundation in our decision making. What we need is wisdom. True wisdom, Godly wisdom. King Solomon gives us this advice, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Prov. 1:7 NLT) We must admit some of our decisions are downright foolish putting us in line with fools. Wrong decisions will be made, but they can be greatly reduced when every decision, even those of habit, has their foundation in the reverence of the Lord.

            James in the New Testament also writes, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (Jas. 1:5 NLT) Again, wisdom is the key, the foundation, in making good decisions. In Proverbs 9:12 Solomon notes, “If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.” (NLT) Gaining Godly wisdom will ensure decisions that benefit you while rejecting God’s wisdom leads you to suffer the consequences. The choice is yours!

Devotionals

God’s High Surveillance Camera

Loring Schultz

“You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?” Psalm 56:8 NKJV

            Have you ever had the feeling someone is watching you? In today’s world it is more than a feeling, it is true. Just think of how many times in a day you have been observed by surveillance cameras. They range from the local grocery store, the sandwich shop, the bank, the gas station, amusement parks, going for a stroll on your favorite beach, and just about anywhere, even knocking on your neighbor’s front door. As efficient as these surveillance cameras are they can only capture what is in range and only if a subject enters into it. But think about a surveillance camera that is on you at all times, day and night, and you are never out of range. That is some high surveillance.

            David writes in Psalm 56, “You number my wanderings.” David was aware of God’s ever present eyes upon him as he was being pursued by his enemies. God was constantly watching over David knowing every step that he took. God didn’t lose track of a single day or hour of David’s life, having him under constant surveillance numbering and remembering his travels. The same is true for us today. As we go through our days and nights the Lord’s constant surveillance is on us. He sees our fears, our struggles, and our tears. There is not a moment that we are out of His sight. God is aware of every step we take and every step that is taken against us.

            What a comfort it is to be assured that we are never out of sight when we are in trouble and in need of help. But the other side of that coin is that we can be just as assured that we are never out of His sight when we find ourselves doing something that displeases Him. The Lord doesn’t turn His back on our sin. He sees all.

            Let it be a comfort to us that God is there in our time of need. He is there for us in grace, mercy and forgiveness as we confess our sins before Him, and He is there during trouble brought upon us from the world in which we live, all through His High Surveillance Camera.

Read Psalm 56: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+56&version=NKJV

Devotionals

Travel lighter in the New Year

Loring Schultz

“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 NLT

            We are rapidly approaching the eve of another New Year. Looking back throughout the current year, what burdens have you carried that were too much for you to bear? How often have you felt you were walking alone through all your difficulties? You imagine to yourself how much easier life would be if you had someone walking beside you helping to carry your burdens.  But not just anyone, it needs to be someone who knows you intimately. One who understands your feelings, knows your hurts, knows your strengths and weaknesses and still loves you, one who will continue to walk with you helping and guiding you along the way. There is such a one and His burden is light.

            Jesus teaching the way of salvation in the gospel of Matthew said the following, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28 NLT) Those in Jesus’s day as in our day struggled in finding the meaning of life, finding happiness and contentment, working exhaustively in trying everything and anything new looking for hope and that pie in the sky feeling. The truth is, what Jesus offers is more than an unrealistic pie in the sky moment, but a true reality of a light burden in this life as we trust in Him and walk with Him.

            Jesus uses the example of being yoked with Him as two farming animals are yoked together with a wooden bar. The purpose was to distribute the weight evenly, lining them together in order to work efficiently with no extra burden on one or the other. The burden of plowing was made much easier by the wooden bar, and our burden in life is made much easier when we are yoked together with Christ. He knows us intimately, He is gentle, He will guide us and supply our need along the way, and it is where we can find rest only in Him. Jesus says, “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Allow yourself to be yoked with Christ in 2024 and beyond and may we all travel lighter in the New Year!

Happy New Year 2024!

Devotionals

The Day After; A Christmas Letdown

Loring Schultz

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 KJV

            So much emphasis is put on one day of the year, Christmas Day. Traditionally it is known as the ‘hustle and bustle’ of Christmas. Concerts, plays, and musicals performed by preschoolers up to the professional level take our time either by preparing or attending these holiday events. The purchasing of gifts for family, friends, associates, and that special loved one adds to our time. Christmas is also the baking season. Who doesn’t enjoy their favorite Christmas cookies this time of year? There are parties to go to and meals to prepare, especially that Christmas dinner. With all the preparations during the Christmas season for celebrating one day many people are glad when it is over, but many also suffer a letdown for a day only last twenty-four hours and it is soon gone.

            The day after Christmas can be a depressing time if your emphasis is only on the day itself. Although Christmas day itself and the weeks leading up to it can be a time of goodwill, joy, and peace even among those who hardly agree with each other, this will soon past. The struggles of everyday life continue into the New Year. Is it possible to avoid an after Christmas letdown? Are we able to maintain the joy and peace of Christmas on the day after and all through the year? Yes we are!

            The apostle John penned the most familiar verse in the Bible, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (Jn.3:16 KJV) When our emphasis is on, as we say, ‘the reason for the season’ and we have come to trust Jesus as our Savoir, we as Christians should never have an after Christmas letdown. We may miss the cookies and time with family and friends, but we have the presence of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit all through the year.

            For those of you have not trusted in Jesus for Salvation, put your faith in Him by confessing and repenting your sins this Christmas and avoid your after Christmas Letdown.

Devotionals

When Christ was born, so was our hope

Loring Schultz

“When Christ was born, so was our hope.” Max Lucado

“….And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.” 1 Peter 3:15b NLT

Photo by Laura James on Pexels.com

            This week many children of all ages are hoping they receive what they asked for from the man in the red suit or whoever represents him in your circle of influence. From the Bitzee interactive toy digital pet, to anything Barbie, to the Magna-Tiles Downhill Duo complete with figures and race cars for the youngsters, to the hottest video games, cell phones, and latest in digital devices for the coming of age crowd, not to forget the big toys for the big kids; all have that hope they will receive that requested gift on Christmas morning.

            ‘Hope’ defined by most dictionaries is; ‘to cherish a desire with anticipation:to want something to happen or be true.’ All of us hoping for that gift have the desire to have that hope come to realization. Although, if we are honest with ourselves, we know it does not always hold true. Oh, it is true the one supplying the gift will do everything possible they could to insure the granting of the request, but unavoidable circumstances beyond their control always get in the way.

            Biblical hope is never affected by unavoidable circumstances. Biblical hope is fixed. It is guaranteed. Biblical hope is the future confidence in expecting all that God has promised will come to pass. God has promised that all who believe in His Son Jesus for salvation will be saved from the wrath to come and will have eternal life with Him. Our guaranteed hope, as Max Lucado described it, was born as Christ entered the world on that first Christmas morning. God’s promise to reconcile us back Himself through Christ by defeating Satan on the cross was fulfilled. (Gen. 3:15) Our hope, our assurance of salvation, was born in Christ Jesus.

            Our Christian (Biblical) hope is far different from hoping to receive the latest got-to-have gadget for Christmas. Our hope in Christ is sure, guaranteed and lifesaving. It is backed up by a holy God who does not lie and can do all things. As the apostle Peter says to us this Christmas, “…….if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.”

Devotionals

The Breath of Life

Loring Schultz

“Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Genesis 2:7 NLT

“………But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!” Daniel 5:23b NLT

Photo by Julian Jagtenberg on Pexels.com

            How many of God’s blessings do we take for granted? Our normal everyday life activities have countless examples of all we take for granted until it’s gone, even for a short time. A power outage in your home disrupts everything. It’s amazing what you now are unable to do with no electricity. Lack of fresh water is more than an inconvenience especially if lasting more than a couple of days. Most of us take for granted that our automobile is going to start when we get in it, but we all know that is not always the case, and we can go on and on with those things we take for granted.

            My thought is we take for granted the very air we breathe the most, not to mention the source of our air supply. The Old Testament book of Genesis says, “He (God) breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” (Gen. 2:7b NLT) God breathed into us the very breath of life. He has created air consisting of mostly of three gases; nitrogen, oxygen, and argon, which He also created, to maintain our breath of life. Have you ever thought, what if God had decided there would an ‘air outage’ for a period of time? I think it’s safe to say none us would be around to remember it. Electricity and water supplies are vital for survival in our current day, but it doesn’t mean instant death when their service is interrupted. But it is “God who holds your breath in His hand.” (Dan.5:23 NKJV)

            The prophet Daniel told King Belshazzar he was going to lose the kingdom and his life that very night because he did not humble himself before God but mocked Him and praised their gods of silver and gold. Daniel was clear in his explanation to Belshazzar that he did not honor the true God who gave him the breath of life and the air to breathe, but took it for granted. “…But you have not honored the God who gives you the breath of life and controls your destiny!” (Dan. 5:23b NLT)  

            It is a message for us to take to heart. Let us count our blessings, (as the old song goes), naming them one by one. May we not take any of them for granted, especially the air we breathe supplied to us by the one who gave us the Breath of Life.