Tag: Righteousness

Devotionals

Wisdom, Righteousness, and Devotion to God

Loring Schultz

Read: Titus 2:11-14 NLT – For the grace of God has been revealed, – Bible Gateway

“We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” Titus 2:12 NLT

Photo by Amy Tran on Unsplash

The greatest news of all to the world today is that God’s grace brought salvation to all people. Salvation is not restricted to a certain class of people, but is available to every person regardless of race, gender, ethnic group, age, or social class. Satan uses his influence in our fallen world to divide people, while God through the Holy Spirit unites people together and to Himself. Living the Christian life in a fallen broken world is not easy, but the Lord gives us instructions on how to live in today’s world as we look forward to that future day of the Lord.

The first thing Christians are to do is to throw off our old ways we engaged in before we accepted Christ. Admittedly this is not always easy, but it is necessary. God refers to them as ungodly living and sinful pleasures. Scripture also says Christians are a new creation in Christ with the old ways gone and new ways beginning. (2Cor.5:17) The apostle Paul writing to Titus says, “We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” (Titus 2:12 nlt) All three things Paul instructs us to do are doable through the Holy Spirit we received as a new creation in Christ.

The fact that we live in an evil world is even more reason to rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us. The Spirit will help us remember the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Pr.1:7) We can only live in righteousness (doing right on a consistent basis) through the Holy Spirit. And when our lives are totally devoted to God it will keep our focus where it needs to be and not on the pleasures of this world.

The evil one does not give up in his attempts to influence us or divide us once we have committed our lives to Christ but will ramp up his efforts. But if we’re living with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God we can live free from his tactics.

Devotionals

Pursue righteousness in the New Year

Loring Schultz

“Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 NLT

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Whether we admit it or not, we all are in pursuit of something. Sheriff Buford T. Justice was in ‘hot pursuit’ of Bo Darville in the 1977 film ‘Smokey and the Bandit.’ Yes, my age is showing. Every team in the NFL is in pursuit of the Vince Lombardi trophy for winning the Super Bowl. Corporate executives are pursuing the success of their business above the competition. Parents are in pursuit of raising their children to be responsible adults, and singles are in hot pursuit of finding that cherished mate. Pursuing a goal in life is commendable and we should work towards it, but may we also take a step back and inspect what we are pursuing.

How many of us pursue righteousness as a goal? A better question would be, how many of us pursue righteousness within the current goal we are pursuing? Pursuing righteousness within our goals entails the following: what is right, just, noble, virtuous, honoring, ethical, blameless, and impartial. If our goals fall short, perhaps some of the above righteousness has fallen short or not applied at all in pursuing our goals. King Solomon wrote, “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” (Pr.21:21 nlt) Finding life, righteousness, and honor would prove successful for any goal we would pursue.

Goals will be set over the next two days in anticipation of the New Year. Examine closely what you are pursuing. Whatever goals you plan to pursue in 2025, make sure you leave a little room for righteousness. Better yet, if your main goal is to pursue righteousness then every goal that follows will be covered in the elements of righteousness and honor.

A Christian Perspective

Blessings for the Nations in 2025

Loring Schultz

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD. Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” Psalm 33:12, Proverbs 14:34 NIV

Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash

The year 2024 is rapidly coming to an end and a New Year is about to start unfolding. None of us know what will be unpacked in 2025 regarding the nations of the world. Presidents, Prime Ministers, and all government officials across the globe would like insight into what the New Year has is store for the world and more importantly for their country. Looking back at 2024 most nations of the world have good reason not to be optimistic, but there are some who see the light at the end of the 2024 tunnel.

The United States is one nation who is looking to shed some of the chaos caused by policies from the current administration. Over half of the country see that light getting brighter in the days ahead of the New Year, but there are many citizens who do not share that optimism. Other countries in the world are experiencing the same situation as 2025 is just a few days away. Will the New Year bring in with it opportunities to dissolve differences, negotiate peace, and for their homeland to be secure and prosperous?

The desire to live in peace, kindness, free from hostilities, being prosperous, and live in a nation that is blessed is only fulfilled in one way. Psalm 33:12 says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” (niv) Most nations in the world today, if not all, are anti-God, even the United States. America’s roots are found in the Scriptures and a belief in the God who created the heavens and the earth, but the roots are slowly being pulled up. The Bible which was key in the country’s founding also says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” (Pr.14:34 niv) Perhaps no explanation is needed except we here in the United States and other nations across the world need a blessing.

Scripture is clear. Blessings for every nation are possible in 2025. When nations recognize and honor God, living and governing in righteousness, God will be true to His Word and bless the nations. There is no other way!

Devotionals

Feeling Empty; the search for fulfillment

Loring Schultz

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6 NIV

Photo by Ian Schneider on Unsplash

Living in the 21st century there is no shortage of things to do. If looking to be entertained, there are thousands of choices to choose from, such as movies, concerts, sporting events, shopping, going for a drive, or staying home and accessing your hundreds of choices on your Smart TV. Getting away for the weekend has an abundance of venues to choose from and places to stay. Spending quality time with friends and family is always a good choice and fulfilling.

Despite the many things we do in life, entertaining ourselves, enjoying family time, achieving success in our jobs and careers, why do some people still have that empty feeling inside? How many people do you know, or perhaps yourself, that do all they can to enjoy life and live it to the fullest, and confess they still have this empty feeling. There is no fulfillment, something is missing. They need to find that missing piece to life’s puzzle. It happens more than you know and to more people than you may think. If you are not surprised by this, you may be one in need of fulfillment.

You’ve heard the cliché, ‘looking for love in all the wrong places.’ Well, it fits here. It is not that the above examples are ‘wrong places,’ they are not. But you will not find complete fulfillment in any of them until the major piece that completes the puzzle is put in place. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Mt.5:6 nlt) Jesus equates being filled with desiring righteousness. True fulfillment of one’s life occurs when Christ’s righteousness is applied to our lives as we accept Him as Lord and savior. That empty feeling disappears. What we thought would bring us fulfillment suddenly doesn’t seem so important anymore when put in proper perspective.

If you’re struggling with that empty feeling why not look for fulfillment in the right place by looking to Christ and desiring His righteousness. It’s the missing piece you need in your search for fulfillment.

A Christian Perspective

Jesus Christ will Judge the World with Righteousness

Loring Schultz

“For He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, And the peoples with equity.” Psalm 98:9 NKJV

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

Anticipation for the results of the United States Presidential election is running as high as the money spent between both political campaigns. A vast majority of America’s population are anxiously waiting to see who the Commander-in-Chief will be sitting in the oval office where the buck stops. The hope is whoever it is will rule with integrity, honestly, and for the benefit of all the people. May I be honest with you by saying it is only a hope and most likely will not be a reality. Human beings are prone to sin inherited from our first parents, and that includes Presidents. Chances are there will be plenty of finger pointing at the next administration and perhaps justifiably so. Hope for ‘a new way forward’ or ‘make America great again’ will fall short and there will be disappointment for all.

Human government, although ordained by God to administer justice, will fail in some way every time because it is a ‘human’ government. We are to obey human authorities but not put our trust in them. The psalmist gives us great advice, “Itis better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD Than to put confidence in princes.” (Ps.118:8-9 nkjv) So, if we are putting our trust in one candidate or the other that is not where it should be, because both will fall terribly short of what we expect. Our trust should be in Jesus Christ, and in Him alone.

There will be a time when we can and will put our trust in a prince. The prince of peace, Jesus Christ, is going to rule on the earth with righteous judgement when He returns to establish His kingdom. He will not fall short, He cannot. Jesus will rule all people with righteousness and equity, true Christ-like equity. There will be no more elections. All will be obedient to Him and there will be no disappointment. So, as we eagerly wait for the results of the U.S. Presidential election may we be just as excited anticipating the coming Prince of Peace who will judge the world with righteousness.

Read: Psalm 98 NKJV – A Song of Praise to the Lord for His – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Is America Fixin’ to Fall?

Loring Schultz
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In 1980 the Charlie Daniels Band released the recording of ‘In America,’ the lead single from their album ‘Full Moon.’ The song rose to number 11 on the billboard charts as a call to patriotism after the stresses of the 1970’s in the United States. The opening line is, “Well, the eagle’s been flyin’ slow And the flag’s been flyin’ low And a lotta people sayin’ that America’s fixin’ to fall.” (1) The premise was, if united, America will stand and not fall from outside forces looking to destroy us. Although we fight among ourselves, we are united when threatened from the outside. That may still be true today, but what if the sources looking to destroy us are not on the outside, but from within. The phrase, ‘the enemy from within’ has got a lot of traction in the United States lately just three weeks before the election. However, I am not referring to any one political party, or any individuals, but to the nation as a whole.

The prophet Jeremah was commissioned by God to warn the people of Judah of the destruction that was coming their way because of their sins. Throughout his messaging Jeremiah not only warned them, but also let them know that if they repented and turned back to God, they would not be destroyed. “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘Even now, if you quit your evil ways, I will let you stay in your own land.’” (Jer.7:3 nlt) God is gracious and merciful. The people of Judah had plenty of opportunity to turn back to God, but they continued to turn their back on Him. America is in the same place today. America has turned their back on God as a nation.

Yes, the United States is a secular nation, but it has been founded on the principles of God’s Holy Word, the Bible. The Lord has blessed us throughout its short history and will continue to bless us if those founding principles stay in place. But if we remove them, I’m afraid our blessing will be removed as well. America will be fixin’ to fall.

For those of you who think America will never fall, remember God judged His own chosen people for turning their back on Him and not repenting. You may say but Israel was a theocracy, and you would be right, however, compare Jeremiah’s words of warning to them and the United States today. See how they are related. “But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop your murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols. Then I will let you stay in this land that I gave to your ancestors to keep forever.” (Jer.7:5-7 nlt)

This enemy from within America is exactly what Jeremiah told Judah before their destruction and captivity if they did not repent; evil thoughts and acting on those thoughts, not treating each other with justice both personally and in the courts, a broken immigration system that is exploiting the innocent, not caring for the less fortunate among us, people being murdered every day on our city streets and in the womb, and worshiping the idols of our desires.

One other line from Charlie Daniels’ ‘In America,’ “We’re gonna put her feet back
On the path of righteousness and then God bless America again.” (1) I don’t think we have done that, but just the opposite. America’s fixin’ to fall, but it does not need to be. If we do put our feet back on the path of righteousness, God will bless America again!

(1) Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Charles Fred Hayward / Charlie Daniels / William J. Digregorio / Fred Edwards / James W. Marshall / John Crain In America lyrics © Music Corp. Of America, Inc.

Devotionals

Satisfaction

Loring Schultz

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6 NASB

Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

In 1965 the ‘The Rolling Stones’ had their first number one recording in the United States with “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” The suggestive lyrics throughout song serves as a testimonial that there is no satisfaction in the ways of the world. Why then do so many chase after those highly sought moments of pleasure only to come up empty? As hard as it is to admit we all have a sinful nature and our desires if not held in check will result in seeking those moments to find satisfaction. In time we will all realize, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” in worldly desires.

Jesus says in the fourth Beatitude, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Mt.5:6 nasb) Satisfaction, according to Jesus, God the Son, comes to those who have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is a characteristic of Jesus’ followers as are the first three Beatitudes; the poor in spirit, those who mourn and the meek. Every Christian should hunger and thirst for righteousness. It should be our desire.

John R. W. Stott lists three aspects of righteousness found in the Bible, they are legal, moral, and social. “Legal righteousness is justification, a right relationship with God; moral righteousness is that righteousness of character and conduct which pleases God; and social righteousness is concerned with seeking man’s liberation from oppression, together with the promotion of civil rights, justice in the law courts, integrity in business, and honour in home and family affairs.” (1)

Sadly, there are many Christians who have not found the true satisfaction that comes from knowing Christ. If you’re not satisfied as a Christian, then something’s amiss. If this relates to you, could it be that you hunger and thirst for things outside the word of God? Get into the Word of God where righteousness is put on display, and you’ll soon discover a desire for it.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” All other desires, “(You) Can’t Get No satisfaction.”

(1) Stott, John R. W. The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1978.

Devotionals

An Endless River of Righteous Living

Loring Schultz

“Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.” Amos 5:23-24 NLT

Photo by John Price on Unsplash
 

There are many lessons in the pages of Scripture to learn from today. After all, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change. His love for us is the same. His laws do not change over time. All His holy attributes do not change as the attribute of the Immutability of God tells us. We can be confident God doesn’t change and His Word doesn’t change either. It is the same and valid for all eternity, including the year 2024.

In the Old Testament book of Amos, the prophet was called to issue a warning to the northern tribes of Israel. They were to repent of their social evils and pagan worship. Their only hope to prevent judgment from God was total repentance from the blasphemous worship of God they were performing and their lack justice among the people. The Lord wanted a complete change of mind and heart towards Him, the Lord their God, which in turn would result in ‘a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.’ (Amos 5:24 nlt)

Christians today may not equate themselves with all the sins of ancient Israel, but there are similarities to be considered. Are we always just in our dealings with others? Are we more than fair in areas which are under our control? When we worship God are our hearts in the right place? Have we been living righteously throughout week as we enter to worship God on Sunday morning? No, none of us are righteous, but we can walk in step with God through the Holy Spirit. Are we doing that? As with nation of Israel in Amos’s day, the Lord wants to see justice and an endless river of righteous flowing in our lives when we come to worship Him along with our noisy hymns of praise!

Devotionals

The Way of Righteousness

Loring Schultz

“For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.” Matthew 21:32 ESV

Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

Self-righteous people in authority do not like their authority challenged or questioned. This was also the case in Jesus’s day with the chief priests and elders who felt their positions of authority were threaten by Jesus, so they challenged Him on His authority. Jesus said He would comply if they were able to answer a simple question that religious leaders of the day should have known. Jesus asked them, “The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” (Mt. 21:25a ESV) Their answer would make most of today’s politicians proud. They did not want to be called out by Jesus or the people if they answered one way or the other, so they said they did not know. They had their self-righteous authority to protect in front of the people.

            Jesus quickly dismantled that authority in a parable He told to all who were standing by. Jesus said, “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” (Mt. 21:28-31a ESV) The religious rulers provided the obvious answer which also condemned them, it was the first one.

 The chief priests and the elders thought they were righteous by their positions and outwardly following all the rules and regulations of the law. But Jesus compared them to the second son who said he would obey and go and did not. The religious rulers claimed to be righteous with their laws and ceremonies but continued to live in disobedience to God. Jesus criticized them for rejecting John the Baptist’s message of the way of righteousness in the coming Messiah. They thought their own righteousness was good enough.

            Many people in 2024 see the way of righteousness through self-righteousness. How good they are compared to most certainly gets recognition. Being religious by going to church occasionally, or contributing to the needs of others add to the resume of claiming righteousness. In Jesus’s parable those who rejected him in their lives, tax collectors and prostitutes, but later repented, had discovered the way of righteousness is through Him. If you have rejected Jesus even as you see those around you accepting Him and have not changed your mind as the religious rulers, today is the day for you to be as the first son and repent, following Christ, the way of righteousness.

Read Matthew 21:23-32: Matthew 21:23-32 ESV – The Authority of Jesus Challenged – And – Bible Gateway