Tag: God

Devotionals

No Debate

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:89-96 NASB – Lamedh Forever, LORD, Your word stands – Bible Gateway

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” Psalm 119:89 NASB

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Debates occur to express and defend a point of view. Both sides are passionate and sure of their position being the right one. Each would say ‘there is really no debate’, and that may be true if someone is able to prove their point of view is the correct one. Although, the other side would claim ‘not so fast’ as they try to prove their opponent wrong. The debate can last for hours, weeks, or even a lifetime trying to prove their point is correct and then convince others.

In most debates there are what we refer to as ‘gray areas.’ There are neither black or white, right or wrong, but somewhere in the middle. A lot of discussion in the form of persuasion takes place in these areas to win over the opposition. But most subjects of debate have a definitive truth in them if they are fleshed out. The opposition may not agree, but the truth is the truth.

Probably the most debated book in history would be the Bible. Debates range from its authenticity, who wrote it, is it a fact or fiction, is it to be taken literally or symbolically, does it still apply today, aren’t there contradictions, on and on go the debates. Psalm 119 is a psalm that is all about the Word of God, all 176 verses. This chapter reveals the Bible could be called the Word of Life for it tells us all we need to know. It’s God Word to us, His plan of salvation for mankind and our instruction manual on how to live.  Oh, and by the way, the psalmist writes, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” (Ps.119:89 nasb) Therefore there is no debate. It has been settled in heaven. So, let’s go out and convince others the Bible is the true Word of God.

Devotionals

How many people do you know?       

Loring Schultz

“The LORD replied to Moses, ‘I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.’” Exodus 33:17 NLT

Photo by Ben Kim on Unsplash

Have you ever thought about how many people you know? How about how many you have known over the years that you have forgotten until you are reminded by a photograph? Put them all together and the number of people who have come across your path can be staggering.

 Last Friday, July 11 was World Population Day. It was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Program in 1989. Its aim is to increase awareness of population issues such as family planning, social issues, poverty, health and human rights. The current world population is 8.1 billion people up from 7.4 billion in 2016. So, how many of these people do you know? What percentage of the 8.1 billion people do you know? (.1% is 8.1 million people) Do you know that many people?  I know I don’t, even if I forgot most of them. But there is one who knows all 8.1 billion.

There is so much about God we cannot understand. We need to take most of it by faith. But we can observe all of His creation from the universe, the earth, sun, moon, and stars, along with the intricacies of the human body and how it functions to know that only God is capable of such work. It wouldn’t be beyond His knowledge since He is all-knowing to know every person on the planet at the present time and whoever has walked on this earth since Adam and Eve. Yes, it is hard to wrap our minds around. So, since we can’t do that, let’s marvel in the fact that He knows each of us by name, all 8.1 billion of us.

Devotionals

Hidden Sins; exposing our innermost thoughts and desires

Loring Schultz

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”  Hebrews 4:12-13 NLT

Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash

The subject of transparency is a well-recognized topic particularly in the world of politics. The truth of the matter is, many who claim to be transparent usually turn out to be not so transparent. Transparency defines as, ‘the quality of being done in an open way without secrets’ is far from what the general public observes. Perhaps there are good intentions on the campaign trail to present oneself as transparent, but the thought of exposing compromising positions or a deficiency while in office is considered a matter to be kept close to the vest.

Politicians are not alone in abusing transparency. Every one of us have a problem with being transparent, totally transparent. Many of us have fine admirable qualities such as honesty, sympathy, a non-judgmental character, caring for others, selflessness, and a loving attitude. While those qualities may be seen most of the time, there are circumstances when one or two of our admirable qualities are overshadowed by something we try to cover up-and if exposed they would cause a great deal embarrassment. It is at these moments we become non-transparent, thinking we have covered up our deficiencies and maintained our integrity.  

But as hard as we try to remain transparent while covering up a deficiency or sin in our lives, eventually it becomes known if not dealt with honestly. We may be able to cover up our sin for a time before others, but we can never cover up anything from God who knows and sees all. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” (nlt)

God is aware of our innermost thoughts and desires; we cannot hide them from God. We are capable of covering up our sin before others and even to ourselves as we refer to them as hidden sins and no big deal. But the Word of God has a way of reminding us that it is a big deal “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Heb.4:12 nlt) If we are serious about eradicating our hidden sins, we need to be immersed in the God’s Word allowing Him through His Word to expose our innermost thoughts and desires and be transparent before Him.

A Christian Perspective

Let’s Be Honest; abortion is not healthcare  

Loring Schultz

“The LORD is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 NLT

Photo by Melanie Rosillo Galvan on Unsplash

I’ll be honest. Some articles are hard to write like this one. Some things are so obvious I feel like a fool stating them because it goes against the consensus of the general public. But there comes a time when we need to try to instill common sense in our world. For instance, ‘abortion is not healthcare.’ The majority opinion of most abortion providers is that ‘abortion is healthcare.’ But the majority opinion in the political world is ‘abortion is a woman’s right to choose’. So, my question is, which is it. It can’t be both. But wait, it can be both for about 1%-3% of abortions due to medical reasons. Medical professionals advise and women make a choice. But for the other 97% of all abortions, medical reasons do not apply. (1)

Another logical common-sense argument for ‘abortion is not healthcare’ is; if abortion is healthcare then how is it “642,700 medication abortions in the United States in 2023, accounted for 63% of all abortions in the formal health care system.” (2) That sounds like a ‘woman’s right to choose’. We need to stop fooling ourselves and call it for what it is. It may be considered a choice and excused away as a medical procedure, but the world has been living in this culture of death for many decades. It’s a choice of convenience where most of these abortions take place in the home in the privacy of a bathroom. It’s time to face the facts. As is often said, ‘it is what it is’.

The Lord God has His eye on each of us in this world. We are never out of His sight. God is aware of every medical and non-medical procedure that takes place, and He is there in the midst. Let not God be insulted, and let’s be honest, abortion is not healthcare.

(1) Fact Sheet: Reasons for Abortion – Lozier Institute

(2 Medication Abortion Accounted for 63% of All US Abortions in 2023—An Increase from 53% in 2020 | Guttmacher Institute

Devotionals

The Dawn and the Sunset are Ever Before Us        

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 65:5-13 NASB – By awesome deeds You answer us in – Bible Gateway

“They who dwell in the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your signs; You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.” Psalm 65:8 NASB

Photo by James Wheeler on Pexels.com

Every corner of the world has a dawn and a sunset. The start of our day and the end of it don’t exclude any of us. How often do we take the time to thank the Lord for another day and the beauty of the sunrise and sunset? On cloudy and rainy days, it may may be hard, but it is a new day God has given us to enjoy. He has filled this earth with His wonders of creation. The mountains, oceans, forest, the meadows, valleys, and even the desert plains all shout for joy in their creation.

This past weekend I was reminded of God’s dawn and sunset as I spent a quiet weekend with family in a cabin in the woods on a riverbank. As much as I was in awe, it was the same dawn and sunset I experienced at home, but somehow I miss it more days than not. More importantly it is the same God who is reminding me of the new day He has given me. God gives each of us across this earth a new day to glorify Him and work His will. It’s not by chance the sun rises and sets, it’s by God’s amazing order of creation and His sustaining the earth.

Too many days are wasted taking the sunrise and sunset for granted. Yes, we have many responsibilities to tend to, but a simple recognition and thanks to our creator who gives us each day to work and enjoy in His presence will make a world of difference. If the dawn and sunset shout for joy, we should also, but don’t wait until you’re in a cabin in the woods.

Devotionals

Back where you belong  

Loring Schultz

Read: Zechariah 10:6-12 ESV – “I will strengthen the house of – Bible Gateway

“I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them, for I am the LORD their God and I will answer them.” Zechariah 10:6 ESV

Photo by jesse ramirez on Unsplash

Are there periods of time in your life when you feel out of place? You are not where you’re supposed to be. Maybe through a fault of or own, or not, but you are out of place. Perhaps some sin drew you to this place of discomfort and though you don’t want to admit it, you know it’s true. You either put yourself there or the Lord put you there to chastise you, or both. There is a way out, there is good news on the horizon for those who know and trust God. You are not rejected forever if you are His child. When you call out to God in repentance, asking for forgiveness He will answer you and you’ll soon be back where you belong.

Both the ten tribes of Israel in the north, and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah in the south were taken captive to a place they didn’t belong. Both due to their continual sin against the Lord God and refusing to obey His commandments. The Lord has promised to restore them fully as if He had never rejected them. The southern tribes were returned to their land seventy years after captivity but never again had full autonomy. The northern tribes never regain their self-governing either. But one day, as God has promised, both will be restored again as one nation in the millennial kingdom.

God’s promise to the children of Israel is a promise all Christians can hold to as His chosen people in Christ. The Lord will have compassion on you as you seek and obey Him bringing you back where you belong, in His will.  

Devotionals

Your Prayers Are Heard  

Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 10:1-13 NLT – Daniel’s Vision of a Messenger – In – Bible Gateway

“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

Have you even doubted if God hears your prayers? Do you get the feeling your prayers are only reaching the ceiling? Has it been days, weeks, or months, and you still haven’t gotten an answer? You begin to say to yourself, ‘did God even hear me?’ You can rest assured He has, and we have a story in the Old Testament book of Daniel that proves it.

The prophet Daniel was desperately waiting for an answer to his prayer concerning the vision he had just witnessed. He was in mourning and confused by what he saw and was seeking an answer. Daniel knew that it involved his people, the children of Israel, and it was a future event. He sought an answer, but it did not come. Daniel did not eat or drink for three weeks. Then one day as he was standing on the bank of the Tigris River, Daniel got his answer and was told why it was delayed.

The Lord sent his messenger to Daniel with the first words being, “Daniel, you are very precious to God.” (Dan.10:11 nlt) The Lord God did not forget Daniel but assured him how much he was loved by God. Sometimes we all need to be reminded that God loves us and hasn’t forgotten us. He does care for us and desires that close relationship with us. It is God’s desire to answer our prayers in what He knows is best for us.

The messenger then told Daniel his prayer was heard on the first day he petitioned God in prayer. What an encouragement for us who doubt at times if God has ever heard us. He has. Not only did the messenger assure Daniel that his prayer was heard, but that it was answered the same day. As we seek God, know for sure He hears our prayers and will answer us according to His will as we seek Him.

Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Devotionals

Our Future Glory  

Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 8:18-25 NLT – The Future Glory – Yet what we suffer – Bible Gateway

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18 NLT

Photo by Elijah Hiett on Unsplash

Suffering. Not a pleasant topic, but one that all of us understand. It comes to us in all stages of life from the youngest to the eldest and everyone in between. There are numerous degrees of suffering, some bearable and others hard to bear. Whatever it is you are suffering from, whatever your age, and whatever the decree of your suffering, the last thing you want to hear is ‘don’t worry, it will get better.’ Well, I’m sorry to say this but ‘don’t worry, it will get better.’

I’m also sorry to say it may not get better in this life, but for Christians we have the Lord walking with us through our suffering. The Lord is also able to take away our suffering in this life, and He may very well choose to do so. It may or may not be His plan. But as we walk with God we are assured that He has planned what is best for us today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Paul, writing in Romans said, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later……And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering” (Ro.8:18, 23 nlt) Paul writes of a future day where he says ‘don’t worry, it will get better.’ All Christians will one day will have a perfect glorified body with no pain and no suffering. Yes, while in this life we groan for that future taste of glory while we suffer here on earth, it can’t come soon enough. Be assured it will come. Better days are ahead of us. ‘Don’t worry, it will get better.’  

Devotionals

Daniel Prays for His People

Loring Schultz

Read: Daniel 9:1-19 ESV – Daniel’s Prayer for His People – Bible Gateway

“Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” Daniel 9:3 ESV

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Believe it or not, one of the hardest things for Christians to do is to pray. You may be one who believes it from your own experience. Finding the right words to say either in a group or in private holds some people back. Others fear they’re not worthy enough to address God, or He wouldn’t hear anyway. Still others haven’t built that relationship with Him as His children where He welcomes us to simply talk with Him. Scripture has given us several models of prayer to follow for our help, the most notable is Jesus’ example in the Lord’s prayer. The prophet Daniel gives us his exemplary prayer in Daniel chapter 9 to follow.

Daniel’s prayer consists of six elements all to be considered when giving serious thought in wanting to improve our prayer life. He realized Judah’s seventy years of captivity was about to end and petitioned the Lord on behalf of his people. Daniel’s preparation and his prayer shows his reverence for the Lord God. May we take advantage of this prayer to enrich our own prayer life. That’s why it’s there!

  1. Humility – v.3, Daniel fasted and covered himself with sackcloth and ashes. (we can skip the sackcloth and ashes)
  2. Worship – v.4, ‘O Lord, the great and awesome God’
  3. Identified with the people – v.5, ‘we have sinned and done wrong’ 
  4. Confession – v.5-15, ‘To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you.’
  5. Petition – v.16-18, ‘O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake’
  6. God’s Glory – v.19, ‘O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.’
Devotionals

Get Wisdom         

Loring Schultz

“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 NIV

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The most important thing you can receive in this life is not wisdom; it is the Lord God. Having a relationship with God and accepting His Son, Jesus Christ, as your personal savior is the only real thing that matters in this life. What you do you with Jesus in this life will determine your destiny after this life is over. It is vital, and it is urgent, because we do not know what tomorrow will bring.

So, where does wisdom place on the top ten list of most important things to receive in this life. I believe it’s number two. First, you can’t achieved wisdom without God. The wisdom book of Proverbs starts in chapter 1 by saying, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Pr.1:7 niv) The word ‘fear’ is not one of fright or terror, but a reverential awe of the Lord God Almighty. We recognize who He is as creator of the universe, who created us with a mind, soul, and spirit to have a relationship with Him, and we stand in awe. Any wisdom we obtain comes from God.

The Lord God has given all mankind the ability to think and reason as we are made in the image of a personal God. But wisdom and understanding are vastly different from the natural abilities that God has given everyone. All of us are born with a sin nature clouding our perspective and reasoning, especially accessing right from wrong. Some of the most brilliant educators, scientists, doctors, financers, mathematicians, poets, and all who have done great work in their fields of expertise lack true wisdom and knowledge that is only available in God. True wisdom and knowledge are only available when one knows God and is in awe of Him.

So, how do we get wisdom? ‘The fear of LORD is the beginning of knowledge.’