Government – Word for the Soul

“Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” Psalm 80:3 NLT

As I write this on Thanksgiving day, the United States has yet faced another tragedy on the day before this holiday of thanks. Two of our brave National Guard are fighting for their very lives as they were targeted and shot on the streets of our nation’s capital for doing their job to protect American citizens. There should be such an outcry that it is heard in every corner of the world. I say every corner of the world because it affects every nation and every person in wherever country they live.

That outcry needs to be what the psalmist wrote when pleading for restoration after Israel was plummeted by a foreign power. “Turn us again to yourself, O God. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” (Ps.80:3 nlt) Israel had repeatedly sinned against God being warned countless times they continued to turn their back on God, therefore their destruction. The United States has turned its back on God, and we continue to do so. There have been recent attempts to right the ship and I pray they will continue to move forward, but what is needed is a total commitment to return to the country’s founding Judea-Christian principles found only in the Word of God.

There is a sense that God’s hand of judgment is on America. If you think not, take time to read through the history of fallen nations and empires examining the culture and practices of their day and compare them to America in 2025. I think you will see a remarkable resemblance. I do not believe that all is lost, but we are on the verge of losing it all if we do not turn ourselves back to God so He will turn us again back to Himself.

A Christian Perspective

The Church is Open

November 15, 2025November 12, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 25:31-46 NLT – The Final Judgment – “But when the – Bible Gateway

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25:35-36 NLT

The United States just ended the longest government shutdown in its history. There has been a lot of criticism going back and forth as to who is responsible for it. Each side digs in their heels and waits for the opposition to fold which did happen finally opening the government. Most of the services that were shut down only had a slight impact on people with some exceptions. What turned the tide in this shutdown, not counting the elections being over, were two major concerns: air traffic safety and the SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program) being paused until after the shutdown. There is not much any of us can do about air traffic safety, but we can all do something about the food supply.

I have often said, ‘if the church does its job, there is no need for government assistance.’ The church is always open, it never closes. What I had found to be the bigger the story was not where 42 million SNAP recipients would get assistance, but why does the richest nation in the world have 42 million people on a food assistance program in the first place. The church can help lower that number and even eliminate it in the future. News reports over the past few weeks have noted the number of churches and faith-based organizations that have stepped up in helping those in need of food assistance. It happens every time. God’s people respond in a time of crisis.

But we should be in a constant mode of stepping up and helping those in need, the very ones Jesus calls ‘the least of these my brothers and sisters.’ We as Christ’s church, individuals, local churches, denominational churches, and the universal church all have the responsibility to care for all those who need assistance of any kind. The government can help supplement it, but it’s not their job. It’s the churches job and responsibility, and we’re always open, not like the government.

A Christian Perspective

Religion and Politics

October 4, 2025October 3, 2025 Loring Schultz

You have heard it said many times I’m sure, two areas of conversation you should avoid at all cost are religion and politics. But what if you’re a Christian with a mandate from Jesus who said before ascending into heaven, “….. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8b nlt) And if you are a Christian living somewhere in ‘the ends of the earth’ witnessing for Christ does it not stand to reason that we engage in the well-being of our neighbors where the Lord has placed us? Looking out for our neighbors may mean being involved in politics to some degree.

Webster’s New World Dictionary defines ‘politics’ as ‘the science and art of government.’ The Britannica Dictionary expands on it by saying, ‘activities that relate to influencing the actions and policies of a government or getting and keeping power in a government.’ A Christian’s responsibility in politics is always to achieve through persuasion what is best according to God’s design for those under authority. Laws and ordinances that provide protection and safety of the general public should be of enough concern for every Christian to support such measures. The New Testament book of Romans states rather clearly that all authority comes from God and we need to submit to it. Governments are put in place to maintain order and stability in society by punishing wrongdoers. “The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, because they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong.” (Ro.13:4 nlt)

We can argue there are wrong doers among those in authority who are to protect us from wrong doers, but that is the point. To stand by idle and not be engaged in support of those in government or pursuing a role in government to properly carry out the ordinance of God is not an option for the Christian. Looking out for the well-being of our neighbor includes presenting the gospel to them and working in support of peace and safety as far as it depends on us. Paul writes in Romans, “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Ro. 12:17-18 nlt) And the author of the book of Hebrews writes, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Heb. 12:14 niv) And we can’t leave out King David who wrote, “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.” (Ps. 34:14 nlt)

As Christians we need not heed the advice from those who advocate to restrain from engaging in conversation of religion and politics, especially when we are presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ and His rule of authority as recorded in Scripture.

A Christian Perspective

A Message to World Leaders

August 16, 2025August 13, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 96 NLT – Psalm 96 – Sing a new song to the LORD! – Bible Gateway

“Tell all the nations, “The LORD reigns!” The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all peoples fairly.” Psalm 96:10 NLT

As of this writing there is a summit scheduled between the United States and Russia on Friday August 15, 2025, which was yesterday. Obviously the outcome of that first summit in four years between the two countries is not known to this writer at the moment. What is known is that each side will try to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine to their advantage. This, of course, is not the only on-going war in the world on this day. Israel and the terror group Hamas has been fighting now close to two years with no end in sight. Thousands of innocent lives have been lost in both conflicts and lack basic needs in each area is added to the suffering.

I may be skeptical, but I don’t believe either side will open the summit with the words of the psalmist in Psalm 96, “Tell all the nations, ‘The Lord reigns!’” The leaders in our world, as a whole, do not recognize God as in control and reigning. They do not hold to looking up to Him for wisdom on how to judge when Scripture says it is He who ‘will judge all people fairly.’ But then again most do not recognize the Bible as an authority that was written by the creator of this world. It is as if the psalmist is pleading with our world leaders, “O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong.” (Ps.96:7 nlt)

Scripture declares all authority comes from God. Every world leader’s authority is ordained by God. That is hard for some of us to accept, nevertheless God declares it. Those in authority have the responsibility to govern by Biblical standards. We all know that is not the case, and why we have continual wars and crime running rampant. This current world will never be perfect, but world leaders can make it a lot more peaceful and livable if they only recognize the Lord and have Him lead in their governing by His glorious and strong hand.

Devotionals

Pray for Your Country

July 4, 2025July 2, 2025 Loring Schultz

There are some countries around the world that are relatively orderly, peaceful, and prosperous. You may be saying to yourself, name some because I would like to move there. It is true that many nations don’t resemble a place of tranquility. We do live in a fallen world, so we might expect it, but that does not mean there can’t peace and prosperity in the days we live, even if it is only for a period of time.

Christians should be working towards the peace and prosperity of the country where we live. Christians are the biggest influence in their surrounding communities to make things happen because we have the biggest influencer supporting us, the Lord God. The first step in being an influencer to bring about change through prayer. The Lord told the captives of Judah as they were carried off to Babylon to do just that. They certainly did not want to be exiled in a heathen land, but the Lord God told them to “work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jer.29:7 nlt) Simply put, God commanded them to pray for their city, a pagan city. As their city prospered, so would they and there would be peace.

You may be living in a pagan country today, but the Lord’s command is the same as the captive people of Judah to pray for the nation and its leaders. The second step is to start working towards peace and prosperity. You and a few others may be the only hope you and your neighbors have of living a peaceful life due to your prayers and working as the Lord leads you. It will not only bring glory and honor to God through the welfare of all, but it will open the door to share the gospel of Christ, the only true source of peace in the world. Pray for the peace and prosperity of your country wherever you reside.

A Christian Perspective

Fraud and Inefficiency (a false balance)

April 19, 2025April 17, 2025 Loring Schultz

“A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” Proverbs 11:1 ESV

The United States’ New Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) released its latest savings report of $155 billion as of April 14, 2025. It is a ‘Combination of asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions.” (1) Living in a fallen world, it should come as no surprise that there would be fraud and inefficiency in those who are to uphold the law. Government, their institutions, their departments, and each agency is run by people, fallen people living in our sin sick world. No government is a machine that is not accountable to its citizens. There needs to be justice.

There is plenty of controversy and political wrangling over some of the cuts made by DOGE in the list above. But it is safe to say there were people with good intentions who approved the money for special programs but then saw an opportunity to siphon money out to non-essential areas, even lining their own pockets. Which brings me to my main point. These tactics damage the credibility and integrity of the government but more specifically, it hurts the people who work in government, both the guilty and the innocent.

For Christians working in government, now is the time for them to show grace to those impacted by the uncovering of the abuse of power over the years. Perhaps they find themselves being caught in the game of politics participating in the expansion of irrelevant programs passed off as essential, or under the guise of something else. King Solomon knew a lot about politics, government, and money. He wrote, “A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is his delight.” (Pr.11:1 esv) The Lord expects honesty and justice within the governments on the earth. All authority comes from Him and He delegates it to those He chooses. Those in positions of leadership in the government are accountable to its citizens and to God. It’s a good thing to make the country more efficient and get rid of fraud, but a better thing to change hearts and minds of those who are using ‘a false balance.’

(1) DOGE: Department of Government Efficiency

A Christian Perspective

Transparency

February 22, 2025February 20, 2025 Loring Schultz

“But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” John 3:21 NLT

Photo by FOX ^.u11bd.^= u222b on Pexels.com

A review of the Merriam-Websters ‘word of the year’ will give us an accurate description of the mood of people across the world, and mainly here in America. The 2024 Word of the Year was ‘polarization-division in two sharply distant opposites.’ In 2023 the word was, ‘authentic-not false or imitation.’ 2022 gave us the word ‘gaslighting-the act or practice of grossly misleading someone.’ There is a distinct pattern continuing to develop that reveals the mistrust between individuals, groups of individuals, corporations, and mostly the government.

This mistrust is nothing new. It is as old as the Jews mistrusting the Egyptian Pharaoh in the Old Testament. In the United States over the last twenty years each new administration has promised to be transparent with the people in government affairs. As the saying goes, “how did that work out for you?” The word ‘transparency’ was the Word of the Year in 2003, the beginning of the war with Iraq. That administration was accused of not being transparent with the American people as well as other countries taking it on the chin from their citizens. A lot of scrutiny is being placed on the current administration to see if they hold up to their promise of being transparent with the many policy changes that are occurring at a record pace. Only time will tell as we are being told, “we’ll see.”

The main definition of ‘transparent’ is, ‘having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly.’ Transparency is being sheer as fine textiles capable of seeing through. There were mostly self-interest reasons why previous administrations failed to be transparent. It would have exposed what they wanted to remain hidden, causing great embarrassment, loss of power, and possible charges of corruption.

For a person, a business model, or a government to be transparent the darkness around them must be dispelled to allow the light of truth to prevail. The best way to dispel darkness, in fact the only way, is to let the light of Jesus Christ into one’s life. You may say corporations and governments are not people, no they are not, but they are run by people who need the light of Christ. Jesus said, “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (Jn.3:20-21 nlt) The only hope for true transparency is for the light of Christ to change darken minds into a sheer conduit exposing everything that is done is right due to many lives dedicated to Christ and His will.

A Christian Perspective

The World needs Rulers who speak Righteousness and administer Justice

January 11, 2025January 10, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.” Psalm 58:1-2 NIV

During a fourteen-month period from January 2024 through February of this year 2025, there will be approximately 90 countries installing new leadership, including the United States on January 20, 2025. There were more national elections held worldwide in 2024 than any year in history, and with that new leadership has been installed. The Bible says in Romans, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (13:1b niv) We may not all be pleased with the leaders God has place for us in our country, but it is for His purposes.

Every government leader in the world has the same responsibility towards God to rule righteously. Their authority is given and ordained by God. We all can testify most world leaders are not following through with their obligation. Citizens had the same problem thousands of years ago. David wrote the 58^th Psalm as a lament against tyranny, wicked leaders, and judges. He criticized the rulers for being silent in righteous matters. “Do you rulers indeed speak justly?” (1:1a niv) And he questioned their integrity in administering justice. “Do you judge people with equity?” (1:1b niv) The answer to both questions is no. In fact, they were doing just the opposite, devising evil schemes that resulted in cruel injustice. Not much has changed over time.

There have been and still are government leaders who try to do the right thing for the people. But with the current situation the world is in we need a lot more of them. This pass election year was a pivotal point for most countries in the world in how they will govern in the future. People across the globe have expressed their dissent with the violence, chaos, drug cartels, corruption, and instability of their countries. And most voted in that way. These newly elected rulers have their work cut out for them. First and foremost is the recognition that their position is authorized by the God of the universe, and they are accountable to Him. The second is to rule righteously and administer justice according to the one who gave the authorization to govern. Third, and this is for us, to pray for our leaders wherever we reside.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1Tim.2:1-2 niv)

A Christian Perspective

Look to the God of Heaven to Supply Your Need

December 14, 2024December 11, 2024 Loring Schultz

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches.” Philippians 4:19a NLT

On January 20, 2025, the United States will have a new administration in the White House with the support of both houses of congress. Depending on which side of the aisle you align yourself with, you think it’s either a good thing or a bad thing. One side is hopeful they will get everything they voted for, and the other side is afraid they will lose all they had. There was a time in Washington D.C. where there was a thing called compromise for what is best for ‘we the people.’ But that doesn’t seem to exist today. So, we look for our party to be in power to get what we think we need for ourselves.

There has been some concern reported by the news media about budget cuts being proposed which would diminish quality of life and the needs of people in the country. (1) It is admirable that we as a country take care of its citizens and do what we can so all can live safe in freedom with their needs met. But with that said, let us be reminded, as Christians, that the Lord God is the one who supplies our needs. He does so like no country in the world, even the United States could possibly do.

Our lives are to be dependent on our Lord God and not any government institution. We are His children, and He will supply our needs. It is very possible the Lord will use government programs to meet our needs, but they come under His direction as He works His will. Israel is God’s chosen people, His children, and He told them as they were about to enter the Promised Land, “The LORD will send rain at the proper time from his rich treasury in the heavens and will bless all the work you do. You will lend to many nations, but you will never need to borrow from them.” (Dt.28:12 nlt) God promised to take care of His children, and He will. May we move our faith away from government and put it where it belongs, in the God of heaven.

“For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” (2Cor.9:10 nlt)

(1) Federal budget overhaul could cut deep in Trump country