Salvation – Word for the Soul

Our Time is Now

March 20, 2026March 18, 2026 Loring Schultz

“If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 NLT

Have you ever imagined yourself living in another time and place? Perhaps you fantasized of living during the Renaissance Era in Europe, the Colonial Days of the 17^th and 18^th centuries or the so-called Fabulous 50’s in America. Whatever your dreams or fantasies, rest assured that you are where you are today by Divine design. It is not by chance. God has placed each of us in the space of time and location by His choosing.

The story of “Esther” in the Old Testament is an excellent example of God’s Divine providence. Esther was in a position, by highly usual circumstances, I might add, to keep her people, the Jews, from annihilation. (Esther 3:12-13) She was in the right place at the right time because the Lord had placed her there. We also are in the right place and time by God’s Divine Providence.

We may not be in such a dilemma as Esther, but it is a matter of eternal life and death. God places each of us to carry out His purposes by being obedient and faithful where he has placed us. You may ask yourself, “Why I am here, at this place, during this time?” You are here to carry out God’s purposes in telling others the Good News of His Son, Jesus Christ right where he has placed you. It is a matter of life and death and our time is now.

“I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.” (1Cor.2:3-5 nlt)

Devotionals

He who has the keys

March 11, 2026March 10, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Revelation 1:9-18 ESV – Vision of the Son of Man – I, John, – Bible Gateway

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18 ESV

I would assume most people feel they control their density. That is mostly true. Decisions we make throughout our lives lead us in one direction or another. There are times we do not have control and end up where we do not want to be. It is in these times we need to ask ourselves who has control of our lives and if we haven’t asked already, who has control over our lives after we die. Jesus told John as he was about to write the book of Revelation, “I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Rev.1:18 esv)

The book of Revelation is a fascinating book of the end times, Jesus’ return to earth, and the culmination of world history leading up to God’s eternal kingdom. Can you say for sure you will be in that eternal kingdom? Notice again Jesus’ words, ‘I have the keys of Death and Hades.’ What is meant by ‘death and hades?’ Death and Hades are actually synonyms. Death being the condition and Hades the temporary holding place (hell) until that final day of judgment. Jesus has the authority over death and hades; He has the keys.

If Jesus has the keys and the authority over Hades (hell), then He also has the keys into the eternal kingdom. Jesus told Nicodemus that He was the key and that Nicodemus needed to be born again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (Jn.3:3 esv) How does one become born again and guaranteed entrance into the eternal kingdom of God? Paul writes in the book of Romans, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Ro.10:9 esv)

Jesus gives us all a warning in John 3:18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (esv) All of us are born in sin and alienated from God and Jesus Christ His Son. But He who holds the keys to death and hades also hold the keys to eternal life through His death and resurrection by belief in His name.

A Christian Perspective

Pray for the People of Iran

March 7, 2026March 7, 2026 Loring Schultz

The following is my view from a Christian perspective of the current conflict in the nation of Iran. It is an earnest plea to pray for the people of Iran. This is about the innocent lives in the nation who have been suffering under the influence of an Islamic totalitarian regime for forty-seven years. This is not about the politics surrounding the military strikes, or who occupies the White House, or who controls the United States congress, it is about the tens of thousands of people who have been killed by this evil empire for almost five decades both in Iran and around the world. The people of Iran have been living under fear and daily threat for their lives if they don’t bow and surrender their God given right of freedom to this oppressive regime.

The protests against the radical Islamic government of Iran from late last year through January of this year has resulted in thousands of people killed. The number varies from 3,100 according to state media and to over 30,000 cited by independent sources and medical professionals. The loss of the internet has stifled accurate figures coming out of Iran. But “ Time magazine cited two senior Iranian health ministry officials saying at least 30,000 people had been killed in street clashes across Iranian cities. The Guardian reported a similar figure of 30,000 deaths on 7 January, citing its sources, and added that a large number of people had disappeared.” (1) The evidence is overwhelming as to the cruelty of this regime and it is time for good people to take a stand with the people of Iran and support them during this critical period.

As Christians the most important support we can give right now is our prayer support. Pray for no more casualties among innocent civilians. Pray for Christians in Iran to be examples of Christ bringing comfort and the gospel of peace to their Iranian neighbors. Pray that many non-believers will accept Christ as savior during this time. Pray for a soon end to this conflict and that the transition period will bring about positive change for the Iranian people. We need to pray for President Trump and the U.S. military along with all our allies in this undertaking to achieve justice and freedom for the people of Iran. Let us pray!

Photo by Sima Ghaffarzadeh on Pexels.com

(1) Iran protests death toll could surpass 30,000, reports claim

Devotionals

Lent 2026 – The Cross in the Old Testament

February 25, 2026February 23, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Psalm 22:13-18 KJV – They gaped upon me with their mouths, – Bible Gateway

“My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?……they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them and cast lots upon my vesture.” Psalm 22:1, 16-18 KJV

The message of the cross is not just a New Testament story. The man upon that cross is seen all throughout the Bible including much of the Old Testament. Jesus Christ, God the Son, the Messiah is that man on the cross. You may have heard that ‘history’ is really ‘HIS-story’ Jesus Christ. There is plenty of evidence in the Old Testament to convince even the strongest doubters that Jesus is the promised Messiah who was to come. He came in His Father’s timing to earth to paid the penalty for our sins on the cross of calvary.

The author of Psalm 22, King David, prophesized Jesus on the cross when expressing his own thoughts in his prayer of anguish to the Lord. “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Ps.22:1 kjv) David, a godly servant, was under constant attack unjustly by his enemies. Our Lord Jesus was under attack unjustly as David, both as righteous sufferers. But, in our Lord’s suffering, as unjust as it was, justice was served in payment for our sin debt. Jesus ultimately defeated death by rising from the dead to ensure salvation and eternal life for all who believe in Him.

There is much to learn about Jesus in the Old Testament. This Lenten season as we focus on the cross let us glean through those treasured sacred writings and discover the many references to Christ within its pages for it is His-story.

Devotionals

Assured of Victory

February 19, 2026February 17, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Revelation 21:1-8 NLT – The New Jerusalem – Then I saw a new – Bible Gateway

“All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.” Revelation 21:7 NLT

“For ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’” Romans 10:13 NLT

How can one be assured of victory? I think if we’re all honest with each other we should all agree none of us humanly speaking can be assured of victory. Recent disappointments in the 2026 Winter Olympic games have proven this to be true. Top world athletes found themselves falling victim to what was once referred to as ‘the agony of defeat.’ All revved up and ready to go after years of practice and keeping their bodies in shape failed when a slight slip or two resulted in not making it to the podium.

Failing to achieve victory in this life is a minor inconvenience compared to failing to stand on the podium in heaven having been assured victory in Christ. In Christ we all can be assured of victory. It has nothing to do with how hard we train in doing good works but everything to do with what Christ has done for us on the cross. The apostle Paul tells us that, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Ro.10:13 nlt) You can count on that because it is the truth of God’s Word.

Victory is ours through Jesus Christ. All each of us need to do is repent of our sin and accept Him as Lord and Savior. But failure to do so in this life will result in the most tragic of all defeats. “For everyone has sinned; (even a little slip) we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Ro.3:23 nlt) Don’t be left off the podium when there is still time to be assured of victory.

Devotionals

Our confident hope of salvation

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 5:1-5 NLT – Faith Brings Joy – Therefore, since we – Bible Gateway

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5: 3-4 NLT

Our faith in Christ should give us joy. A part of that joy are the problems we run into with those who do not know the Lord. The criticism, ridicule, and sometimes persecution is a joyful experience. I don’t mean outward happiness like having a great day, but an inner joy that only comes through knowing Christ. Being the subject of mockery or being persecuted does not make for a happy experience and when it comes upon us it’s OK not to be happy.

Paul, the apostle, explains we can have joy and rejoice when problems and trials occur. In verse 2 of Romans 5 Paul says with confidence and joy we look forward to sharing God’s glory with others as we live the Christian life. But, along with that will come the backlash from those who wish to inflict trials on us. Paul also says not to worry because problems and trials develop endurance and with endurance comes strength of character. Now here’s the best part, ‘character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.’

Two things to observe here: 1. Being ridiculed and persecuted for your Christian faith is proof of authentic faith in Christ, and 2. We have the confident hope the glory of our salvation will be realized in eternity one day. “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” (Ro.8:17-18 nlt)

Bible Studies

“Abraham: Father of all who believe” – The Story of Abraham

February 8, 2026February 6, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Romans 4:16-25 NLT – So the promise is received by faith. It – Bible Gateway

“So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.” Romans 4:16 NLT

This week we begin a new study in Biblical Insights, ‘The Story of Abraham.’ He is probably the most influential and important figure of all the patriarchs in the Old Testament. Abraham is also mentioned many times throughout the New Testament for his great faith and how that faith affects every Christian. Abraham believed God for all the promises He spoke to him. The Bible says it was counted to him as righteousness. “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Ro.4:3 nlt) Abraham was seen as righteous before the Law was written as to obey it because of his faith in God. Abraham wasn’t righteous because he obeyed and did good deeds, but because he believed God. Christians today are saved and are righteous before God for our belief in God and His salvation plan through His Son Jesus Christ. “So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” (Gal.3:9 nlt)

Abraham is not only recognized as the father of the Jews but the father of all who believe. The Lord promised Abraham that all the families of the earth will be blessed through him. (Gen.12:3) Abraham received from God the good news that salvation for all would come through him. Jesus Christ, the Messiah, came through Abraham’s seed. Every person on the earth today is blessed through Abraham by his lineage in which the Messiah came. God’s salvation plan for sinners came through Abraham. The New Testament opens with the ancestors of Jesus, “This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.” (Mt.1:1-2 nlt) Jesus was born through the line of Judah one of the twelve sons of Jacob, Abraham’s grandson.

Jacob’s twelve sons comprise the nation of Israel. Abraham is revered as the father of the Jewish people, but Christians can also claim Abraham as a father. Abraham is the father of the Jews ethnically, and the father of both believing non-Jews (Gentiles) and believing Jews. “The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’” (Gal.3:7-8 nlt)

As we begin to look into the story of Abraham we will find he was much more than the father of the Jewish nation, but the father of all who believe. We will examine details of his extraordinary faith and yes, even his failures. Abraham’s great faith is seen from the beginning. God called him to leave his home and his familiar lifestyle to venture out to a land God would lead him but he knew not where. This step of faith set in motion God’s plan of salvation for each of us. “The obedience of one man was to make possible the beginning of God’s cosmic plan of salvation, which in Christ was to open out into undreamed of riches for all who hoped in Christ.” (1)

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

Next week ‘The Call of Abram.’

(1) Baldwin, Joyce G. The Message of Genesis 12-50. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986.

Devotionals

Confidence in the Resurrection

February 4, 2026February 3, 2026 Loring Schultz

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Job 19:25-27 NLT

Job during his most painful moments and losing all hope in this life had confidence in the resurrection. The visit of his three friends along with Elihu gave him no comfort or hope as Job was chastised by them for what they perceived as sin in Job’s life that caused his suffering. The basis for Job’s confidence are his words in verse 25 of chapter 19. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” (nlt)

Although suffering and anticipating he was about to die, Job knew he had a redeemer and his redeemer lives. His redeemer was able to raise him up even after his body had decayed. He believed in the eternal God and that Job himself was an eternal being with a soul. Job describe that he will see God in his body, a new glorified body, and not one in spirit only. He would see God with his own eyes and was overwhelmed at the thought.

Do you have the confidence Job had? Do you believe you will be resurrected and see God and His Son Jesus Christ? If you have accepted Christ as savior you will indeed be resurrected even if you have doubts how all that will occur, it will happen. If you have not accepted Christ you too will be resurrected, but not unto Christ but unto judgement and eternal separation from Him. Each one of us is an eternal being who will live on in the resurrection. Do you have confidence where you will spend eternity? If you’re not sure, make sure today.

The Plan of Salvation: https://www.gotquestions.org/plan-of-salvation.html

Devotionals

Come to Jesus, He will never drive you away

January 28, 2026January 27, 2026 Loring Schultz

“…………whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37b NIV

Is there any sin you can commit that is outside the reach of God’s forgiveness? Have you found yourself in a place where you cannot approach God due to your sin, and yet knowing that you need to? Is the light of your Christian life clouded by repeated sin and keeps you from going to God for forgiveness? Have you reached a point where you feel God will or has driven you away from Him due to your sin?

Just a couple more questions. Do you believe in God? Have you accepted Jesus as your personal savior? Do you believe the Bible is God’s Holy Word to us and every word is true? If you answered yes to these last three questions there is some very good news in the pages of God’s Word especially for you, the good news of God’s forgiveness and restoration for all believers saved by His grace. It is true God hates sin, but He loves you and me, the sinner.

In teaching the crowd that followed Him after feeding five thousand men plus women and children, Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (Jn. 6:35 nlt) Jesus was telling them He was the way to salvation and eternal life. Those in need of repentance and forgiveness of sin leading to eternal life were to come to Him, He was the bread of life, eternal life. Jesus didn’t say to those with the most grievous sins to stay away, but ‘whoever comes to me I will never drive away.’

Jesus does not turn anyone away who comes to Him for salvation, nor He will not drive away any of those who accepted Him as savior when coming to Him in confession and asking for forgiveness. His words apply in granting salvation and in forgiving our sin after our salvation. Jesus died for your sins past, present, and future no matter how deplorable. Jesus wants us to come to Him with our sin, whatever it is, and confess it to Him. He will not turn His back on us, in fact, Jesus promised, “………whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” (Jn.6:37b niv)

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.” (Ps.103:12 nlt)

“For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again” (Prov.24:16 nkjv)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn.1:9 nkjv)

Devotionals

This Prophecy is for You

January 21, 2026January 20, 2026 Loring Schultz

Read: Isaiah 40:1-5 NLT – Comfort for God’s People – Bible Gateway

“Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.” Isaiah 40:4 NLT

“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” John 6:44 NLT

Isaiah brings a prophecy of comfort to the nation Israel after just prophesying of the judgment to come upon them for their sin against God. They will be carried off by the Babylonians into exile for seventy years. The Lord God tells Isaiah to “Comfort, comfort my people, Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned.” (Is.40:1-2 nlt)

The road back to the Promised Land was cleared by the Lord after their forgiveness. They will be able to return home and re-establish worship with God. “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!” (Is.40:3 nlt) This prophecy also references the coming of the Messiah for the Jewish people. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus, quoted these verses announcing His arrival. John’s words were not only for the Jewish people but for all mankind. The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world has come.

How does this prophecy relate to each of us in our current day? The road to salvation for us is made straight and smooth as it was for the nation of Israel on their return to the Promised Land. The geographical features of the valleys, mountains and hills, along with the curves and rough places symbolizes the carnal mind and heart of the sinner. The road must be leveled for us to reach the promised land of salvation in Christ. The Lord has done this through Holy Spirit for all who accept God’s calling unto salvation. We cannot clear the way on our own. It is the Holy Spirit that leads us unto salvation.

“He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:5-6 nlt)