Tag: The Bible

Devotionals

The Book of Moses        

Loring Schultz

Read: John 5:39-47 NLT – “You search the Scriptures because – Bible Gateway

“If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me.” John 5:46 NLT

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

The first five books of the Bible are known as ‘The Pentateuch’ meaning in the Greek ‘five books.’ It is referred to as ‘The Torah’ (law) in the Hebrew Bible. Moses is the human author for these collection of five books, therefore, the name ‘Book of Moses’ is appropriate. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy  run consecutively in historical sequence picking up where the previous book left off. It is like a miniseries streaming on your favorite streaming service. You can binge read this series the same as you would binge watch Netflix.

The Pentateuch, Torah, (book of the Law) was extremely important to the Jewish people especially in Jesus’ day. For centuries this was Israel’s only Scripture. It covers Israel’s relationship as God’s chosen people and fulfills God’s promises to Abraham in the book of Genesis. “I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.’” (Gen.12:1-13 nlt)

Abraham’s descendants became a great nation. Israel has been a blessing to others. Every family on earth is blessed by the birth of Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham as described by Paul in Galatians. “What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would make the Gentiles right in his sight because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’” (3:8 nlt)  

The bottom line is the ‘Book of Moses’ is for both Jews and Christians. It shows the way to a right relationship with God for Old Testament believers and Christians and Jews today are shown that same way to God through Christ Jesus from the ‘Book of Moses.’

Devotionals

Food for the Journey

Loring Schultz

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

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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 conceived in your mother’s womb. “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 while on this earth. 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 because 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 does not want to send you away hungry.

Devotionals

Are you growing in Christ?                

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT – Paul and Apollos, Servants of Christ – Bible Gateway

“I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready.” 1 Corinthians 3:2 NLT

Photo by Debra Brewster on Unsplash
     

Our church family has been blessed over the last year with newborn babies now in our presence. These young parents have enormous responsibilities in the care of their children. One of the first and most important is the nutrition their baby receives in those early years. Milk, of course, is on the top of the list, but as the child grows a more substantial diet is required for proper and healthy growth. Newborn babies need the required nutrition in their early years and then must move up to an even more nutritionally driven diet.

The same is true for new believers, newborn babes in Christ. They need the milk of the Word in those early years. But there comes a time when milk is not enough and if not moved up to solid food or what is known as the ‘meat’ of the Word, the newborn babe in Christ remains a newborn babe. The Lord did not save us to remain children all our lives. Yes, Christians are the children of God and He is our Father, but even adult children are still their parents children.

If you have had a steady diet of milk in your Christian walk it is time to experience some tasty food of the Word of God. Milk will sustain you, but meat, potatoes, and vegetables of the Word of God will cause a growth spurt that will amaze you. A steady diet of Bible reading, devotional time and prayer, regular church attendance, and being active in church and community activities are the nutrition and spiritual exercise needed to ensure you are growing in Christ. So, time to dig in!

Devotionals

Nothing Lasts Forever; Wrong!         

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Peter 1:21-25 NLT – Through Christ you have come to trust – Bible Gateway

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 NLT

We have all heard ‘nothing lasts forever’ and ‘all good things must come to an end.’ The problem with those sayings is our agreement with them. Sure, a dream vacation ends too quickly, your favorite team missed the playoffs (again), your favorite childhood amusement park was torn down, old friendships fade away, and they are many other examples I could think of and you can as well. All good things do not always come to end, but then again they do not last forever either. But there are two things that are guaranteed to last forever, your new life in Christ and the Word of God.

Peter, the apostle, was addressing the early Christians of the first century in his letter of 1 Peter. They were living in days very much like ours. Their society was hostile towards Christianity but accepting of other pagan religions. There was persecution among believers from neighbors and the authorities leading to social ostracism. Yet, Peter had some encouraging words for these dishearten Christians. They were cleansed from their sins having been born again to a new life that will never end.

So you see all good things do not come to an end. Christians can rejoice that their salvation is secure and everlasting. Our new life is eternal. It will last forever, meaning there is no end. And we also have that guarantee from the very living Word of God itself which ‘remains forever.’ (v.25) If you truly desire something that will last forever guaranteed, there are only two things, the Word of God through which you will meet Jesus, your savior providing you with life never ending.

Devotionals

Theologically Speaking           

Loring Schultz

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” Luke 6:20 ESV

“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” John 6:35 ESV

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

I have heard it said from a well-known modern-day theologian that everyone is a theologian. All of us have a theology that we hold to. You may say I have no theological point of view, not even a thought of one. But you do and have thought about it. Simply put, theology is the study of God. You may not study God, but you have thoughts about Him, and even if you say there is no God, you have thought about Him who you believe is not there, theologically speaking.

Even among Christians there are differing theological views concerning God and His Word. Putting a stronger emphasis on certain doctrines will distinguish a theological view not held by all Christians. This doesn’t insinuate error but a disagreement on the subject matter. There are many such passages presented in Scripture which can be worked out between believers or agreeing to disagree as the saying goes.

One example would be the text verses above, two statements by Jesus concerning those who have a hunger for God and righteousness. Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Lk.6:20 esv) Jesus is speaking of those who are poor in spirit seeking righteousness. In the book of John Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” (Jn.6:35 esv) Jesus is not referring to physical hunger, but again a spiritual hunger.

In the above example some people will put a stronger emphasis on ‘poor’ and ‘hunger’ in their theological view in caring for the poor and hungry. No doubt helping the less fortunate is what all Christians ought to be doing. Helping the poor in spirit by feeding them the gospel message not only helps them in this life but saves their soul from eternal torment in eternity. The line between the two must be removed to see the truth of Scripture clearly and know our priorities as Christians, theologically speaking.

Devotionals

A Good Summer Read    

Loring Schultz

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Photo by Jessica Hearn on Unsplash
 

Summer vacations are a time to get away and relax from the daily grind of our work and everyday routines. Whether you are relaxing on a beach, a cabin in the woods, on an exotic island, or in your backyard a lot of us may have a book in hand. It may be a hardcover book, a paperback, your kindle, or your phone that is providing you with a good summer read. Whatever your method, you are engaging in a traditional summer activity of reading.

Deciding what will be your summer read could be an easy choice based on your likes and dislikes, or difficult wanting to use the time not only to relax but also to educate yourself about a certain subject. It could vary based on what is going on in your life this year or the events that surround you. As America has just celebrated its 250th birthday, I am drawn to Benjamin Franklin this year as my summer read.

We have a world of books available to us, both good and bad. May we choose wisely this summer with what will encourage us as we read for the pure enjoyment of it. Books that stimulate our minds and thinking in a positive direction in the chaotic world we live will help prepare us for the year ahead and beyond. There are many excellent Christian books available in stores, your on-line shopping site, and even on the boardwalk at favorite seaside vacation resort. I suggest you take advantage of them.

Of course let us not forget the most important summer read of them all, the Bible. You will find everything you are looking for in your search for a good read this summer. It made not appear all at once, but if you stick to it you will find what you need with the enjoyment of being in God’s presence preparing you for the days ahead.

Devotionals

Do not be deceived, evil is not good

Loring Schultz

“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:16-17 ESV

US Supreme Court building with columns and dome, people walking on stairs and plaza, and American flag on flagpole
Visitors walk around the front of the US Supreme Court building with an American flag waving nearby.

Deception has been around  since the Garden of Eden. At the root of all deception is the father of lies Satan, himself. Satan has been deceiving people for years that bad is not that bad or not bad at all, in fact it’s actually good. The Puritans of the 17th century recognized the deceitfulness in some of the laws of their day that were evil.

 In one Puritan prayer it says,

“Show me how to know when a thing is evil,

                   which I think is right and good,

                   how to know when what is lawful

                   comes from an evil principle….” (1)

The above could have been written in 2026. Even Christians, when not careful, can be influenced by the world around them in seeing things from a secular worldview or even worse from a distorted Biblical worldview in the name of fairness and justice. Don’t be deceived. Evil is not good. If Scripture says it is evil, then it is evil. Secular governments passing legislation that attributes to the acceptance of anti-biblical truths puts Christians on defense for just believing the truth of Scripture.

Let us take heart and pray for one another to stand strong in defense of God’s Word. This is nothing new, but it is the devil’s continual attempt to sway people away from God and the truth of His Word. Sadly, it worked on Eve in the garden and with many others throughout history and is running rampant today. Pray that you will not be deceived.

(1) Bennett, Arthur Ed. The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press, 2023. Pg 69

Devotionals

Stay Sharp  

Loring Schultz

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.” 2 Timothy 4:13 ESV

Photo by Mariia Chalaya on Unsplash

As we age we tend to not be as sharp as we once were. This occurs both physically and mentally. Physically it is best to stay active as best as you are able and mentally the same holds true. Our learning ability may slow down, but we are still capable of learning new things. Keeping our minds sharp by reading, playing brain teaser games (there are plenty on your smartphone), and engaging in deep conversations help keep our minds alert adding to our quality of life.

Keeping our minds sharp and focused is particularly important as we grow older and so is applying some of the above to help us fill our souls with the things of God. The apostle Paul in his concluding thoughts to Timothy in his letter requested he come to see him soon. Both Paul and Timothy knew that Paul’s days may be short. Paul requested a few things. He asked Timothy to bring Mark along with him, and to stop by Troas to pick up Paul’s cloak that he left there. Winter was settling in soon and it would provide much needed comfort. But most importantly Paul instructed Timothy to bring ‘the books, and above all the parchments.’

The books were papyrus scrolls of the Old Testament, and the parchments were skins of vellum used for smaller documents, Paul’s personal copies of the Scriptures. Here is a man up in age who had already confided to Timothy ‘the time of my departure has come.’ (2Tim.4:6 evs) Why would he want these writings in his present circumstances? Paul wasn’t finished yet. He wanted to stay sharp right up to the end of his days and have his soul filled and refreshed. This is a lesson for all of us whatever our age to continue learning from the Word of God. There is nothing more important. Let us stay sharp!

Devotionals

God Given Natural Resources

Loring Schultz

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Illustration of natural resources including flora and fauna, land and minerals, water and marine resources, and energy and renewable resources.
Illustration showing different types of natural resources supporting life on Earth.

Scripture says, “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it.” (Ps.24:1 nlt) It’s all His for in the book of Genesis it says God created the earth. Our God has given us the earth to live in, manage it, and enjoy it. We could not do this on our own if God had not supplied us with natural resources created for our benefit. Just think of the natural resources that are vital for our survival. They fall into two categories, renewable and non-renewable resources.

Where would we be without the renewable resources God gave to each of us such as, plants, animals, freshwater, topsoil, and solar and wind energy created by the light of the sun and moving air currents. Not to forget coal, oil, and natural gas the non-renewable resources that has become a necessity in the 21st century. These natural resources were created by God for us to use and be able to live in and manage the earth. Without them we would not survive.

God has given us another natural resource that is vital to our physical lives, but more importantly vital for our spiritual lives, His Holy Word, the Bible. Neglecting the use water, vegetation, and all the other resources God has supplied us with will end in death. Neglecting God’s Word will end in spiritual death for those who refuse to accept God’s love for us through His Son. His Word was given to us to show us the way of salvation and how to live after accepting Christ as savior. The Bible continues to be a vital spiritual natural resource for every Christian. We cannot live without it. It was given to us for that purpose.

Devotionals

Stay Active and Keep Moving

Loring Schultz

Read: Hebrews 6:9-12 NKJV – A Better Estimate – But, beloved, we – Bible Gateway

“Do not become sluggish but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NKJV

People praying and exercising in a gym with Christian signs and a crucifix
A group engages in prayer and exercise at a gym emphasizing spiritual and physical strength.

The one piece of advice I received repeatedly before retiring was to ‘stay active and keep moving.’ I knew that to be true for in my working years as a retail store manager, I have spent more time on the floor than in the office, despite what others might say. A sudden stop in physical activity would not end well. For the most part I have maintained a regular schedule that keeps me moving physically. But I admit there are times when sluggishness sets in from missing the gym and the accumulation of late-night snacks. Thankfully, I recognize the need to stay active with frequent visits back to the gym to become sluggish free.

Staying active and moving is not only for our physical health, but also for our spiritual health. In fact the apostle Paul writes, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1Tim.4:8 nlt)  When we let our spiritual life lay dormant and are absorbing the junk food of the world there is no other outcome but to become sluggish or spiritually unhealthy. Without a correction this will lead to all kinds of spiritual problems and create a chasm between you and God.

Just as physical exercise and staying active keeps us healthy and not in a sluggish state, spiritual exercise such as Bible reading, prayer, worship, sharing the gospel, helping others, and having Christian friends will keep us active and moving in our Christian life. Age does not matter. Young, old, and in-between, we all need spiritual exercise. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, it’s time to hit ‘God’s Gym.’