Light – Word for the Soul

Pay Them No Mind

January 17, 2026January 15, 2026 Loring Schultz

“The words of the godly are like sterling silver; the heart of a fool is worthless.” Proverbs 10:20 NLT

Not to get into politics, well, maybe a little. Mostly everything in one way or another is political. We all have opinions and convictions we hold to. At times we find it hard not to respond to voices opposite of ours. Especially if they are said or written in a mean-spirited and untruthful manner. We may feel it’s our right and duty to expose this wrong for what it is, foolish and worthless. So, perhaps a better response would be to ‘pay them no mind.’

The last few weeks here in the United States we witnessed a full display of foolishness, to be polite, of the rhetoric concerning government affairs. It began with a biased news media and politicians feeding their hungry base of social media pundits who repeat and add on to their reporting to support their ideology on the subject. But their main agenda is to cause division within the nation. I will say they have succeeded. It is tempting to want to call them out, but will they see the error of their ways? Scripture says, Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.” (Pr.23:9 nlt)

Most disheartening are the posts on social media by well-respected individuals, people you know, close friends, and even family members who post an opposing point of view based on ideology and not the truth. There’s an old saying, ‘don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.’ As believers in Christ we walk a fine line. Yes, truth should be told and lies exposed. But how do we do this? The apostle Paul gives us some advice, “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible.” (Eph.5:10-11, 13-14 nlt)

Christians have the light of Christ within them. Light automatically dispels darkness, lies are uncovered. So how do we respond? We respond by living a Christlike life and speaking the truth in line with God’s Word. When the lies start to come our way, it’s best to ‘pay them no mind.’

Devotionals

Your own light will not dispel your darkness

January 13, 2026January 12, 2026 Loring Schultz

“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys his servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God. But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment.” Isaiah 50:10-11 NLT

Most people have a favorable opinion of themselves. We tend to see ourselves as basically good with only a few flaws which all of us have. There aren’t too many who would say they are walking in darkness. But if you are a true Christian, you know that you have walked in darkness. Ephesians 5:8 says, “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!” (nlt) Those who have accepted Christ as savior walked in darkness of unforgiven sin and separation from God until they saw the light of Christ dispel their darkness. Paul confirms this in Colossians 1:13 when he says, “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son.” (nlt)

The temptation to create your own light, either by acts of self-righteousness by denying God, or observing laws of man-made religions, may make you feel good and secure, but it leads to great torment. The prophet Isaiah writing what God revealed to him wrote, “But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment.” (Is. 50:11 nlt) The Lord God graciously gives us an invitation for salvation by trusting in Him and warning us that any effort to create our own light to illuminate the way to God will end in eternal torment. There is only one way to dispel your darkness, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” (Eph. 2:8-9 nlt)

It’s time to dispel your favorable opinion of yourself because your own light will not dispel your darkness. But the true light has come as John proclaimed, “The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (Jn. 1:9, 12 nlt)

A Christian Perspective

A City on a Hill

September 18, 2025September 16, 2025 Loring Schultz

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 ESV

John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, coined the phrase ‘A City on a Hill’ while aboard the flagship Arabella upon arriving on the shores of present-day New England. An English Puritan lawyer, Winthrop was in pursuit of religious freedom along with many others in early 17^th century England. His encouraging words to his shipmates set the tone for the work ahead of them lasting for centuries to come, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” His sentiments have been repeated countless times throughout the years in the United States of America as a mode of encouragement most famously used by both President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan.

Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world and a city on a hill. The landscape of America includes several cities that are elevated on mountainous terrain visible for all to see. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither can anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior be hidden from the world. Jesus’s words to His disciples apply to every Christian today. Christians are the light of the world and cities on a hill that can be seen by all. With such great amount of exposure, are we taking advantage of our opportunity to represent Christ, or are we allowing the clouds and fog of indifference to settle in?

People today are looking for light in a dark world. Christians possess the light of Christ and are placed on a hill of God’s choosing to bring the light of the gospel to others and to bring glory to God. Jesus said, “…..let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16b esv)

The Puritan settlers knew that future generations would look to them as a city on a hill. Christians today need to follow their example and live up to John Winthrop’s words, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” For all eyes are upon us, the city on a hill.

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.

Devotionals

Guiding Light for Our Decisions

February 17, 2025February 16, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 119:129-136 NKJV – פ PE Your testimonies are wonderful; – Bible Gateway

“The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 NKJV

When entering a dark room, the first thing we do is turn on a light. If we enter a room we haven’t been in before, we search for the light switch using the back lighting that is illuminating from outside the room. Turning on the light we can now move around and conduct our business.

There are many dark rooms we enter throughout our lives. Some are daily decisions that need to be made at the spur of the moment, and others are the major decisions made only occasionally in our lifetime. But all decisions have that uncertain shadow of what’s ahead. If only there was no shadow at all with enough light to enter each decision, we would be confident we’re making the right move.

The Psalmist wrote, ‘The entrance (or unfolding) of Your words gives light.’ The Bible contains everything we need to know in making those decisions of uncertainty. We need light to shine through the shadows of both the daily decisions and the life changing ones. Seeing that we make decisions daily, it stands to reason, the light always needs to be on. Daily reading of Scripture is a must for every Christian if we are to be in His will and make the right decisions.

Our Lord will not abandon us making our own decisions without His guidance. He has given us His Word in clarity for us to understand and obey it. The Psalmist also wrote, ‘It gives understanding to the simple,’ and that means all of us. God’s Word is the light which illuminates our ability to understand His message to us, most importantly for salvation, but also for those decisions to be made in the shadows of a dark room.

Devotionals

The Lamp of God Burns Continually

February 11, 2025February 10, 2025 Loring Schultz

“Command the people of Israel to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. The lampstand will stand in the Tabernacle, in front of the inner curtain that shields the Ark of the Covenant. Aaron and his sons must keep the lamps burning in the LORD’s presence all night.” Exodus 27:20-21 NLT

When the children of Israel set out for the Promised Land under Moses’ leadership, the Lord God gave instructions in the building and maintaining the Tabernacle of God. (Ex.25-27) One of the articles inside the Holy place of the Tabernacle was the golden lampstand. It was crafted resembling an almond tree in bloom. The lampstand gave light for the priests serving in the Tabernacle, and it was to be lit at twilight and never to go out until morning.

The Lord commanded that there be a sufficient supply of olive oil on hand to keep it burning continuously. Care was taken to ensure that the olives used in providing the oil were beaten rather than crushed, for it would produce a finer quality of clearer fuel burning brighter and with less smoke. This command to provide olive oil was given to the people to ensure that the priests would be able to keep the lamps burning.

Dark storm clouds and shadows of discouragement that fill our life dim the light around us. Soon we find ourselves fumbling in the dark and losing our way. But there is no need for Christians to succumb to the darkness when we have the light. Jesus tells us, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (Jn.8:12 nlt) The light in the Tabernacle symbolized the life-giving and light-giving power of God. It also typified our Lord Jesus who is the true light who came into the world to save us. Those of us who know Him as savior have the light, the lamp of God that burns continually. So, no need to walk around in the dark.

Devotionals

Live as Children of Light

February 7, 2025February 5, 2025 Loring Schultz

Read: Ephesians 4:17-32 NLT – Living as Children of Light – With the – Bible Gateway

“Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:24, 30 NLT

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

New converts to Christianity have a hard time relinquishing their old sinful habits. Once a person accepts Christ as savior they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, but the flesh takes time to surrender. In fact, total surrender will not happen until we’re with Christ in glory. We can make progress in our Christian Walk if we are constantly reminded of the old ways that we are to let go of and replace them with renewed thoughts and attitudes. We’ve been given a new nature in Christ to help us walk in the light.

Paul tells us to put on that new nature, but in a sense, we already have it. He is reminding us to live as if we have it, because we do. Paul is telling us it’s now time to remove our dirty old clothes and put on our clean new ones. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul lays out a section of living as children of light. (Eph.4:17-32) Before we came to know the Lord, we were living in darkness. There was no need for instructions on evil behavior, it came naturally. But even with our new nature, the old one still hangs around. Paul tells us to get rid of it by saying, “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.” (Eph.4:21-22 nlt)

Listing some of the things that still creep into our lives, Paul tells us to throw them in the pile of dirty clothes along with other sins he didn’t mention. For every piece we throw off, Paul tells us what to put on in its place. It takes time, but a steady progression of living in the light eliminates the darkness.

Devotionals

Darkness into Light

January 8, 2025January 7, 2025 Loring Schultz

“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light……Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Psalm 18:28, Micah 7:8b NIV

Certain people enjoy the dark. It is a place where quiet meditation can take place. It is a place to get away from it all. Romantic couples have their own reasons for enjoying the dark. Then there are those who prefer darkness, as Jesus says, because their deeds are evil. (Jn.3:19) Most crimes are committed after dark as the culprits do not want their identity known. Sadly, there are some who sit in darkness, not enjoying it and can’t find a way out. Light doesn’t penetrate through the solid dark walls around their mind and soul. The good news is that there is a penetrating light that can pierce through that dark wall into your soul. Jesus Christ, God the Son.

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (niv) Every individual has a soul darken by original sin until said person accepts Christ as savior removing the stain and punishment for our sin. Jesus then confirms we have been transformed from darkness into light in His Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world.” (Mt.5:14a niv) A darken soul has now become the light of the world.

The consensus from many people is that once a person becomes a believer in Christ all their problems go away. That is simply not true. We still live in a dark world with evil influences all around us and it is sure to have an effect on even the strongest Christians. We need help from the Lord during these difficult times, and it is found in His Word. David writes in Psalm 18:28, “You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” (niv) And Micah says, “Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” (Mic.7:8b niv) We don’t need to sit in darkness when the Lord keeps our lamps burning.

One final thought; God is there to help us through every situation in our lives, and that includes getting help from trained doctors and staff who treat those going through period of darkness in their lives. The Lord God has blessed us with these professionals, and they are there to help us. May we thank the Lord for the sources of light He gives to us in our time of need.

Devotionals

A Light in Winter

December 23, 2024December 19, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5 NLT

The winter solstice arrived here in the northern hemisphere this past weekend on Saturday, December 21, at 4:20 AM EST. It is the day with the shortest amount of daylight. For those who dread shorter daylight hours and the winter season, there is good news, from this day forward the days will be getting longer. The winter solstice has been celebrated for centuries in various forms influenced by pagan festivals.

The three most famous are Saturnalia in ancient Rome, the Norse Yule traditions from Scandinavia from where we get our ‘yule log,’ and the celebrations of the Druids. Winter solstice celebrations are still held all over the world. Some follow the early pagan festivals, and others adapted from within their various cultures. Perhaps the most notable today is the thousands of visitors who will make their way to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, just to take in what they believe it to be. All these festivals have one thing in common, the darkest day giving way to rising light in the future days.

Just a side note; it is true that some of our Christmas traditions were picked up from some of these pagan festivals, such as the ‘yule log,’ since Christmas was first recognized on December 25, 336. The truth is, no one can be certain what time of the year Christ was born, most likely it wasn’t December 25^th. The good news is, we know He came to earth being born of a virgin in Bethlehem.

It may not be a bad thing that Christmas is celebrated around the winter solstice. The world is anticipating the coming light to end their darkest days. What greater light is there for the world than the light of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation for those who believe in Him. The amount of Christmas lights displayed around the world during the season adds to that hope. We do not know if Christ was born around the winter solstice, but it is fitting we celebrate His birth by shining His light in winter for all the world to see.

Devotionals

A Guiding Light through a Dark World

July 11, 2024July 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

The first moments of a power outage occurring after sunset are sudden darkness. Whether in the comforts of your own home or in a public building, you can almost feel the darkness before the emergency lighting kicks in. I’ve had plenty of those experiences working in the public, and it is not fun especially when the emergency lighting doesn’t come on due to a faulty generator. Guiding people through a dark building to the exits was challenging. To be fair, in later years it got a lot easier to escort people out with light illuminating from cell phones. I thanked the Lord for modern technology, only if the generator could have gotten on the same page.

Going through life without the light of God’s Word is like trying to exit a building in the dark. You simply don’t know where you are going as you lose your direction. Bumping into things and other people is dangerous. There is no viable way to walk through safely unless you stand still and wait. Standing still in life is not an option, so without proper guidance from your creator you will stumble into areas you should avoid not seeing the warning signs ahead. The dangers we should avoid in life is clearly spelled out for us in the Bible. It may have been written thousands of years ago, but the dangers back then were the same dangers we have now. Ours are only modernized.

The psalmist realizes God’s Word is the light needed to navigate in this dark world. He writes, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path………I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O LORD; restore my life again as you promised. LORD, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations.” (Ps.119:105-108 nlt) God’s Word is filled with many life experiences relevant to our day. Proper lessons can be learned and applied in today’s dark world to keep us from stumbling and falling as we are guided by the light of God’s Word.

Read: Psalm 119:105-112 NLT – Nun Your word is a lamp to guide my – Bible Gateway