Tag: Love

A Christian Perspective

The Church is Open

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

Photo by Aaron Doucett on Unsplash

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.

Devotionals

Don’t Give Up               

Loring Schultz

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” Galatians 6:9 NLT

Photo by Brett Jordan on Pexels.com

Have you ever reached a point in your life when you throw up your hands and say, ‘why bother?’ You obey the law, except perhaps going over the speed limit, you’re kind to your neighbors sharing what the Lord has blessed you with, you volunteer for community projects, and you give to the poor. After a while you experience unsettling times when you sense your efforts are underappreciated or not recognized at all. On top of that, you don’t see anywhere your goodness has made a difference. Indeed, it can be unsettling. Paul has some advice for us ‘don’t give up.’

As the farmer waits patiently through the hot summer months until autumn to reap his crop, so must we be patient and not give up.. Our heavenly Father is the master gardener and we are His workers in His field. Our main job is to constantly plant seed, do good works as unto the Lord allowing Him to nurture our efforts by watering the ground and providing abundant sunshine to produce a bountiful crop. Some of our efforts may fall on hard stoney ground and never have the chance to sink in and make a difference. That shouldn’t stop us from doing good. We are to faithful and give it to the Lord.

It can be frustrating not seeing results from our work and not being appreciated, but we are not doing it for ourselves but for the Lord. His command to us is to love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves. And remember Paul’s advice, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” So, don’t give up!

Devotionals

Leaving Them All Behind

Loring Schultz

Read: Ruth 1:1-18 NLT – Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab – In – Bible Gateway

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NLT

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‘“Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.’” Luke 18:29-30 NLT

Our current society has helped drive families apart with a selfish attitude towards others, it’s a ‘me first’ society. Over time some families are restored but there needs to be forgiveness and a complete ‘same mind’ agreement for reconciliation. Many families struggle with problems in the home, forcing some to abandon their family, leaving them all behind. Societal ills make up most family break-ups today, but believe it or not, a deep faith in God and trusting in His Son Jesus for salvation made up the rest.

The book of Ruth gives us one of the earliest pictures of someone leaving their family to serve the Lord God of heaven. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became a widow at a young age. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was returning to her homeland in Judah from where she, her husband and their two sons left due to a severe famine. Ruth wanted to return with Naomi back to Israel. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, but also a great love for God. Perhaps Ruth saw something in Naomi even through the bitterness of her sorrow of losing her husband and two sons that caused Ruth to say, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth1:16b nlt) Ruth left her family behind to serve and worship God.

Jesus confirms there is a cost in following Him. In speaking to His disciples Jesus acknowledged there will be those who leave their families for the sake of the gospel, but they will be richly rewarded. Some will leave in pursuit of ministry work for Christ, but some others will be forced to leave their families who have rejected them for following Christ. If you are in this latter group know that Jesus understands, for He was also rejected by His family. Continue to follow Jesus, pray for your family, and don’t look back.

A Christian Perspective

Government Subsidies             

Loring Schultz

“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

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Government subsidies are benefits provided to individuals, businesses, educational institutions, medical facilities, social and economic programs, food distribution to low-income people, and industries involved in agriculture, energy, and housing. Many countries across the world supply these government subsidies. They vary as to the needs of the country and the resources available. For example, China and the European Union provide subsidies in agriculture. Poland, Germany, and France grant fossil fuel subsidies. The United States provides subsidies in agriculture and manufacturing, along with other industries for the advancement of a sound economy and the overall prosperity of its people.

While many government subsidies are beneficial and the taxpayer’s money is well spent, many are not so beneficial, and many need to be streamlined or eliminated. One area needed to be streamlined are the government assistance programs for the poor. Overall, government subsidies given for the health and welfare of the poor and elderly are needed programs. It is the responsibility of the government to care for those who cannot care for themselves and to assist those to be able to care for themselves. There are non-profit organizations that receive government assistance for their programs to feed and care for the poor. My question is, should Christian organizations including churches willingly accept money from the government in caring for the poor?  

I have heard it said, and have repeated it many times myself that, ‘if Christians and the church were doing what we should be doing there would be no need for government assistance.’ Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. No, we can’t feed the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fishes, but we can give what we can and watch the Lord multiply it through others doing the same. The church has a deeper responsibility in caring for the poor than any government. Government assistance is given out of duty and obligation. Christian giving is given out of love for Jesus Christ and love for our neighbor. When we love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves the Lord will provide what is necessary to help the poor and hungry through us.

Again, if the church is being the church and Christian organizations are adhering to Biblical standards there should be no need to accept federal money. Going into partnership with the deep pockets of the government may seem logical but it is what is known as a ‘red herring.’ First, the government’s deep pockets are filled with money that is non-existent. Adding to the federal debt when we as Christians can help with this problem is irresponsible and showing lack of faith in our creator. Secondly, once any Christian organization, church, medical facility, or educational institution accepts money from the federal government they have lost full control of administering the gospel message with the services they provide.

Government subsidies have their place in our world today, but they have put a strain on federal budgets across the world. The Christian church can help relieve some of the burden by being the church, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.  

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“For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem.” (Ro.15:26 nlt)

Devotionals

Love Your Enemies

Loring Schultz

Read: Luke 6:27-36 NLT – Love for Enemies – “But to you who – Bible Gateway

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27 NLT

Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton on Unsplash

The word ‘love’ is being tossed around so flippantly in our day that it is losing its meaning. Culturally and politically, it is used to ensure a safe place where love brings everyone together across all lines of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, race, and gender. This indeed works until it is found out that one does not agree with certain issues, then they are ostracized for their opinions or beliefs. What was to bring people is now separating them causing division. Love only works for some people when it is their definition of love, and you agree with them. The banished ones still strive to love those now disassociating with them, but it is to no avail.

You may have been or are now at the receiving end of such hostility for your opinions and your belief in Scripture. It is during these times that we look again to the Bible at some references of love. The ultimate definition of love is to sacrifice your life for others. “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Ro.5:8 nlt) The God of heaven sacrificed His Son Jesus, who willingly went to the cross for us defining the true meaning of love.

Again, “This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. We love each other because he loved us first.” (1Jn.4:10, 19 nlt) God first loved us enabling us to love Him and others. We are incapable of loving others outside of Christ. Which means we can love those who hate us, and look down on us, or as Jesus would say ‘we could love our enemies.’ Don’t be fooled by the world’s shallow definition of love. Give our enemies the opportunity to experience the true love of God through our actions towards them despite their feelings towards us.

Devotionals

The Lord’s Honored Guest

Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 23 KJV – The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not – Bible Gateway

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:5 KJV

Being held in a position of honor has always been a bit uncomfortable for me, not that it has happened very often. I’m thankful for the times in my life they have occurred. Some years back my wife and me along with my spiritual mentor and his wife received such an honor from the church we belonged to for we both were moving out of the area. It was a pleasant surprise, a joyous occasion, and a humble experience in the recognition we all received.

On such occasions we may also feel unworthy to receive such an honor. Yet, those providing the festivities have a different opinion. It was based on the love we had for each other in being part of the church family, the family of God. In reality, we are all sinners saved by grace through Christ’s love for us. As He has loved us, we love one another in our church family. The church held this special honor because of their love for us.

The 23rd Psalm, probably the most familiar passage in Scripture, ends with an honored guest experience. The psalm is written by King David, and he reveals that he is the Lord’s honored guest at His table. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.” (Ps.23:5a kjv) God is the gracious host providing a banquet and treating David as an honor guest. David was overwhelmed saying, “my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” (Ps.235b-6a kjv)  

That same honor applies to us today. If anything should make us feel uncomfortable or unworthy this would be it. The Lord God preparing a banquet for us and seating us as a guest of honor. But it is because of His great love for us that he invites us to His table to partake of His salvation prepared for us. You’re the Lord’s honored guest, don’t decline the invitation. R.S.V.P.

Devotionals

Love Came Down

Loring Schultz

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 KJV

Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Pexels.com

The most familiar verse in all of Scripture is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (kjv) God’s love came down to the world when He sent His Son to be born of a virgin over 2,000 years ago. The world was and is still in need of a savior. The angels announced to the shepherds on that first Christmas Eve, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Lk.2:11 kjv) Yes, God’s love came down. His plan of salvation from eternity passed, for you and me, had taken another step closer to its completion.

Jesus came into this world as the God-man to save sinners. His love for us is such that He left heaven’s glories to come here and live on this earth. Jesus lived and worked among us until His time came for the purpose of His coming. He would make the ultimate sacrifice dying on the cross of Calvary for our sins showing His love for us. Yes, Christ’s love for us came down thirty-three years earlier in the city of David, and it never wavered, even on the cross. His love that came down for us, kept Him up on the cross and this time did not come down.

We are incapable of reaching up to God for salvation. There is nothing we can ever do to save ourselves. So, love came down. ‘For God so loved the world.’ It is God’s desire that no one perishes into eternal damnation due to their sin. (2Pt.3:9) Christ’s coming to earth is proof of God’s love for us. Yes, love came down; in Jesus’ birth, in His death, in His resurrection, in sending us His Holy Spirit, and in His coming back again. Have you received God’s love that came down and accepted Christ as your savior?  

Read: Luke 2:1-20 KJV – And it came to pass in those days, that – Bible Gateway

Hear ‘Love Came Down’ by Kari Jobe:

Devotionals

What Really Matters When It Comes to Love

Loring Schultz

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.” Philippians 1:9-10 NLT

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

The world acknowledges every time there is a catastrophic event ‘love’ is missing, that it had been here from the beginning and now it is gone. But has it always been here? The Bible says God is love and for sure He is. There is a misunderstanding of the love of God among the people of the world which justifies sinful behavior. The love of God simply stated in scripture is, “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn.3:16 nlt)

Godly love has not been in the world, outside of those who know God, since the fall of our first parents, Adam and Eve. The world is incapable of this love if it does not know the true God of the Bible. John writes, “…. for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.” (1Jn.4:7b nlt) Obviously those who do not know God do not possess the love needed the help the world in crisis. But Christians do! “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1Jn.4:9-10 nlt)

It is vital for every Christian to know what really matters after we have accepted Christ as savior. Paul encourages us to ‘keep on growing in knowledge and understanding’ and that our love would overflow. It is not sentimental love, but love rooted in the knowledge of God. Understanding what really matters will help us to ‘live pure and blameless lives.’ Paul writes, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” (Ph.1:11 nlt) Then we are capable to share the gospel, the love of God, with the world who so desperately needs it. That’s ‘what really matters when it comes to love.’

Devotionals

Loving Others

Loring Schultz

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives” 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT

 Photo by Elianna Gill on Unsplash

There are certain passages of Scripture both in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible that are well-known to both avid readers and non-readers. One such passage is 1 Corinthians 13 in the New Testament, known as the ‘Love Chapter.’ Many people can recite verses embedded in the text even if they cannot recall where it is found. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1Cor.13:4 niv) And on it goes. It is read at wedding ceremonies and other venues where the subject is love, pursuing love, maintaining love, and administering love. These words of the ‘Love Chapter’ are more than adequate in pledging one’s love for another, and for an in-depth study of love from God’s perspective, but the apostle Paul had another thought in mind as he wrote to the church in Corinth. Their lack of love for others was hindering the full potential of their spiritual gifts.

The church in Corinth had many problems Paul needed to address. One was their abuse and selfish attitude of spiritual gifts. There was boasting and pride among those with certain gifts. Those with less influential gifts yearned for the more recognizable ones often disdaining their brothers and sisters who had them. They were ignorant of the fact that their gift was intended for others. Yes, the gifts were theirs given to them by God but were to be used to encourage others in the church. Their lack of love for others made the gifts meaningless.

Paul explains this at the beginning of the ‘Love Chapter.’ “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.” (1Cor.13:1-2 nlt) Paul is saying to the Corinthian church and to us he would be nothing and his gifts would not amount to anything or benefit anybody if he did not love others.

The greatest gift given to humanity is the Love of God; God’s Love in His plan of salvation, Christ’s Love in His sacrifice on the cross, and the Holy Spirit’s Love in His presence and administering our spiritual gifts. We are to love others as God has loved us putting into proper place the spiritual gifts He has given us. “Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives” (1Cor.14:1 nlt)

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-14:1 NLT – Love Is the Greatest – If I could speak – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

A Fragrance of Loving Service

Loring Schultz

“While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head.” Matthew 26:7 NLT

Photo by Lilliana Grace on Pexels.com

The world’s most expensive perfume is ‘Passant Guardant’ by Clive Christian at $7,600 per ml or $228,000 a bottle (30ml). To be a recipient of such a gift would be an honor of the highest regard. To be the giver of such an expensive gift would be symbolic of the love towards the one receiving it. The sacrifice made in presenting the gift is on display whether intended or not. The giver cares not about the exposure, but only about presenting a gift of love in the most exquisite means possible.

Jesus received such a gift just a few days before His crucifixion. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazurus, presented this fragrance of loving service by pouring it over His head. The pouring of oil over the head in the Old Testament is referred to as anointing oil. It was poured over the head of the high priest and his descendants to mark them as holy and set apart unto the Lord. Mary, in this case, anointed Jesus as an act of worship. She was aware who Jesus was, the Messiah. It is also possible she believed in Jesus’ words when He spoke of His impending death, even more than His disciples who seemed to struggle with it. Jesus speaks to Mary’s actions, “She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial.” (Mt.26:12 nlt)

The perfume or oil Mary poured on Jesus came from Northen India and was made of pure nard. The cost is noted as 300 denarii or about a year’s wages. (Mk.14:5) Today’s value would be about $40,000-$50,000. It was not only a fragrance of loving service, but a loving sacrifice. But Jesus’ disciples complained this act was wasteful and could have been used more wisely. “But Jesus, aware of this, replied, ‘Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me?’” (Mt.26:10 nlt) Charles R. Erdman writes, “No gift to him can be too great if made in grateful love, an act may be morally beautiful even though not practically useful.” (1)

Jesus is pleased with our gifts of service to Him whatever the cost. We can never give too little or too much according to our ability to give. Our motives will determine the value of the gift and our Lord will recognize its true value; may it always be a fragrance of loving service.

Read: Matthew 26:6-13 NLT – Jesus Anointed at Bethany – Meanwhile, – Bible Gateway

(1) Erdman, Charles R. The Gospel of Matthew. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1983.