Tag: Serving God

Devotionals

Is there anything you wouldn’t do?    

Loring Schultz

Read: John 13:3-20 NASB – Jesus, knowing that the Father had – Bible Gateway

“If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” John 13:14 NASB

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On the night Jesus was betrayed, He taught us the meaning of servanthood. Jesus was celebrating the Passover for the last time with His disciples before His crucifixion. When no one took the initiative to do what was customary in that day, to wash the feet of those entering the home, Jesus responded. His twelve disciples never gave it a thought, it wasn’t their home, but a room granted them for the occasion. It was the servant’s job of the home to perform this duty. Since it wasn’t their home and they weren’t servants, the disciples inferred, not my job. But the Lord showed them, it was their job, it’s our job.

Pride, indifference, laziness, lack of urgency, and unawareness are all factors in reasoning, not my job. Paying more attention to ourselves than to those around us causes us not to see peoples’ needs that are right in front of us. How many times have you said to yourself, ‘someone should do something about this?’ and then pass it by. Yes, maybe it’s none of your business, but if it’s needed or urgent and the right thing to do within reason, we should do it. There is also a tendency to assume that some jobs are just beneath us, and we wouldn’t want to be seen doing them. Jesus washed the disciples’ dirty feet. All the disciples saw it, John wrote about it, and we read it. All the world now knows, and it was done to teach us all.

So, is there anything you wouldn’t do as a courtesy or to help someone in need? Outside of it being shady or illegal, there shouldn’t be. May we follow Jesus’ example and take up jobs that aren’t our jobs, but in realty are our jobs. Happy serving!

Devotionals

Drafted into service        

Loring Schultz

“The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service.” Daniel 1:5 NLT

Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash

The last military draft in the United States occurred over fifty years ago on December 7, 1972, during the Vietnam War. America has had an all-volunteer military since that day. Men drafted back in the day and men and women serving today have the same goals to protect and serve their country. Though many things have changed over fifty years, the one constant is all who serve are put on government support for their daily needs. It is on the government’s dime recruits are trained for service and their provisions met. Once trained, military personnel are put into service in their field of specialized training.

Four young Hebrew men found themselves drafted into service not for their nation, but for the Babylonian Empire. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon attacked the city of Jerusalem in 605 B.C., taking sacred articles from the Temple and taking captive people of royalty and those from noble families.  He then instructed to have the best and brightest of the young men trained for service in his kingdom. There were daily provisions, training in the language and culture along with astrology, astronomy, mathematics, and agriculture in this three-year training period.

The four young men were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. They were given new names to assimilate into the culture; Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The goal of these young men would also be to protect and serve the kingdom they are in. Being in a pagan culture, there will be great challenges to overcome, but it was the Lord who placed them there, and all four of them knew it.

Every Christian is drafted into service for the Lord. He does provide for us and our training never ends. There are challenges in living in a secular society, but just as those four young Hebrew men were placed there by God, we are placed here. May we know it and face those challenges by faith with His help.

Read: Daniel 1:1-7 NLT – Daniel in Nebuchadnezzar’s Court – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Called to Live in Freedom and to Serve

Loring Schultz

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 NLT

Photo by Josh Appel on Unsplash

Charles D. Meigs wrote, “The old Quaker was right: ‘I expect to pass through this life but once. If there is any kindness or any good thing I can do to my fellow beings, let me do it now. I shall pass this way but once.’” (1) Yes, the old Quaker understood there is only one life, and it is short. The Quaker’s mind was set on not passing up an opportunity to help his fellow beings while he had the chance. A humble attitude of caring for others more than ourselves is at the heart of the old Quaker’s service. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,” (Ph.2:3 niv)

Many of us today think the same way as the old Quaker. We know the brevity of life and there is only one, but we try to grab all we can for our own enjoyment. It is sad, but it is too often we help our fellow beings only when tragedy strikes, and we’re shamed into it. As Christians we are to show the love of God through what Christ has done for us. He has freed us from sin and eternal death. Christians are free in Christ to live in a way that draws others to Himself, and free to serve one another in love.

The apostle Paul tells the old Quaker and us, in writing to Christians in Galatia, we have the freedom to serve one another in Christ. The old Quaker took him up on the offer. What about us? This season is a good time to start. We are called to live in freedom and to serve.

(1)  Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Stream in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg. 342

Devotionals

The Brevity of Life

Loring Schultz

“Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.…. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:10a, 12 NLT

Photo Wikimedia Commons

Today marks the 100th birthday of former United States President Jimmy Carter. He is by far the oldest living president in American history. The second longest lifespan for a U.S. President was George H. W. Bush at age 94 followed by Gerald R. Ford at 93. Cater became president in 1977 following the 1976 election, the first presidential election I participated it while in college. A lot of years have passed between then and now, but they seem almost like yesterday. I guess that is why the psalmist was inspired to write, “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Ps.90:12 nlt)

Before making that statement, the psalmist says, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty.” (Ps.90:10a nlt) If that doesn’t make you think. I’m very close to the age granted to me before the extension for good health, and that time has gone by very quickly. Indeed, I need to realize, as all of us do, that life is short compared to eternity. But as short as life is, we have given a responsibility to leave our mark for Christ in the world we leave behind.

The Lord has blessed Jimmy Carter with a long life. President Carter has made good use of the time God has given him. He served in the U.S. Navy, was a successful farmer in his home state of Georgia, elected to the state Senate in 1963 he then became the governor of Georgia before serving as U.S. President. Outside of politics, Carter is best known for his humanitarian work of building houses for the less fortunate in his ‘Habitat for Humanity Project.’ In fact, in honor of his 100th birthday volunteers are constructing 30 new homes this week in St. Paul, Minnesota. President Carter has also served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher in his church for many years until his health prevented him to do so.

Today Jimmy Carter is 100 years old, and even at 100 years old, he is aware life is short. What is 100 years compared to eternity. President Carter has used his short time well and is still influencing people around the world. May we realize the precious time God has given us to work His plan in the world. Our life may be brief here on earth, but it can and will be used by God for His glory if we don’t squander it away.

Happy Birthday President Carter!

https://www.cartercenter.org/about/experts/jimmy_carter.html

https://www.habitat.org/carter-work-project

Devotionals

Hold Loosely the Things of the World

Loring Schultz

“Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31 NLT

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Corrie Ten Boom was a watchmaker working in her father’s shop, in the Netherlands, along with her sister Betsie during World War II.  She and her family help many Jewish people escape from the Nazis hiding them in their home. Discovered by the enemy, Corrie and her sister both found themselves in a concentration camp in Germany where Betsie died. Corrie was released twelve days later due to a clerical error. The Ten Booms where a very successful family with a thriving watchmaking business yet risked it all to help Jewish refugees being sought by the Gestapo and the Nazis. Their lives reflect an understanding of the temporary use of things in this world as Corrie is well-noted by saying, “Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go.” It is estimated the Ten Booms rescued close to 800 Jews.

The accumulating of things is an American way of life. Back in my early days it was called ‘keep up with Jones’ who were your neighbors. Do all you can to have a two-car garage, the latest appliances, and a spot on the city council, or membership in a highly sophisticated club. Today it’s owning a nice home, having the latest gadgets, a secure retirement account, acquiring that prestige job, and having the most followers on social media.

Whatever you possess, whether little or much, are you holding them loosely? There is nothing wrong with having ‘things.’ We run into problems when we become attached to them. Our possessions should be viewed as necessary tools needed to live a secure life, care for our families, help our neighbors, and assist the poor. Material possessions are not the only things we should hold loosely. Paul makes a point that we are to be careful not to be attached even to the good things of the world, but to hold them loosely “for this world as we know it will soon pass away.” (1Cor.7:31b nlt)

Our time is short to serve Christ in this world. May we hold loosely what we have. If God takes what we have for His purposes, Corrie Ten Boom says, “it will be easy to let them go.” Perhaps it’s time for us to start holding loosely the things of this world.

Devotionals

Whole Heart and a Willing Mind

Loring Schultz

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” 1 Chronicles 28:9 NLT

Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash

It is not always easy to get motivated. There are times when you just don’t feel like doing anything. It could be caused by emotions or in my case the body won’t let me respond as it should, I think they call it ‘not being as young as I used to be.’ But once I get going, I’m good.

Not being motivated to worship and serve God has nothing to do with how old or young you are. It does happen, and there are many reasons for lack of motivation for God. There are many things that get in the way and distract us daily. We find ourselves picking and choosing what we have time for with what we enjoy most and pursuing those interests. After all, there are only twenty-four hours in a day. And some would say, life gets in the way. Yes, it is complicated, especially for young people with children. Life is hard enough, but trying to live life without a commitment to God is not going to work. You will find life even more frustrating, and you will begin to run around in circles losing motivation even in those things important to you.

Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, was instructed by his father King David to get to know God intimately. David told his son to worship and serve God with a whole heart and a willing mind. This is one hundred percent commitment. With every ounce of Solomon’s being he was to worship and serve his God. David let Solomon know that God saw his heart and would know every plan and thought he had. God knows each of our hearts and every thought in our minds. He knows us intimately and He wants us to know Him intimately and to worship and serve Him with our whole hearts and with a willing mind. So, let’s get motivated.

Devotionals

Two Heavens

Loring Schultz

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLT

Photo by Rodolfo Gaion on Pexels.com

The phrase, ‘This is heaven on earth,’ reveals emotions one thought not possible in this world. This could include a special event you weren’t expecting, a fabulous concert, the brilliant performance of a Broadway play, a breathtaking view of one of God’s many creations, or the relaxing sounds of the ocean waves as they make their way over the rocks unto the shore. Perhaps even spending the day at home with family would be heaven on earth. But would you be able to say, ‘my work is heaven on earth.’

Wherever your vocation may be, for the Christian, you are working for the Lord. You are serving Him in your place of employment. Paul told the church at Colosse, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col.3:23 nlt) We serve the Lord in our work, and He is pleased when we serve Him. God is also pleased in the work we accomplish serving others. We should consider that ‘heaven on earth.’ Paul also says there will be an award for serving Him, “Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (Col.3:24 nlt) Indeed, it is the Lord Christ in whom we serve.

Charles H. Spurgeon wrote in one of his ‘Morning and Evening Devotions’ about our work on earth, “My Master does not treat His servants churlishly (as a peasant); He gives to them as a king giveth to a king; He gives them two heavens-a heaven below in serving Him here, and a heaven above in delighting in Him forever.” (1) Spurgeon considered our work (serving Christ) on earth as being in heaven, and I think he’s right. If we are not enjoying our time here on earth working and serving God something’s wrong, for God is constantly with us and in that we should find enjoyment. Don’t be so focused on the future heaven that you miss out on the present one.

(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg.223.

Devotionals

Going for Eternal Gold

Loring Schultz

“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 NLT

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

The XXXIII Olympiad will commence on July 26, 2024, in Paris, France. Athletes from all over the world will arrive in hopes of capturing that Olympic Gold Medal. Events will take place over the next seventeen days from track and field, swimming, gymnastics, skateboarding, volleyball, basketball, equestrian, boxing, 32 sports in all with 329 medal events. That’s a lot of gold. Individual athletes train for years for the opportunity to go for the gold. Members of team sports keep themselves in shape hoping to get that invitation to try out and be part of the Olympic dream. A lot, if not all, of personal pleasures and pursuits are put on the sidelines during the training process. There are two goals, to make the cut and to earn a gold medal.

The apostle Paul used athletic imagery quite often in his writings. He referred to his preaching as running in a race as he addressed the churches at Galatia. (Gal.2:2) Paul told the church at Philippi he pressed on to finish the race to receive the prize the Lord had for him. (Phi.3:14) He told Timothy to fight the good fight for true faith, and always be careful to compete by the rules. (1 Tim.6:12, 2 Tim.2:5) Paul also put in perspective the value of the goal he was trying to reach. He was going for eternal gold.

Paul commended the athletes of his day by noting their extensive disciplined training. Their goal was to win a wreath of greenery at the Isthmian games in Corinth. Obviously, this prize would not last the test of time, but they strived for it, nonetheless. Paul seems to say how much better the eternal prize would be. He was not dismissing the value of going for the gold in this life, but to have our priorities in order. Even a gold medal may lose its value one day and we certainly will not outlast that product of gold in our lifetime, so let us also go, with Paul, for eternal gold.

Devotionals

It is God who works in you

Loring Schultz

“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13 ESV

Photo by Gaspar Zaldo on Pexels.com

Is God calling you to serve in a ministry you feel you have no qualifications or the ability necessary to fulfill that role? It is prudent to evaluate if you can provide this service, but if it is the Lord God calling you and not others advising you to do it, the evaluation process will go quickly confirming the fact that God thinks you are qualified. This does not mean you will not question yourself or be fearful if you fail at times, you may, but God has this. He called you.

Paul encouraged those in the church at Philippi informing them, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Ph.2:13 esv) Whatever the Lord is calling you to do you can count on the fact that He will be working in you. He knows you can’t do it on your own and you need His help through the Holy Spirit. The Lord wants His message to get through. He will not fail to help you.

We all fail to realize that God can see below the surface of our lives to the passions and dreams within us we may not even know were there. God wants to use them for His purposes, and He will draw them out as He calls us. It is at this time we become frightened at the possibility of doing something we never thought possible. What has laid below the surface was put there from our creator from eternity past and He will use it in His time. God may be bringing to the surface your desires to serve Him and is beginning to work in you whatever your age or status in life. So, don’t dismiss His calling, but trust Him to work in you for His good pleasure.

“We are told that the shivering weeds of the Arctic regions are nothing less than our forest trees-the stately oak and the sturdy elm. The very grasses and ferns of the temperate climate becomes trees in the tropics………The power of God through His Spirit will work within us to the degree that we permit it. The choice is ours.” (1)

(1) Cowman, Mrs. Charles E. Streams in the Desert 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1966. Pg.204-205

Read: Philippians 2:12-18 ESV – Lights in the World – Therefore, my – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Irritating God

Loring Schultz

“Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke in the eyes.” Proverbs 10:26 NLT

Photo by Sean Boyd on Unsplash
 

The book of Proverbs is not only a book of wisdom, but it is also a true picture of life. Take Proverbs 10:26 for example, “Lazy people irritate their employers.” (10:2a nlt) A picture that comes to life I’m sure we have all seen. Hopefully, you’re not in the picture. I can testify that the Proverb is true from experience in my retail management days. Much too often I had become irritated by someone who had not finished a job due to laziness. The effects of the unfinished job created extra work either for me or other associates taking us away from our responsibilities and limiting the overall effectiveness of the business. Laziness affects more than one person, or the job that was assigned to them.

Lazy people across the working landscape can create devastating disruption of services and work products. Delays, inefficient quality, and poor business reviews just to name a few. If not corrected and left to continue it will lead to a toxic environment threating employee moral that will spread and erode the current reputation of the business.

As Christians we are co-workers with God in the world He has created. We have a responsibility to be effective in whatever job we may have and not be lazy. God’s reputation is on the line with our on-the-job performance. He is the one who created work and who supplied us with our jobs. Our God is entrusting us to be His representative in the workplace wherever that may be. He places us where He has for a reason, His reason. Christians are to live their lives for Christ in the workplace in a way that will draw others to Him. Any activity or non-activity, such as laziness, that causes inefficient quality or a poor Christian review from our co-workers just might irritate God, and we would not want to do that.