Prayer – Page 6 – Word for the Soul

Waiting for an answer

June 26, 2024June 21, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 NIV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

How frustrating it is to be waiting for an answer. Depending on your circumstances the frustration level will vary. Waiting for the results of a medical procedure will increase your anxiety. A slow response from a potential employer will overshadow other job opportunities to be explored. Anticipation builds as you wait to receive your final grades towards your goal of graduation from a major university. Wouldn’t it be nice to receive our answers in a timely manner, better yet, to have them beforehand? Before we schedule that medical test, before we take that final exam, or before we apply for that position. Well, it is possible when we bring our requests before the Lord.

There are several passages in Scripture concerning God’s hearing and answering prayers. Isaiah writes that the Lord says, “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” (Is.65:24 niv) God is saying before we even ask Him in prayer, the answer is already on the way. As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, he told them, “…. for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Mt.6:8 niv) Before the thought of what we need to ask for comes to our mind, the Lord is already aware. David writes in Psalm 139, “You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.” (Ps.139:4 nlt) God knows everything we think and are going to say before we say it, especially in prayer. The Lord heard and answered King Hezekiah’s prayer as he was told he was about to die. “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.’” (Is.38:5 niv) Hezekiah did not need to wait very long for an answer. It came rather quickly.

Now there may be times when the answers to our prayers do not come immediately. But that is not an indication that God did not hear or did not answer. One of God’s answers to us is not one we like to hear, but He did answer. The answer is ‘wait.’ We can be confident that God hears and answers our prayers. Yes, sometimes we need to wait for the answer to arrive, but the Lord has already answered that prayer before we even called on Him.

Devotionals

Victory by Submission

June 14, 2024June 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Matthew 26:39b NLT

To submit is to show a sign of weakness. It usually ends in defeat when yielding your control to others, at least that is how the world sees it. The world is not entirely wrong in their assessment. Submitting yourself to the control of someone else guarantees your willingness to accept all that is involved in your submission including the outcome. People submit themselves to various causes and the control of others for all sorts of reasons, most of them voluntarily, unfortunately in our current day many are forced into submission through abusive circumstances. But there is always victory by submission if done in God’s will and according to His Word.

When the Bible speaks of submission it is mostly in the context of being in the will of the Lord, such as in working and serving, “Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh.” (1Pt.2:18 nkjv) Also in relation to governing authorities, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority,” (1Pt.2:13 niv) And being submissive to our spiritual leaders, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls.” (Heb.13:17 esv) And most of all to submit to God, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (Jas.4:7 esv)

All the above are examples for us as Christians to follow in being submissive to the will of God. Our Lord Jesus gives us the greatest example of submission, by submitting to the will of His Father which resulted in total victory over death for Him and all of us who accept Him for salvation. In the garden of Gethsemane just hours before His crucifixion Jesus submitted to His Fathers will by saying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Mt.26:39b nlt)

Jesus submitted to God’s plan for salvation for us even though it meant His suffering. With His submission victory was assured. Many of us have a cup of suffering that is place before us, and we like Jesus ask that it might be taken away from us. But how many of us like Jesus are willing to say, ‘Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.’ Submitting to God’s plan is the only way to ultimate victory.

Read: Matthew 26:36-46 NLT – Jesus Prays in Gethsemane – Then Jesus – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

A Three-Day Weekend Getaway: three days to think and pray

June 7, 2024June 1, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.” Acts 9:9 NIV

Here in the Untied States and I’m sure in most parts of the world, people look forward to a three-day weekend getaway. Some long weekends are planned, and others come up in a spare of the moment. Whatever the case the idea is for a change of pace to relax, rejuvenate, and just get away from your normal activities. Unfortunately, they don’t always go as anticipated. Sometimes you change your plans, or they are changed for you. Your goal of rejuvenation did not happen. Just imagine if you had the most disastrous weekend possible, but you came out the better for it, would it have been worth it, or would you be glad to be home?

The book of Acts records a story of Saul, a Pharisee of the Jews, going on a trip to the city of Damascus. This was no getaway for relaxation, but a mission to round up believers in Jesus and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial, even sentencing them to death. “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” (Acts 9:3 niv) The light blinded him as the Lord Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him. Jesus then instructed Saul go into the city and he would be told what to do. The Bible tells us Saul was blind for three days, not eating or drinking, but he was praying. (Acts 9:11)

Saul was in a position where he couldn’t do much more than pray. He was met by Jesus the one whose followers were on Saul’s target list. Saul’s plans had changed for the better, but he suffered three days of blindness for it. Saul would go on to be Paul, the apostle of whom Jesus said, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:15-15 niv) Saul’s three days of blindness were worth it. He spent that time praying with the Lord God and was rejuvenated in a whole new way.

How does this apply to our three-day weekend getaway? The Lord struck Saul with blindness for three days to get his attention. God has a way of getting our attention too. No, we are not as devious as Saul with his motives, but what are our true motives in all we do? There is nothing wrong with getting away for three days, and if it doesn’t go our way, perhaps the Lord is telling us something. So may we pray for three days and come out better for it. It would have been worth it.

Read: Acts 9:1-19 NIV – Saul’s Conversion – Meanwhile, Saul – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Petition the Lord and be no longer sad

June 5, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“She said, ‘Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.’ So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” 1 Samuel 1:18 NASB

Sometimes we need someone to talk to, but that someone may not be the best one to hear us out. Our closest friends, relatives, and even our spouses may know us very well, but what is seeded in the heart is hard even for our most intimate companions to understand. Hannah found this out first hand with her husband Elkanah as recorded in 1 Samuel chapter 1 of the Old Testament.

Hannah was childless yearning for a child. Scripture says, “but the LORD had closed her womb.” (1Sam.1:5 nasb) Every year Elkanah would go up to Shiloh with his two wives to worship and offer sacrifices before the LORD. On the day of sacrifice Elkanah would give portions to Phinehas, his other wife, but to Hannah he gave a double portion. Phinehas had children and would often remind Hannah that she did not just to irritate her. This happened year after year. Hannah, being distressed, would cry and not eat very much during the festive meal.

Husbands have a way of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, and I can testify to that, as can Elkanah, Hannah’s husband. He said to her, “Why are you crying, Hannah? Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?” (1Sam.1:8 nlt) This was not what she wanted to hear. Elkanah meant well, but he didn’t have a clue about the hurt and emptiness his wife felt.

Hannah went to the only one who truly knew her. The one who created her and knew of her intimate thoughts, desires, feelings and emotions. The Bible says she prayed to the LORD weeping bitterly. She poured out all that was in her heart, all her emotions, and her special request. After bringing her burdens before the LORD, she went on her way, ate, and was no longer sad.

When we petition the Lord in prayer bringing all our trials and requests to Him, pouring out our deepest emotions, we can be sure that He hears us and will answer according to His perfect will. Petition the Lord and be no longer sad.

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-18 NLT – Elkanah and His Family – There was a – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Silence is Golden

June 3, 2024May 30, 2024 Loring Schultz

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” Psalm 62:5 ESV

The term ‘silence is golden’ is to say that it is often better to remain silent than to speak. That certainly bodes well if you are prone to talk too much. The less you speak the better chance you have of not saying something you might regret. Silence is also golden when remaining quiet to listen and learn. Instead of injecting your comments, opinions, or your brilliant assessment of a situation it is best to listen in silence and learn. This is especially true if you have a problem that is over your head. Seek the advice of one who is experienced and listen in silence.

King David had a big problem. His very life was being threatened. David had conspirators seeking to dethrone him by killing him. Imagine what was going through David’s mind as he was on the run from his enemies. David had more than enough experience in fighting battles, all of them successful. He could have prepared a battle plan in his mind and discussed it with the Lord, yet he sat before the Lord his God listening in silence. David had faith in God his only hope and he was patient saying, “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.” (Ps.62:5 esv)

You may not have a problem to the extent of someone looking to kill you, but some problems could have that effect on you. You want to share and tell someone what you are experiencing, hardly slowing down to take a breath. Perhaps it’s good therapy to get it off your chest and that is fine but retreat enough to listen to sound advice. Ultimately, God should be our first resource in seeking comfort and answers to our dilemma. It’s ok to tell God all your problems, but keep in mind that He already knows and has all the answers. Sit in silence before Him and allow Him to comfort your soul and speak to your heart. Remember silence is golden, so, “wait in silence, for (your) hope is from him.” (Ps.62:5b esv)

Read: Psalm 62 ESV – My Soul Waits for God Alone – To the – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Opportunities Lost, but not forever

May 9, 2024May 8, 2024 Loring Schultz

“…but I might have had more, I ought to have had more, I have never been straitened in thee, thou hast always placed before me an infinite fullness, and I have not taken it.” (1)

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11 ESV

The older one gets, the more they realize how many opportunities were lost along the way never to return. There are a lot of ‘should have been’; ‘I should have done this’ or ‘why did I quit school or turn down that job’ or ‘why didn’t I enlist in the military’ or ‘I should have reached out to that person while I had the chance’ and many more ‘should have been’ are now opportunities lost.

The most tragic opportunity lost, especially for Christians, is the time wasted away in activities of self-interest which took away precious moments with God. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with outside activities. They are healthy and help us live a well-balanced life, but how much time is spent is always an issue that needs to be addressed. Hobbies of all sources and recreational activities fulfill physical and mental needs, but your whole self will lack the fulfillment of joy if your relationship with your creator is ignored. As time goes by, each day is another opportunity lost if time spent with God is neglected, never to return.

The Lord has spread out before us a feast of blessings through His Word. I have heard many times at family and social gatherings ‘if you go away hungry it is your own fault there’s plenty of food here.’ A Puritan prayer includes the following, “thou hast always placed before me an infinite fullness, and I have not taken it.’ (1) The Lord blesses us and provides all we need and more. It starts with our relationship with Him and grows throughout the years of living in His presence. In your later years you don’t want to look back over your life and say, ‘I could have had more blessings from the Lord’ and ‘I was not as faithful as I could have been.’

Yes, past opportunities are gone never to appear again, but present opportunities are always there and will not be lost if taken advantage of. New and future opportunities with the Lord will continue forever as long as you have breath. Do not miss a single one. It’s not too late. Start today!

(1) Bennet, Arthur ed. The Valley of Vision A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions. East Peroria: Versa Press, 2023. P. 80

Devotionals

Food for the Journey

April 18, 2024April 17, 2024 Loring Schultz

“……I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” Matthew 15:32b NLT

I am sure we have all heard the expression, ‘life is a journey.’ Indeed, it is. Curiously though no two people are on the exact same path in life. There may be similarities, but just as everyone is unique in their own way, their journey in life follows the course planned out for them. And for the Christian, the Lord had your life journey drawn up before you were even a thought in your parents’ mind. “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (Ps.139:16 nlt)

Throughout our journey in life, we need subsistence to sustain us. We need a daily intake of food to nourish us to survive our physical life, and we need a daily intake of spiritual food to survive in our spiritual life. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He had two occasions where He provided food for thousands of people as they were coming to Him for healing and to hear His teaching. Jesus had compassion for the people giving them both physical and spiritual food. He did not want to send the crowds away hungry for they might faint along the way.

Our Lord Jesus has the same compassion for us in our spiritual walk with Him. He does not want us to faint along the way in our life journey. He provides us with food to sustain our spiritual growth through His Word. As we have our quite time with Him, through our devotions, prayer, and Bible reading we can rest assured that we will not go away hungry. Make sure you put in the effort to get your daily spiritual nourishment for the journey. Jesus doesn’t want to send you away hungry.

Devotionals

When the cloud remained the Israelites did not set out

April 11, 2024April 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out.” Numbers 9:19 NIV

Nothing could be more frustrating than to be in a position where you feel the need to move on but have no direction where to. Your anxiety ratchets up a notch as you look over alternatives. Staying in your present condition is not an option for you as you prepare to make your escape. I have been there several times in life, mostly in job related situations, and the answer from the Lord was always the same, ‘as long as the cloud remains stay where you are.’ The Lord did keep me from getting over my skis as I waited patiently for Him, but it was not easy.

During Israel’s journey through the wilderness, the Lord guided them by a cloud in daylight and by fire at night. He gave them instructions when they were to set out from their location and when they were to settle. If the cloud was stationary over the tabernacle, they would not break camp and move out. It was only in the Lord’s timing as the cloud was lifted and in His leading that they were to move. It didn’t matter how long they were in one place or how restless they had become they were to stay put. “Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.” (Num. 9:22 niv)

Your periods of frustration with current circumstances have not missed the eyes of God. He knows of your situation and ultimately what is best for you. You can go ahead of God and leave the cloud behind, the cloud that is leading you, or you can give your problem to Him and let Him work in His timing. Be patient and do not rush ahead. Bring your desires and frustrations before God in prayer and wait for His response. You may ask, how will I know His response. Don’t worry, you’ll know! The cloud will lift, and you will move on. Waiting is not always easy, but it is well worth the wait when you see God work in a way you never imagined or thought possible.

Read: Numbers 9:15-23 NIV – The Cloud Above the Tabernacle – On the – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Prayerful Repentance” LIVING IN BABYLON: The Book of Daniel

March 17, 2024March 16, 2024 Loring Schultz

“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.” Daniel 9:18 NLT

We have come to end of our short study of the book of Daniel covering the historical narrative of chapters 1-6. The rest of the book is apocalyptic material and eschatological in theological content. We will conclude with the main theme of our study ‘Living in Babylon’ a comparison of living in our world today with lessons we can learn from the Jewish captives living in ancient Babylon. In our final lesson we will learn from Daniel’s example of his prayer in chapter 9.

Daniel is in his 67^th year of captivity with his Jewish brothers and sisters. Taken captive as a teenager, Daniel is now past eighty years old. He is keenly aware from reading the Old Testament scrolls of Jeremiah’s prophecy the captivity would last 70 years. The time was rapidly approaching for the nation to return to their homeland. Daniel offers up a powerful prayer of repentance not only for himself, but for the whole nation of Israel, fasting, covering himself with sackcloth and ashes. The nation is about to go back to the land they were driven from due to their sin towards the Lord God. Daniel’s pattern of prayer serves as a good model for us to follow in our daily prayers. It is filled with worship to God, humility, confession of sin, and making our requests known to Him.

Daniel begins his prayer by acknowledging how great and awesome God is. He always fulfilled His covenant with Israel keeping His promises as they obeyed Him. But then Daniel confesses, “But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations.” (Dan. 9:5nlt) The Jewish people refused to heed the many warnings God had given for many years through the prophets He sent them. Daniel furthers acknowledged God was in the right to punish them as He had. The guilty was not just a few or those only living in Jerusalem, but the entire nation was guilty. “All Israel has disobeyed your instruction and turned away, refusing to listen to your voice.” (Dan. 9:11nlt)

The confessions in Daniel’s prayer can easily be applied to the modern-day Babylon we are living in. Referring to ancient Israel Daniel confessed, “O LORD, we and our kings, princes, and ancestors are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.” (Dan. 9:8nlt) All one needs to do is to look around and review the news cycle over the last 50 years to wonder if Daniel wasn’t referring to many countries in our world today with the United States on top of the list. Israel had been warned many times throughout their history of the consequences of their disobedience and even suffered for it before the Babylon captivity, and still they refused to obey God. “Every curse written against us in the Law of Moses has come true. Yet we have refused to seek mercy from the LORD our God by turning from our sins and recognizing his truth.” (Dan. 9:13nlt) I’m afraid if the United States and other countries around the world continue this path of rejecting the Lord God of heaven and earth, a day of judgment is the horizon.

Daniel praises God for His blessings of bringing the nation Israel out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt. “O Lord our God, you brought lasting honor to your name by rescuing your people from Egypt in a great display of power. But we have sinned and are full of wickedness.” (Dan. 9:15nlt) Dismissing the Lord’s past blessings they continued to sin against God bringing judgment upon themselves. The United Staes of America has been richly blessed by God from its founding, but as with the nation of Israel, it has turned its back on God. If God had not spared His people from judgement, the United States and all other countries of the world will not be spared either.

Making his petition to God, Daniel knowing of God’s mercies asks Him to turn His anger away from them as they prepare to return to Jerusalem. Daniel doesn’t want God’s name to dishonored by the surrounding nations as Israel was a reproach to them. Daniel pleas for mercy for their restoration back in the Holy Land. “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy.” (Dan. 9:18nlt) Daniel is offering a prayer for repentance for the nation because God is merciful. May all of us pray for the country in which we live during our days in Babylon and be praying for each other, not that we deserve it, but because God is merciful.

Read: Daniel 9:1-19 NLT – Daniel’s Prayer for His People – It – Bible Gateway

Bible Studies

“Legitimate Disobedience” LIVING IN BABYLON: The Book of Daniel

March 10, 2024March 8, 2024 Loring Schultz

“But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.” Daniel 6:10 NLT

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

The United States has had its share of civil disobedience since its independence. Defined by Merrian-Webster as “refusal to obey governmental demands or commands especially as a nonviolent and usually collective means of forcing concessions from the government” has been used by people over the years for a vast range of issues. Some examples of civil disobedience in the United States include, Susan B. Anthony arrested for illegally voting in the 1872, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on an Alabama bus in 1955, the Vietnam war period had many protests resulting in civil disobedience, and the pro-life movement has been actively involved in similar demonstrations having led to civil disobedience. Is all civil disobedience legitimate disobedience? Being obedient to holy God, the ultimate ruler and authority, in standing up for the truth spelled out in His word is what is expected from every Christian.

Our study in the book of Daniel presented us with an example of ‘legitimate disobedience’ in chapter 3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the golden stature King Nebuchadnezzar set up. These three were notable officials in the king’s court and yet took the stand of refusing to worship anything or anyone other than the true God. Legitimate disobedience to those in authority has its consequences as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found out. The Lord God delivered them from harm in the fiery furnace, however they did not know that would in fact be the case. They still took a righteous stand for God.

As we approach chapter 6, we have another encounter of ‘legitimate disobedience.’ Darius the Mede was king who divided his kingdom into 120 provinces with officials over each one and three administrators over all the officials. Daniel was one of the three administrators and soon to be promoted to the top position in the empire due to expertise and work ethic. His two colleagues and some of the officials resented a Jewish captive holding such a high position and tried to find some dirt on him. “Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” (Dan. 6:4nlt) When their efforts failed, they devised a plan to get rid of him.

Daniel’s conspirators came up with a foolproof plan guaranteed to bring him down. They were aware of Daniel’s work ethic and loyalty to Darius the king, but they were also aware of his devotion to the God of heaven he prayed to three times a day as was his practice. The officials brought a proposal to the king in the guise of total agreement of all of them (note Daniel wasn’t there) “……that the king should make a law that will be strictly enforced. Give orders that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human—except to you, Your Majesty—will be thrown into the den of lions.” (Dan. 6:7nlt) Laws passed in the Medo-Persian empire were unchangeable and could not be reversed even by himself once he signed it, and he signed this one. They had him, or so they thought.

Living in Babylon today is not much different than Daniel’s day. Our conspirators today use the same tactics to overthrow us and bring us down. Authentic Christianity today lived out is guaranteed to upset those who hold to a secular worldview. Secularists despise those of faith in authority. They will expose a conviction held by Christians in a negative light, even pursing legal action to remove and discredit them. Unfortunately, there are many who cave and compromise.

Daniel is an example needed in our world today. He did not cave. His enemies knew he wouldn’t. Their plan was foolproof for they knew of Daniel’s integrity and convictions. “Then the officials went together to Daniel’s house and found him praying and asking for God’s help. So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law.” (Dan. 6:11-12a nlt) King Darius also knew Daniel would not give in when the officials reported Daniel’s continued prayer habits. “Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.” (Dan. 6:14 nlt) Darius realized he was used by those who wanted Daniel dead, the most competent and loyal administrator he had.

We know the rest of the story. The king had no choice but to have Daniel thrown into the lion’s den but had hope that Daniel’s God would save him. (Dan. 6:16) We know God did indeed save him by sending an angel to shut the lion’s mouths, but again as with Daniel’s three friends thrown into the fiery furnace, he did not know if God would save him, but knew that He could. Daniel took a courageous stand of ‘legitimate disobedience’ for he was not about to let any authority prevent him from praying to the Lord God. A foolproof plan today only works against us if we become a Daniel and hold to our convictions, not cave, or compromise trusting God for the outcome in whether He will deliver us. Do we have the courage to do more than civil disobedience, but to stand for God in ‘legitimate disobedience?’

Read: Daniel 6 NLT – Daniel in the Lions’ Den – Darius the – Bible Gateway