Prayer – Page 7 – Word for the Soul

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

Bible Studies

“Guilty by Association” LIVING IN BABYLON: The Book of Daniel

February 11, 2024February 9, 2024 Loring Schultz

“The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends.” Daniel 2:12-13 NLT

Living in a godless society is like walking on eggshells for God-fearing people. It’s walking a tightrope high above a sea of debauchery. One false move and you either fall into it willingly and participate in the corruption, or you call on the Lord to sustain you through it. Christians often find themselves needing to choose between conforming to the accepted norms of the culture or take a stand for the Lord and the truth of His Word. We saw last week in our Biblical Insights on the book of Daniel, the stand Daniel took in refusing to eat the king’s food in violation of the Hebrew law. Offering a plan B to the king’s chief of staff to replace the food with vegetables and water was blessed by God. Daniel and his friends were well nourished and appeared healthier compared to the other trainees in Nebuchadnezzar’s court. This week we highlight the Lord’s blessing on the value of prayer while living in Babylon.

Christians living in a godless culture may also find themselves guilty by association in a whimsical moment to convict all in a certain group whether guilty or not. Chapter 2 begins with Daniel in the royal service of King Nebuchadnezzar who has a disturbing dream that kept him up all night. “He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers, and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood before the king, he said, ‘I have had a dream that deeply troubles me, and I must know what it means.’” (Dan. 2:2-3 NLT) Needless to say, his so-called pagan wizards and astrologers had no clue. They needed the king to first tell them his dream and then they would conjure up something that sounded good to please the king. The king threatened to have them all executed if they couldn’t tell him the dream and then interpret it. The astrologers tried to convince Nebuchadnezzar by saying it was impossible for any human to tell beforehand a person’s dream. The pagan king then ordered the execution of all the wise men which Daniel was one.

Living in Babylon, a pagan culture, is not without hope. Daniel had seen the Lord’s hand at work in placing him and Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the king’s service. He knew they were not without hope for the Lord was with them. Daniel requested more time from the king, which was granted, and he and his three friends prayed to the God of heaven and sought His help in telling and interpreting the dream. The Lord answered by revealing the dream to Daniel and its interpretation in a vision that night. God does not forget those who are in His service even when placed in Babylon.

Daniel was then brought before King Nebuchadnezzar confirming what the others had told him, “There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortune-tellers who can reveal the king’s secret. But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future.” (Dan. 2:27-28 NLT) Daniel then preceded to tell the king his dream providing the interpretation. The king’s dream is a prophecy partially fulfilled of all the world kingdoms from King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon to the final kingdom to come of Christ’s kingdom at His second coming. Daniel completed by saying “The great God was showing the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its meaning is certain.” (Dan. 2:45b NLT)

The Lord once again blessed Daniel by his promotion to ruler over the province of Babylon and chief of all Nebuchadnezzar’s wise men. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were also appointed over all the affairs of Babylon while Daniel served in the king’s court. There is a lesson for us today as we live in Babylon. The Lord can and will raise up those who are faithful to Him when faced with adversity or get pronounced guilty by association. A life of prayer is a must when living in a pagan culture. Daniel and his friends were in high positions in godless government system. Their example teaches us it is possible to live in the light of God’s Word living in Babylon as we continue to take a stand and bring everything before Him in prayer.

Read: Daniel 2:1-19, 46-49 NLT – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – One night – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Praying Intelligently

February 9, 2024February 8, 2024 Loring Schultz

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26 NASB

Most people find it hard to pray, let alone pray intelligently. Sometimes we lag searching for the right word or the correct sequence in expressing our concerns to God. We tend to think if not spoken correctly God may misunderstand what we are praying for. We’re afraid of missing some important details of our request due to our many distractions squashing the whole prayer. Even the most experienced prayer warriors discover distractions, lapses in concentration, and the never-ending mind wandering as part of their prayer time. But through all the distractions and trying to find the best way to express ourselves to God, we are assured we can pray intelligently.

Praying intelligently is not having all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed, or systematically referenced for comprehension, but having the Holy Spirit guide you and speak for you when you don’t know what to say or how to say it. Paul writes in Romans, “In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.” (8:26 NASB) We can take comfort in knowing the Holy Spirit knows and understands what we want to say and brings it before the Father. There are times when we find it difficult how to pray for a situation, the Holy Spirit is aware of that, and then there are times when we simply can’t pray at all, the Holy Spirit knows that too.

Our heavenly Father wants us to come before Him in prayer. As a father He desires the best for His children and wants to have quality time with us. We need to remember God knows what we need before we ask Him, and what we are going to ask Him before we ask. So why don’t we spend some quality time with our Father with the Holy Spirit as our helper and pray intelligently.

Devotionals

Spread it out before the Lord!

January 24, 2024January 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed to the LORD………” 2 Kings 19:14-15a NIV

King Hezekiah of Judah was in dire straits. He was totally outmatched by the King of Assyria with his vast army of soldiers, horses and chariots. The king of Assyria sent messengers to taunt and instill fear into the people of Judah saying they did not stand a chance against their forces. Their intent was to convince them to surrender. (2 Kings 18) The messengers made their way to Hezekiah reminding him of Assyria’s most recent victories, completely destroying the nations in their path.

How many times do you feel outmatched in the events that surround your life? Circumstances beyond your control seep in unexpectedly and unwanted causing panic and uncertainty. You see no way out, no solution to your problem for you are in dire straits. Anxiety sets in clouding your thinking and you want to let off steam to anyone who will listen, anyone who can help.

There is one who can help, God. Take a lesson from King Hezekiah. The King took the letter and he “spread it out” before the Lord. Picture it in your mind; Hezekiah laying the letter before the Lord, detailed with the devastation that will come if they do not surrender. The Lord didn’t need to see the letter to know what it contained, He knew, but the visual presentation of giving it to God demonstrates Hezekiah’s faith that God was the only one who could take care of it. And God did. (2 Kings 19:35) Whatever your dire circumstance today, spread it out before the Lord!

Devotionals

Depending on God to Hear and Answer Our Prayer

January 11, 2024January 10, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Then he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer.’” Daniel 10:12 NLT

Do you have the assurance you can depend on God both to hear and to answer your prayer? If you are struggling with prayers that haven’t been answered yet, or perhaps not answered in a way you find favorable, you might begin to doubt if God has even heard your request. Be assured that He has. However, we succumb to suspicion amid a long delay. Our tendency is to pray more feverously along with fasting pouring our heart out to God, which certainly is a good practice, but if we are doing this to ensure He has heard us or persuade His answer our way these prayers are fruitless.

The Lord certainly desires us to be persistent in our prayers and we should be, but He also wants us to have a loving relationship with Him without all the requests. I remember my mother saying to me many years ago you only need to tell the Lord your request once, He will not forget and will answer in His timing and according to His will. You may have had an experience where God answered a prayer from long ago you forgot that request was made. I have been there many times. God does hear, He doesn’t forget, and He does answer.

The prophet Daniel mourned and fasted for three weeks praying for an understanding of the visions he had seen. An angel, most likely Gabriel, came in answer to his prayer. The first thing he said after calming Daniel’s fears was God heard his prayer the first day Daniel prayed. His request was heard, and Gabriel came in answer to it. We can rest assured God will indeed do the same for us today. He does hear our prayers and is ready to answer in His time. Our requests are in the most secure safe deposit box with no chance of being lost or forgotten. We can depend on God to hear and answer our prayer.