Tag: Jesus

Devotionals

A Cry of Rejected Love

Loring Schultz

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” Matthew 23:37 NLT

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I am sure many of us have felt the rejection of love, either by a romantic relationship, by a parent or sibling, by our closest friends, or a group of people you had a close bond with. There is a deep hole in your heart that takes time to fill if at all. Our Lord Jesus, being fully man and fully God, also felt the rejection of love from those He came to save, His own chosen people of Israel.

In the final week of Jesus’ life on earth, known as Passion Week, before His crucifixion Jesus cried out His heart-felt rejection from the people of the nation and the city of Jerusalem which he loved. Despite His rebuke of them in rejecting and killing the prophets throughout their history, Jesus loved His people and wanted to protect them from harm by coming to save them. But they refused and rejected His love for them.

We are amid the Lenten season with Passion Week just around the corner. As we observed the events of Jesus’ last week may we remember the reason for each one. Jesus came to us in our sinful world for just that reason, to die redeeming us from eternal wrath away from God for those who trust in Him for salvation. He rose again on Easter Sunday to assure of everlasting life. This Easter season do not reject the love Jesus has shown towards you. Jesus wants to gather you and protect you under His wings of salvation, please let Him do it. Accept His gift of salvation.

Devotionals

I Pledge Allegiance

Loring Schultz

“Then she cried out, ‘Samson! The Philistines have come to capture you!’ When he woke up, he thought, ‘I will do as before and shake myself free.’ But he didn’t realize the LORD had left him.” Judges 16:20 NLT

“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.” Matthew 10:37 NLT

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The Old Testament account of Samson and Delilah is intriguing in both Delilah’s deceptive means and the secret of Samson’s strength. Delilah attempted several times to entice Samson to reveal the secret of his great strength. Of course she was doing this for her own financial gain, and Samson went along to satisfy his own need in playing a game with her. Samson, a Nazirite from birth, should not have been in the position he was in. Although a man of great strength, he had a weakness for captivating women, a weakness which led to disastrous consequences.

A Nazirite is one who is separated unto God. In Samson’s day there were three restrictions for a Nazirite; no wine, no haircuts, and no contact with a dead body. In Samson’s case the angel of the Lord announced his birth to his mother by saying, “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and his hair must never be cut. For he will be dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. He will begin to rescue Israel from the Philistines.” (Judges 13:5nlt)

Many view when Samson finally gave in to Delilah, and she cut his hair, that the secret of his strength was in his hair. Samson himself said to her, “……If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as anyone else.” (Judges 16:17nlt) But, modern day theologian John MacArthur makes the following observation, “His strength came from his unique relation to God, based on his Nazirite pledge. His long hair was only a sign of it. When, Delilah became more important to him than God, his strength was removed.” (1) Samson’s pledge of allegiance was to Delilah, not to God as before.

Jesus, in instructing His disciples, said “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine.” (Mt. 10:37nlt) These sound like harsh statements, but they are from Jesus, God the Son, who sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins, in order that we may have eternal life. To whom do you pledge allegiance?

Read the rest of the story of Samson and Delilah: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges+16&version=NLT

(1) The MacArthur Study Bible; Word Publishing, Thomas Nelson Bibles, 1997.    

Devotionals

I am the Resurrection and the Life

Loring Schultz

“Jesus told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.’” John 11:25 NLT

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The story is told of another miracle perform by Jesus in the eleventh chapter of the gospel of John. This particular one is perhaps the greatest of them all. Jesus raised a person from the dead, one who had been dead four days. The person was Lazarus, a very close and personal friend along with Lazarus’s sisters Mary and Martha. When Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was before he left in response to the news. (Jn. 11:6) The question immediately comes to mind, why? Why did he wait two days?

Some have suggested that Jesus knew that Lazarus was already dead when the messenger’s arrived to tell Him that His friend was sick. Perhaps so, but there seems to be a deeper explanation. For those present at Lazarus’s resurrection and for those of us in our day, it is a matter of trust (or faith) in Jesus Christ. Do we believe the He is in control, that He is never late, that He loves us unconditionally, that He is God the Son, and that nothing is impossible for Him to do?

Raising Lazarus from the dead was not impossible for Jesus to do, He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus also said, “Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” We are assured of a place in heaven and eternal life if we put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, God the Son, who said, “I am the resurrection and the life.

Read: John 11:1-44 NLT – The Raising of Lazarus – A man named – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Select Believability    

Loring Schultz

“The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’” Psalm 110:1 NLT

“Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?’” Matthew 22:45 NLT

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A survey conducted by Ligonier Ministries in 2020 found that 52% of adults in the United States believe that Jesus is not God. Taking the results of that survey at face value, it mirrors 52% of U.S. adults do not believe in the Bible or have what I call ‘select believability.’ It is tragic to fall into the trap of considering certain portions of scripture as subject to debate or simply not true. I would hate to think John 3:16 or Romans 10:9, or even 1 John 4:16, “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.” (NLT) would fall under select believability.

The very basis of our salvation is found in the truth of Jesus Christ being God. Yes, fully man and fully God. A perfect sacrifice was needed to redeem us from our sin and Jesus being only a man would not qualify. There needed to be perfect, sinless lamb to take away the sins of the world. (Jn. 1:29) Sadly, those who believe Jesus is not God have no hope of eternal salvation. Their hope lies in what they believe or disbelieve in scripture. It comes down to what makes the most sense and is logical. Jesus Himself assures us that he indeed is God.

Jesus was constantly being bombarded with questions from the Jewish rulers during His day. All their questions were to trap Him and disprove His claim of deity being the Messiah. Jesus finally got His chance to submit a question to them, which cleared up the whole matter and silence them once and for all. Jesus was able to do what the Jewish rulers could not do, He trapped them with their own words. They couldn’t answer accurately without acknowledging Jesus is the Messiah.

Jesus asked them whose son is the Messiah. The answer was well-known by all Jewish people, the Messiah would be the son of David. Jesus then quoted David’s prophecy in the book of Psalms, “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’” (110:1 NLT) Then He asked the rulers, “Since David called the Messiah ‘my Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?’” (Mt. 22:45 NLT) If the rulers answered correctly, they would have said the Messiah is the divine son of God and existed before David from all eternity, but they could not. “No one could answer him. And after that, no one dared to ask him any more questions.” (Mt. 22:46 NLT) Don’t fall in line with the 52% suffering from select believability when the truth is plain to see in scripture. Jesus is God!

Devotionals

A Special Privilege

Loring Schultz

“Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: ……Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:2-5a, 7-8 (NLT)

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A privilege in itself is special. It is defined as; “a special right, favor, etc. granted to some person or group.” Twelve unsuspecting ordinary men had the right and favor granted to them to be called one of Jesus’s apostles. Together as a group they had the privilege of being part of the biggest movement in the history of the world, the ushering of the Kingdom of God. Who were these men and what were their credentials that Jesus recognized them as being worthy to be part of His team? Their credentials were they were simply ordinary men. We may refer to them today, as ordinary Joe or an average Joe. Nothing spectacular stands out among the average. They mix in unnoticeably within society as one among the millions in the world. Yet, as Christians we understand that there is no one with higher credentials to serve the Lord as the one He chooses.

Examine the lives of each of the apostles. How much do we know about them? Scripture tells us Peter, Andrew, James and John were fisherman. Matthew was a tax collector. Thomas is known for his doubting, and Judas Iscariot most noted for his betrayal of Jesus. We are able to gather some information as to birth place and character of the other apostles, Philip, Bartholomew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the zealot, and Thaddaeus, but how much do we know about them. The point being that all these men were just plain old ordinary men in the eyes of the world, but to Jesus who called them they were extraordinary in their service to Him through the authority He gave them. (Mt. 10:1)

Our Lord is looking for ordinary Joes and Janes today to continue the work the apostles started two thousand years ago. If you are a true believer in the Lord Jesus then you are called for a special purpose, a purpose and work only you are called to do. You made not heal the sick, cast out demons, or raise the dead, but you are able to work the works of Him who called you. It is a special privilege.  

Devotionals

A Place of Undeserved Privilege

Loring Schultz

“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:2 NLT

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The most coveted championship ring in all sports is the NFL Super Bowl Ring. Depending on the design and the materials used to produce them, they range from $30,000 to $50,000. The winning team orders the standard 150 rings. There are many who are not in uniform and on the field but are on the sidelines and within the organization in various support positions. The distribution of the Super Bowl rings is at the discretion of ownership. Obviously, every player and the coaching staff receives a ring, along with those deemed vital to the team’s success on the field. But there are others receiving a ring who may have a sense of an undeserved privilege in receiving one due to their limited role. Clubs have been known to give rings to the members of the practice squad and even the cheerleaders among others.

 Have you ever felt you have been put in a place of undeserved privilege? Perhaps you received an award with your corporate team members for outstanding accomplishments knowing your input was of a limited nature. Awkwardness surrounds you as you share in the glory with your teammates. No matter how hard you try you cannot shake the undeserved feeling until your team leader says you were brought on to share in this joy. You may have felt undeserved, but your team leader wanted you on the team.

God wants us on His team. He has made it possible by sending Christ to provide the way for us through His death and resurrection. Romans 5:2 says, “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” (NLT) It is by our faith in what Jesus Christ has done for us that we are brought into this place of undeserved privilege. An important note to remember is that everyone God’s team is an undeserved member. God chose us for His team, not for our abilities, but because of His love for us. We now have the undeserved privilege with our teammates to share God’s glory confidently and joyfully with others in need of a ring.  

Devotionals

What have you done to be accepted by God?

Loring Schultz

“Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.” Romans 3:27-28 NLT

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Paul, writing to the church in Rome, says, “Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law.” (Ro. 3:27 NLT) There are many churches today, denominational, and autonomous, that have incorporated sets of rules or by laws to be agreed to and followed by members of the church. But in no way by obeying them along with your good deeds of kindness do they guarantee you or help you get a seat in heaven. Paul further goes on to say, “It is based on faith. So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.” (Ro. 3:27b-28 NLT) Paul was referring to the Old Testament law of Moses, but it can be easily applied here in our day. The people in Paul’s day, both Jews and Gentiles, were saved by faith in Christ and not by keeping the law.

There has been a false narrative passed down from generation to generation that says, if my good deeds of kindness outweigh my bad deeds, God will accept me into heaven. No one can take issue with ‘good deeds being good.’ Yes, they are, and we should do as many of them as possible. But where do we find reasonable evidence that God accepts these as good enough for entrance into heaven except in our mind.  The only rock-solid evidence we have for entrance into heaven and eternal life is found in the pages of scripture, the Holy Bible.

Being accepted by God is not about doing good works or obeying the rules for church membership as important they may be. Acceptance by God for salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9 ESV)

If you feel you have fallen short with all you’re trying to do for God’s acceptance, you’re right! If you feel you are doing enough or the best you can to be accepted by God, I’m sorry but you are wrong. Salvation and acceptance by God into heaven is through simple faith as recorded for us in God’s Word. So, what have you done to be accepted by God? All you need to do is have faith!

Read: Romans 3:21-31 NLT – Christ Took Our Punishment – But now – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Love, Bless, Do Good, and Pray for those who Hate You!

Loring Schultz

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’ ‘But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.’” Matthew 5:43-44 NKJV

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I have heard people say, ‘I like everybody.’ Others have commented, ‘There isn’t a person he or she hasn’t met they do not like.’ Not to be overly critical, but I find that hard to believe. There are a lot of people I don’t like. Sounds unchristian, I know. But think about it. Do you like everyone you know or have ever met? A pastor friend of mine said to me a few years back as I was pursuing a pastorate ministry, you don’t need to like everyone in your congregation, you need to love them. I admit it was a comforting thought, but then realized I needed to love them. That is hard enough, but what about those you despise and hate you, how do you love them?

In the most famous sermon of all time, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’” (Mt. 5:43 NKJV) Loving your neighbor is certainly found in the pages of the Old Testament of which those in His hearing would have recognized. But ‘hate your enemy’ is not in scripture but was from hearing the scribes and Pharisees interpretation on how to apply the command of ‘love your neighbor.’ Obviously, they taught that if you didn’t like someone and they were indeed your enemy, it was permitted to hate them.

Jesus, as he always did, corrected their ill-advised thinking. He knew what they had heard and were taught was the growing sentiment of how to treat people and said to them, ‘But I say to you.’ He was telling them to forget what they heard from their teachers and listen to Him. Those who follow Jesus, live by a whole set of different rules, His rules. We are to love our enemies, bless those who ridicule and mock us, be nice to those who mistreat us, and pray for those who take advantage of us, and persecute us. Again, how are we to do this, love those who hate us? On our own this is impossible, but with Christ’s love living in us through the Holy Spirit, we are assured to love our enemies, even those we don’t like.

Read: Matthew 5:43-48 NKJV – Love Your Enemies – “You have heard – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Guard the Treasure

Loring Schultz

“Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:14 NASB

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What treasures have you been entrusted with? Those who have children have those precious jewels placed in their trusting care from God. Those who work in financial institutions have large sums of money entrusted to them.  Those who serve in law enforcement have the safety of the lives they protect and serve entrusted to them. And those of us who are Christians have the treasure of the Gospel entrusted to us.

The apostle Paul instructs his son in the faith, Timothy, to guard the treasure which had been entrusted to him, the life giving message of Salvation. Timothy was instructed to guard or keep watch over the presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ against the false teachers of his day.

Just as Timothy had false teachers in his day, we also have false teachers in our day who distort the Gospel of Salvation through Jesus Christ. We are to guard and keep watch, “through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” the True Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. And we can use Jesus’s own words: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life………. I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn. 3:16, 14:6 NASB)

We have been entrusted with the most valuable treasure known to mankind, Guard the Treasure!

Devotionals

Can you keep a Secret?

Loring Schultz

“And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” Romans 2:16 NLT

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There are specific things in our lives we would like to remain secret. Not all these things are of a sinful nature, referred to as secret sins, but also certain matters of embarrassment we rather not be made public. I can recall many dumb and embarrassing things I have done in my life I’d rather be left in the memory of those who have witnessed them. True friends will keep the secret, but others are not so obliged in revealing the episode to others. There is not much you can do after the fact except hope it will not be used against you as a butt of a joke or even worse to make sport of you to harm you. 

Some people are good at keeping certain areas of their lives extremely private and secret. This is not to condemn one who does, but for whatever reason you choose not to share and keep secret, there is one who knows everything. God the Father knows every detail and the deep dark secrets of our lives. We are unable to keep any secret from God. He even knows what we are thinking, or what we are about to think. But God will not reveal what He knows about us to anyone. God can keep a secret.

Although God can keep a secret, He will never allow us to get away with any sin in our lives unconfessed. And there will be a day when all Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of our lives, both public and private. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” (NLT) May we keep in mind even though God forgives us of our sin, and can keep a secret, “that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.” (Rom. 2:16 NLT)