Tag: God’s Blessings

Devotionals

What has the Lord done for you?

Loring Schultz

“Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 NLT

Photo by Jaehyun Kim on Unsplash

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 NLT

Role models have paved the way for successful people to reach their goals in life. Mentors are involved in a more personal and deeper approach in influencing an individual to success. Both deserve recognition for what they have done and be able to help others the same way if their efforts were well known. The same is true for Christian role models and mentors. Those who benefit from them should spread the word of their influence enabling them to help others.

Not many of us share the same role models or mentors, but every Christian has the same role model to learn from, Jesus Christ. In fact, every person living today can learn from this role model and be influenced by His mentoring if they only knew of Him.  For others to know Him, Christians need to be vocal first in telling what He has done for them personally leaving nothing out. Second, living the life that supports what was said to be true, and third mentoring them for them to mentor others.

Now to get personal. Think through very thoroughly all the Lord has done for you. It probably won’t be a bad idea if you compile a list, but make sure you have enough paper or space on your hard drive. It may surprise you and be an eye-opening experience all the Lord has done for you. Then let us as the psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” (Ps.105:1 nlt) Jesus calls us the light of the world. We can’t help but shine naturally so may we add words to why we shine by telling everyone what the Lord has done for us.

Devotionals

Be blessed; Give

Loring Schultz

Read: Acts 20:13-38 NLT – Paul Meets the Ephesian Elders – Paul – Bible Gateway

“You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:34-35 NLT

Photo by Eva Bronzini on Pexels.com

Hundreds of common sayings and proverbs we use today had their start somewhere. Someone had said them for the first time and the phrase caught on and spread over time. Many of those someone’s are unknown as history traces back to the origin of a saying to a place and time and the events that created such a saying. The saying ‘it is better to give than to receive’ is easy to trace and comes from a reliable source, the Bible, and spoken by a most reliable person, Jesus Christ.

Paul is giving final instructions to the elders of the church in Ephesus as he was about to leave for Jerusalem. He had told them this would probably be the last time they would see other each. It was an emotional time for them all. He encouraged them to preach the Word that he spoke to them concerning the Good News of Jesus Christ strengthening the new believers. Paul advised them to be good shepherds and feed the flock warning them that false teachers and accusers would soon arrive to sway the new converts away from the truth.

Paul ended his final words to these elders by reminding them of his work ethic while he was with them. Paul never took a salary for preaching the gospel but worked as a tent maker. He provided for himself and those who served with him. Paul was saying his work not only met his needs, but the needs of others, which he was glad to do. He also said, ‘a little hard work never hurts anyone,’ and it actually helps others. But Jesus has the final word on this, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ So, be blessed, and give.

Devotionals

Don’t Forget the Inbounder

Loring Schultz

“But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:25 NLT

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The other evening, I was watching the final seconds of a NCAA men’s college basketball tournament game. Game tied, the inbounder put the ball in play then immediately set himself up to retrieve the ball under the basket for an easy dunk. Game over! The commentator cried out, ‘Don’t forget the inbounder.’ He wasn’t covered. Both squads had their final instructions for that final play from their coaches. The offense played it perfectly. The defense failed to execute, forgetting what they heard in the bench huddle, leaving the inbounder wide open.

Reading a verse from the book of James this morning, I realized how easy it is to forget something we just heard or read. James writes, “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” (Ja.1:25 nlt) When things go wrong in my life most of the time it can be traced back to forgetting what I heard from Scripture. Obviously, there are no blessings when struggling with the results of disobedience. But after reading and hearing the Word preached, if we do what is heard and not forget, God promises blessings.

God’s Word is our lifeline in this world leading us to eternal life in the next. It is His game plan drawn up for us to follow in this game called life. Executing it will lead to a life full of blessings, and assurance of salvation. Forgetting what we hear will result in more than losing a game but losing our very souls.

Devotionals

Man’s Inventions: blessings from God

Loring Schultz

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.” Exodus 31:3 NLT

Photo by Joao Fernandes on Pexels.com

 On this date on March 7, 1876, Scottish-born inventor, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for the telephone in the United States. Three days later Bell spoke the first words over a transmitted phone line to his assistant, “Mr. Watson come here, I want you.” Watson heard it loud and clear from 100 ft away in their Boston laboratory. Today we can hear and see people loud and clear from across the world on our phones. Every invention takes on different characteristics and advances over time, except maybe the wheel, a wheel is a wheel. The telephone is proof of the advancements that are made once something is invented. To get where we are today in any modern convenience there needed to be a staring point, something was invented.

God has blessed the world in giving us individuals with wisdom in science, business, agriculture, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, medical research, and many other activities all with the skills to make our lives fuller, healthier, and easier. Some of these people use their talents in their field of expertise to build on what has proven to work and is successful, while others use their God given talents to create and invent something new.

The Bible records both in the Old and New Testaments people with extraordinary talent and skill in their profession. God has been working through those He has gifted all throughout history. Our human wisdom and knowledge come from the Lord God of heaven. He gives it to us as a display of His glory, for without Him we can do nothing.

There as been thousands of inventions over the years for our good and benefit. Our lives have been blessed by these inventions and by the inventors who brought them about. We can look forward with excitement to the inventions God will bless us with in the years to come.

A Christian Perspective

Blessings for the Nations in 2025

Loring Schultz

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34 NIV

Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash

The year 2024 is rapidly coming to an end and a New Year is about to start unfolding. None of us know what will be unpacked in 2025 regarding the nations of the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and all government officials across the globe would like insight into what the New Year has is store for the world and more importantly for their country. Looking back at 2024 most nations of the world have good reason not to be optimistic, but there are some who see the light at the end of the 2024 tunnel.

The United States is one nation who is looking to shed some of the chaos caused by policies from the current administration. Over half of the country see that light getting brighter in the days ahead of the New Year, but there are many citizens who do not share that optimism. Other countries in the world are experiencing the same situation as 2025 is just a few days away. Will the New Year bring in with it opportunities to dissolve differences, negotiate peace, and for their homeland to be secure and prosperous?

The desire to live in peace, kindness, free from hostilities, being prosperous, and live in a nation that is blessed is only fulfilled in one way. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (niv) Most nations in the world today, if not all, are anti-God, even the United States. America’s roots are found in the Scriptures and a belief in the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the roots are slowly being pulled up. The Bible which was key in the country’s founding also says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pr.14:34 niv) Perhaps no explanation is needed except we here in the United States and other nations across the world need a blessing.

Scripture is clear. Blessings for every nation are possible in 2025. When nations recognize and honor God, living and governing in righteousness, God will be true to His Word and bless the nations. There is no other way!

Devotionals

What has The Lord done for you?

Loring Schultz

“Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 NLT

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 NLT


Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Role models have paved the way for successful people to reach their goals in life. Mentors are involved in a more personal and deeper approach in influencing an individual to success. Both deserve recognition for what they have done and be able to help others the same way if their efforts were well known. The same is true for Christian role models and mentors. Those who benefit from them should spread the word of their influence enabling them to help others.

Not many of us share the same role models or mentors, but every Christian has the same role model to learn from, Jesus Christ. In fact, every person living today can learn from this role model and be influenced by His mentoring if they only knew of Him.  For others to know Him, Christians need to be vocal first in telling what He has done for them personally leaving nothing out. Second, living the life that supports what was said to be true, and third mentoring them for them to mentor others.

Now to get personal. Think through very thoroughly all the Lord has done for you. It probably won’t be a bad idea if you compile a list, but make sure you have enough paper or space on your hard drive. It may surprise you and be an eye-opening experience all the Lord has done for you. Then let us as the psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” (Ps.105:1 nlt) Jesus calls us the light of the world. We can’t help but shine naturally so may we add words to why we shine by telling everyone what the Lord has done for us.

Read: Psalm 105:1-10 NLT – Psalm 105 – Give thanks to the LORD and – Bible Gateway

Matthew 5:13-16 NLT – Teaching about Salt and Light – “You – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Bad Luck or Bad Deeds

Loring Schultz

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 NLT

Photo by Chiara Guercio on Unsplash

There is an old saying that goes, ‘If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.’ I suppose that is true if holding good things happening to you is a matter of luck. It is easy to assume that everything bad occurring in life is due to bad luck, therefore the old saying becomes a matter of fact. But is it always luck that is in play in the circumstances of life? Perhaps not. Perhaps it’s something more.

Peter, in writing to Christians of his day, wrote “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” (1Pt.3:10 nlt) Happy days which lead to an enjoyable life start with always telling the truth and not saying anything that is evil. You will never need to worry about anything coming back at you if you tell the truth. Peter went on to say, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (1Pt.3:11 nlt) Doing good things, striving for peace and living in it will never result in negative circumstances. There’s no luck involved.

There is also no bad luck involved when bad things happen. When we are not walking in obedience with the Lord, we should not be so surprised if bad things happen. Peter writes, “The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.” (1Pt.3:12 nlt) Going our way by turning our back on God, doing bad deeds, will not result in the Lord’s blessings.

Yes, bad things do happen to faithful Christians under the providence of the Lord for His purposes. But we can be sure His eye is always on us during these times, and he is attentive to our prayers. It is our disobedience that brings about most of our bad times. It is not our bad luck, but our bad deeds.

Read: 1 Peter 3:8-12 NLT – All Christians – Finally, all of you – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Entrusting What God has Given You

Loring Schultz

“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” Luke 12:48b NLT

Photo by Nathan Anderson on Unsplash

Every local community has people in need. There is a need for everyday subsistence such as food, clothes, and shelter. The logistics of getting to appointments, the grocery store, and even to church need to be met. There are people who have emotional needs who just need a friend to sit with them. Others need help to manage their finances and legal affairs. Many people need help with their everyday chores, and all of them can use a good laugh. For all these needs to be met there needs to be an overflow from others who have been given and entrusted with much by the Lord.

The questions then become what do I have to offer? Can I afford to be so generous with my money, talent, and resources?  You can find the answer by assessing your needs. Very simply put, if your needs are met in every category listed above, you can afford it. You may also find that you are in need in some area of your life, and that is for others to meet your need after they make their own assessment. The Lord blesses everyone, but exactly in the same way. My needs are your overflow, and your needs are mine. Of course this is not always an equal balance in our view, but it is in God’s eyes and according to His plan.

Jesus said, “When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Lk.12:48b nlt) The Lord blesses us to bless others and He requires our participation. And those of us who have been ‘entrusted’ with much have a higher responsibility. We are committed to handle our overflow wisely. It is God’s gift to us in fulfilling the needs of others. More will be required of us. So, now the question is, are you entrusting what God has given you?