Tag: Holy Spirit

Devotionals

In All Points Tempted

Loring Schultz

Read: Matthew 4:3-11 NKJV – Now when the tempter came to Him, he – Bible Gateway

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1 NKJV

Photo by Laura Baker on Unsplash

Have you ever felt tested by the Lord? Have you experienced something that is going on in your life driven by a divine nature? Is this a test you ask yourself, more precisely is this a test from God Himself? There are times in our lives where the Lord will test us, never tempt us, but He will surely test us. The results of our testing is either a pass or fail grade. God does not grade on a curve or allow for extra credit for going over and above what He requires of us, our faithfulness. So how are you doing when tested? Do you pass each test with excellence, or do you fail miserably or even miss it by the skin of your teeth? How can you live in faithfulness to God throughout all your trials and testing in your life, even those of a divine nature by the Holy One.

In Matthew chapter 4, we read the account of the temptation of Jesus by the devil. As previously mentioned, God will never tempt us, but the devil certainly will. What is noticeable is the fact that “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Mt.4:1 nkjv) Jesus was indeed tempted by the devil, but it was through the leading of the Spirit that Jesus submitted to a forty day and forty night’s stay in the wilderness. Jesus being tempted by the devil for forty days without food or drink is presented with three more challenging temptations. It is through these last three temptations, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life that Jesus “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb.4:15 nkjv)

We may find it hard to understand how Jesus was tempted in every way we are today. How could He be tempted in the same way? We find the answer in He is fully God and also fully man. The temptations were real. He withstood every one of them by relying on the Word of God.

We are never beyond being tempted in our world. The devil and his cohorts are active and pursuing. In all our temptations we are to look to the Word of God. Let us not confuse the testing of God with the temptation of the evil one, but to understanding the Lord’s desire to lead us to faithfulness and all righteousness. May we look to our example Jesus Christ who being led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, overcame ‘in all points tempted.’ .

Devotionals

Our Helper in Prayer      

Loring Schultz

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” Romans 8:26-27 NLT

Photo by Billy Leivon on Unsplash
 

Do you ever have trouble finding the rights words in speaking to someone? It may be a delicate subject and you do not know how to start the conversation. You start with common pleasantries hoping to find an opening to express the matter that is on your heart. Once starting the conversation you still fumble and stumble not knowing what to say. For a lot of Christians, praying to God feels the same way. We cannot find the words to communicate to God our needs and concerns. Not to worry, the Lord knows all about it and has given us a helper when we pray.

First of all, we Christians need to understand that the Lord knows our need before we even ask Him. “….for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Mt.6:8 nlt) Now, that does not mean we do not pray, God still wants us to ask Him. He wants us to have that fellowship with Him through prayer. Secondly God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us by guiding us through our prayers. When our hearts are burdened with specific issues sometimes it is hard to find the right words. Again, not to worry. The Holy Spirit will pray for us taking what is on our hearts and expressing to the Lord perfectly.

We can be assured that God hears our prayers. Having that confidence should inspire us to reach out to God each day in prayer. We know God knows our need and will hear our prayer through our own lips or our hearts through the help of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers will be in harmony with God’s will and He will answer according to His will.

Devotionals

Strong Foundations

Loring Schultz

Read:Psalm 11 NASB – The LORD, a Refuge and Defense. – For – Bible Gateway

“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 NASB

Construction workers pouring concrete around rebar at an urban building site
Workers pour and level concrete amid dense rebar at a downtown construction site.

King David encourages apprehensive people who fear the crumbling of law-and-order by the underhanded authorities by saying, “In the Lord I take refuge; How can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain.” (Ps.11:1 nasb) During this time in David’s reign Israel’s enemies seem to be at an advantage. The people want to flee as a bird to the mountains. They have fallen to accept that the world order will not allow good to triumph over evil. This is relative to our day. We can easily fall into the same trap thinking, “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Ps.11:3 nasb)

David reminds the people God is still on His throne and He is the foundation. He will act righteously toward the righteous and bring judgement on those who abuse their power by their wicked deeds. The strong foundation of law-and-order is the Lord Himself and His Word. Any other foundation set up by the world is wicked and will not stand. They will achieve victories in this fallen world, but their ultimate end is destruction. “Upon the wicked He will rain snares; Fire and brimstone and burning wind will be the portion of their cup.” (Ps.11:6 nasb)

The bottom line is the Lord is the foundation of law-and-order in this world. It is a strong foundation. Let us now apply this to our spiritual lives. How strong is your foundation? Christians have the Holy Spirit living inside them from the time of salvation. You won’t possess any more of the Spirit than you already have, but are you building on that already strong foundation for the law and order in your life? God has given us His Word to live by. The world can rule righteously in law and order if it is based on God’s strong foundations. However, we know that is mostly not the case. So, we must be wise and discerning in the world’s view of law-and-order and God’s righteous view especially in our spiritual lives.

Devotionals

Unbelief is Unbelief

Loring Schultz

“But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in him. This is exactly what Isaiah the prophet had predicted: ‘LORD, who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm?’” John 12:37-38 NLT

Woman sitting on bench looking down near a broken wooden cross in outdoor setting

In today’s broken world it is hard to have faith in someone. World leaders and politicians are the biggest targets when it comes unbelievability. News media outlets, social media influencers, some teachers, and professors are a close second in being untrustworthy. Even previous accomplishments on display are not enough to convince people if a certain person is one worthy of respect.

Perhaps you are one who struggles finding it hard to trust people, especially those in authority whether in government or in the church. In a sinful world it helps to remember there is no one perfect. Putting our trust in someone today should only go so far. Observing the person, matching their words with their actions is necessary. If consistent, it is a safe bet they are worthy of your trust. Seeing is believing is was once said, but even then some people will still not trust and believe.

In Jesus’ day even after all the miracles He perform in front of thousands of people, John writes many still did not believe in Him. In this case, seeing was not believing. Jesus may not be physically on earth today but there are still modern-day miracles taking place if you see them for what they are. People today who question the existence of God, maybe you are one of them, would like to see some proof in this troubled world. There is plenty of proof to go around. When Jesus Himself walked the earth performing miracles people still did not believe in Him. If Jesus were here today performing miracles He would still find those unbelievers not believing in Him.

So, what is the bottom line for the unbeliever? This same Jesus is still alive and active in the world today through the Holy Spirit. If you feel something stronger than your insistence there is no God or that all of us end up in a good place when we die, it may very well be the Holy Spirit drawing you to Jesus. Do not resist! Do not be as those who see but refuse to believe. Jesus is real. His salvation is real. Eternity is real, and hell is real. The Holy Spirit is leading you from unbelief to belief. You will not get there on your own. Follow the Spirit’s leading and accept Christ today and believe.

Devotionals

Be Humble, Pray, and Seek the Lord  

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Chronicles 7:12-16 NLT – Then one night the LORD appeared to – Bible Gateway

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Photo by Nuno Silva on Unsplash

A few days ago Donald Trump, the president of the United States, read a portion of Scripture as part of a marathon reading of the Bible in an America 250-themed event. The United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary of independence on July 4th of this year. The passage he read from in 2 Chronicles was appropriate as the Lord promises to bless those who call on Him and He will restore their land. America sure needs it. The news media did not see it that way but criticized the reading as misrepresenting the Bible and not applicable to our time. Granted it was a different time and I will not make this a political piece (that is for our Saturday’s Christian Perspective each week) but this passage does apply. It applies as an example for the nation and for every person in the world today. The Bible is God’s living and breathing Word and it applies to everyone every day.

Christians can claim the words ‘Then if my people who are called by my name’ as applying to them, which I am one. When one accepts Christ as savior they have been drawn by the Holy Spirit unto salvation. We are called ‘Christians’ after Jesus Christ’s name and the Holy Spirit resides in every Chrisitan upon salvation. The Lord says when we humble ourselves, pray, and seek His face that He will hear us.

The Lord also demands that we turn from our wicked ways. Turning to God in prayer seeking Him with a humble attitude while still sinning against Him brings into question, how serious are we? Do we care about restoration or do we want to keep a couple of sins in our back pocket. The Lord God wants one-hundred percent commitment in our humility, prayer, seeking Him, and turning away from our sin. He then promises to forgive us and restore us. Yes, this passage applies today for everyone. Praise God that it does!

Devotionals

Our Guaranteed Inheritance               

Loring Schultz

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV

Engraved pocket watch, brass key, old letters, framed sepia photo, and vintage books on wooden table
Vintage keepsakes including an engraved pocket watch and old letters on a wooden table

It is a shame that in our world an inheritance is not guaranteed. The family fortune may not be handed down to you. A precious heirloom may be given to someone else. Your right as a child to inherent is not always guaranteed in this life. But as a child of God bought by the blood of Jesus Christ you are guaranteed an inheritance.

At the moment we receive Christ as our savior the Holy Spirit takes up residence within us. Not only is the Holy Spirit dwelling in us to guide us through this life, but He is the assurance of our salvation and eternal inheritance. The apostle Paul says we ‘were marked in Him with a seal.’ It is a seal of authenticity, authority, security, and ownership. We belong to Christ. Jesus purchased us and has given us His Holy Spirit as a pledge (deposit) guaranteeing our future inheritance.

There are not many guarantees in life that are 100% guaranteed, such as a product you may have purchased. The way you have treated or mistreated the item will determine if the guarantee is honored. Our salvation is guaranteed. There is nothing we can do to lose our salvation and our eternal inheritance. It does not depend on us as it did not depend on us when we trusted in Christ. It was the work of the Holy Spirit who led us and we are now sealed guaranteeing of our inheritance. Rejoice in that today!

Devotionals

Level Ground      

Loring Schultz

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10 ESV

Photo by Pierre Van Crombrugghe on Unsplash

There is a chorus of an old hymn that goes like this, “Lord, lift me up and let me stand By faith on heaven’s table land; A higher plane than I have found-Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” The hymn writer’s desire is heaven, the higher ground. I’m sure that’s a song many Christians relate to in our struggling days. That got me to thinking. Actually King David got me to thinking when he wrote in the Psalm 143, “Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (143:10 esv)

We know heaven is a glorious place, free from the cares and sorrows of this world, yes, a much higher and desired place. Those of us who know the Lord are sure to be there and are looking forward to it, but in the meantime we are away from our heavenly home here in a rocky and dry land. There are many hills and valleys we go through every day of our lives. There is no level playing field in this world, but we have a God who is able to level the ground for us.

His Holy Spirit is there to guide us. May we not neglect His presence in our lives. He is able to lift us up from the deepest valley and guide us down a slippery slope of anxiety and fear. When we are trusting in God and asking Him to teach us to do His will, we can be sure He will lead us on level ground. So, as we look forward to that ‘higher ground’ let us rejoice we can walk today on ‘level ground.’

(1) Johnson Oatman, Jr.

Devotionals

Never Alone

Loring Schultz

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 KJV

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Everyone needs a little comfort every now and again. A kindly spoken word will do the trick for some while others need someone able to provide deep comfort only by their presence, no words necessary. The frustrations of living in a complex society can be soothed quickly by others as they encourage us. They affirm the everyday struggles we all deal with, and their words are a lift to our spirit. It is often enough to help us continue. But there are times when we need the constant presence of those who comfort us in our time of need. Unfortunately, that is not always possible in our world of responsibility. However, there is one constant companion who will never leave your side and is there to comfort. So, you will never be alone.

In the upper room the night before going to the cross Jesus prepared the disciples for His leaving. He informed them they would not be left comfortless; He would always be with them. He promised to send the Holy Spirit, His constant presence with them. Jesus assured them, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.” (Jn.14:16 nlt)

Jesus kept His promise. The Holy Spirit is with every believer in Jesus Christ. If you know the Lord as your savior, He is your constant companion and always by your side. “For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5b esv) What a comfort it is to know of the Lord’s presence with us in whatever we are going through. There may be times when you feel you are struggling alone, but if you’re a child of God you are not alone. Your friends and closest loved ones cannot always be there when you need them, but Jesus is always there by your side. You’re never alone.

Devotionals

This Prophecy is for You          

Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 40:1-5 NLT – Comfort for God’s People – Bible Gateway

“Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” Isaiah 40:4 NLT

“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” John 6:44 NLT

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Isaiah brings a prophecy of comfort to the nation Israel after just prophesying of the judgment to come upon them for their sin against God. They will be carried off by the Babylonians into exile for seventy years. The Lord God tells Isaiah to “Comfort, comfort my people, Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned.” (Is.40:1-2 nlt)

The road back to the Promised Land was cleared by the Lord after their forgiveness. They will be able to return home and re-establish worship with God. “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Is.40:3 nlt) This prophecy also references the coming of the Messiah for the Jewish people. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, quoted these verses announcing His arrival. John’s words were not only for the Jewish people but for all mankind. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world has come.

How does this prophecy relate to each of us in our current day? The road to salvation for us is made straight and smooth as it was for the nation of Israel on their return to the Promised Land. The geographical features of the valleys, mountains and hills, along with the curves and rough places symbolizes the carnal mind and heart of the sinner. The road must be leveled for us to reach the promised land of salvation in Christ. The Lord has done this through Holy Spirit for all who accept God’s calling unto salvation. We cannot clear the way on our own. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us unto salvation.

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5-6 nlt)

Devotionals

Never Give Up              

Loring Schultz

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:11-18 NLT – Yes, we live under constant danger of – Bible Gateway

“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT

Photo by Dez Blah on Unsplash

Those of us who are a little older realize our bodies don’t function as well as they did some time ago. Let alone start something new like going to the gym for physical workouts, it’s more than just a malfunction, it’s your new reality. But all is not lost. I’m finally taking my doctor’s repeated advice over the years to exercise. It took me awhile to get around to it, but I eventually did. It would have been a lot easier for me with an earlier start, but I’m not giving up. Even at my age there are still some benefits.

Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth that although ‘our bodies are dying; our spirits are being renewed every day.’ (2Cor.4:16 nlt) The apostle was referring to the natural aging process but was putting an extra focus on his own body due to the hardships of his lifestyle, wearing himself out in ministry along with the beatings and attacks he received from his enemies. These circumstances sped up the process for him. But through it all, at the same time his soul was continually being fed and growing spiritually being renewed each day. That is why Paul was able to say he never gave up.

The day-to-day struggles we incur seem to grow larger and more difficult as we age, but at the same time our souls should be increasing in the spirit of the Lord. The question is, is it? And this is not only for older folk, but for the young alike. Consider this is your spiritual check-up. How are you doing? Are you growing spiritually in the Lord? Do you have regular spiritual workouts of Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance with other Christians? If not, it’s time to get around to it so you never give up.