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

“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?