Sunday, April 1
John 8:12
The Light of the World Is Jesus
KEY VERSE: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life,” John 8:12.
An old adage states, “None are so blind as those who will not see.” Throughout His ministry Jesus taught the Scriptures and proved His deity by His works. While many believed on Him as Savior because of His works, others refused to confess Him as Savior. The proof of His deity was clear but many would not see.
The Pharisees refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah. They sought to ridicule His teachings and question His works.
The adulterous woman was brought to Jesus to back Him into a theological corner. The Pharisees did not care about her sins or her spiritual condition. If Jesus suggested the woman be forgiven, they would question Him about obeying the Law. If Jesus said to stone her, they would ask about His teaching of forgiveness. Jesus was too wise to fall into their trap. He dispersed the mob by saying anyone without sin, could stone her. Since none of them were without sin, they could not cast stones at her.
Many people still do not see Jesus is the Light of the world. Some question His deity despite adequate proof of His divine power. They are blind to the Light of the world because of their lack of faith. They do not see because they refuse to see.
Just A Thought: The Light of the world is available to all who will see.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 50:1-11
The Humiliation of Christ
Key Verse: “Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst,” Isaiah 50:2.
The F on the report card stood out like a sore thumb. The high school student made good grades in every other subject. Algebra was difficult for him to grasp. He swallowed his pride and asked his teacher for help. She agreed to tutor him during study hall. Within a short time he gained a greater understanding of the subject, and his grade improved on the next report card. He should have asked for help when he realized he was having trouble understanding the subject.
The Lord’s desire was to help the people of Israel but they refused to seek Him. He could have not only redeemed their souls but also delivered them from their sorrows. The Lord was always available to them, but they rarely called upon Him.
The Lord received no glory from the calamity of His chosen people. Why did they not call on Him? His hand was not shortened that it was powerless to help them. He possessed the power to dry up the sea and turn rivers into a wilderness. The Lord would rather use His power to deliver than to judge.
Just A Thought: God is not only available but also anxious to help.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 51:1-23
God Is in Control
Key Verse: “Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him,” Isaiah 51:2.
It was a two hundred fifty mile trip from my home to my grandparent’s house. We often made the return trip from our visits at night. I would lie down in the backseat and sleep most of the way home. I slept soundly because I knew dad was in control of the car and would do everything possible to get us home safely.
God promised Abraham and Sarah a child in their old age. This would require the power of God because they were well past childbearing age. This child would be the first in a vast number of descendants, which would become a great nation. In the Father’s time the Messiah would be born from this linage. Abraham and Sarah became impatient for the fulfillment of God’s promise but they could not alter God’s timetable. In God’s time their son Isaac was born and in time a new nation was born. God kept His promise in His time.
God is always in control. He will accomplish His will in His time. Christians should always trust God to do His best for them. “I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me” (Psalm 3:5). There is no reason to worry over things which God controls, which is everything. Trust God with the big things as well as the small things.
Just A Thought: God is and always has been in control. He knows best.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 52:1-15
The Marring of Christ
Key Verse: “As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men,” Isaiah 52:14.
A man served two tours of duty in Vietnam during the height of the war. Did he have anything to remind him of his time in battle? He had the scar from a wound he suffered while under attack; however, he was proud to serve his country and would do it again if asked.
Jesus suffered a cruel death on Calvary. His hands and feet bore the scars of the nails that held Him to the cross. Artists’ renditions of the Lord’s crucifixion cannot capture the anguish He suffered on the cross. His pain was as evident as on the thieves who were crucified at His sides. He willingly suffered the anguish of the cross to pay the sin debt of all mankind. It was His love for sinners and not nails that held Him to the cross.
Jesus did not deserve the wounds He suffered. As God, Jesus was not worthy of death. As horrible as His scars were, they are a blessing for sinners. Jesus who knew no sin was made sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). Apart from His death, burial and resurrection according to the Scriptures, there is no remission of sin. Jesus died on the cross so whosoever believes on Him as Savior will have eternal life.
Just A Thought: The Lord's wounds were borne of love.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 2:24, 25
He Bore Our Sins
Key Verse: “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed,” 1 Peter 2:24.
A man was lecturing in a high school assembly about the dangers of drunk driving. Halfway through the lecture he removed his coat revealing the fact he had only one arm. One arm had been lost in an automobile accident. A drunk driver had run a red light and broadsided his car. His arm was so badly injured in the accident that it had to be amputated. He had never consumed an alcoholic drink in his life but would suffer the sins of one who had for the rest of his life.
“The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). Jesus is the sinless Son of God. Since He is not a sinner, He did not deserve to die on the cross. The Lord died as though He were a sinner, so sinners could have eternal life. Only through the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection according to the Scriptures do people have the hope of eternal life in Heaven. The innocent Son of God died so guilty sinners might have life.
Consider the cost of sin. Sin costs the sinner a close relationship with God and places him under a sentence of death. Sin caused the Lord to die a cruel death on the cross so sinners could inherit eternal life.
Just A Thought: Sinners owe a debt they cannot pay, therefore, Jesus paid a debt He did not owe.
Marc Shultz
1 John 2:1, 2
An Advocate with the Father
Key Verse: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous,” 1 John 2:1.
An advocate is one who pleads the cause of another. A lawyer uses his knowledge of the law to make sure his client has a fair hearing in court, even if he is guilty of the crime of which he is accused.
God the Father is the righteous Judge. He does not require the accounts of eyewitnesses or hear testimony in His courtroom. He knows and sees all things so He knows the guilt of those whom He judges. Jesus, our Advocate, pleads the sinner’s cause before the Father. The Savior asks the Father to accept His payment of sin on the sinner’s behalf. Without the Lord’s advocacy sinners would have no hope of mercy before the Heavenly Father.
Sinners need divine mercy rather than justice. Justice would give the sinner what he deserves. As a sinner he does not deserve the divine love or forgiveness. Divine mercy gives mankind better than he deserves. Divine mercy is offered through the Lord’s death, burial and resurrection. Divine mercy separates the sinner from His sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Divine mercy gives sinners the assurance of eternal life (Titus 1:2).
Just A Thought: Jesus is the only Advocate to plead our cause before the Father.
Marc Shultz
1 Peter 3:18
The Just for the Unjust
Key Verse: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit,” 1 Peter 3:18.
A man spent twenty years in prison after being wrongly convicted of murder. Because of advancements in forensic science, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) evidence was eventually found on the murder weapon. The tested evidence confirmed the fact the prisoner had not committed the murder, and he was released from prison. Results from the tests were compared to samples in the Federal Bureau of Investigation crime files. The tests revealed the man who had committed the murder was already in prison serving a sentence for another crime.
Jesus innocently served the sentence of death for guilty sinners. He suffered on the cross to offer eternal life to sinners. The guiltless Son of God paid the price of sin for guilty sinners. What would cause the Lord to make such a sacrifice? “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The Lord's love is go great that He willingly died on the cross for sinful people. The only one who did not deserve to die willingly died. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Though innocent of sin, Jesus died that we might live.
Just A Thought: The Lord's death was the Father's will and His duty.
Marc Shultz
John 1:29
Behold the Lamb of God
Key Verse: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” John 1:29.
The Old Testament lamb sacrifices foretold the sacrifice the Lord would make on the cross. If the blood of lambs could have forgiven sins, it would have been unnecessary for Jesus to die on the cross. The lamb offered on the altar did not die for its own transgressions. It was placed on the altar and its blood spilled to symbolize the Lord’s sacrifice for our sins.
John preached Jesus and Him crucified. He proclaimed that only through the shed blood of Jesus could sins be forgiven. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18, 19). Peter recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God.
After the Lord’s death on the cross, there was no further need for pictorial sacrifices. Jesus fulfilled the picture of the sacrificial lamb. His shed blood was able to do what the blood of lambs could not do, atone for sins. The lamb offered on the altar was not a diseased or afflicted lamb but one without spot or blemish. The Lamb of God is also without spot or blemish. If Jesus is not the sinless Son of God, He died for Himself and not for the world.
Just A Thought: Jesus, the Lamb among lambs.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 54:1-17
Future Blessings on Israel
Key Verse: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord,” Isaiah 54:17.
A grandson often sat on his grandfather’s lap and held his pocket watch. He would hold it to his ear and hear it tick. Grandfather told him one day he would inherit the pocket watch. He was young and did not understand that inheriting the watch would be after his grandfather’s death. He looked forward to the day the watch would be his own.
The people of Israel are God’s chosen people. God promised the Israelites present and future blessings. There were many times these promises seemed bleak; yet, God moved to keep His word. He divided the waters of the Red Sea to deliver them from Pharaoh’s army. God delivered the Israelites from every enemy that opposed them. He gave them Joshua to lead them across Jordan after Moses’ death. The nation prospered as they followed God.
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Many nations are presently aligned against the people of Israel. Many nations side with the Palestinians in Mid-east politics. Nations and governments that side against the people of Israel will not be blessed. Governments should not oppose God’s chosen people. The people of Israel will continue to receive the blessings of God as His chosen people.
Just A Thought: No one can destroy God's favor for Israel.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 56:1-12
A House of Prayer for All People
Key Verse: “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people,” Isaiah 56:7.
A pastor was excited when he saw visitors drive into the parking lot of the small country church he pastored. It was rare that anyone other than members attended services. He was pleased when one of the members went to greet them. Suddenly, the family got back into their car and drove away. When the pastor asked the member what happened, he explained he told the visitors this was a family church and they might feel more comfortable at the church down the road. The member should have welcomed anyone to worship.
Salvation is available to whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (Rom. 10:13). He is not willing that anyone should perish but for everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9). Christians are often not so kind. They judge people by how the look, their economic status or other factors rather than their spiritual needs. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). He will hear the prayer of anyone who calls upon Him. Once a person accepts Jesus as Savior, the outward man begins to change.
Just a Thought: John the Baptist wore leather and ate locust and wild honey. All this was forgotten when he preached the gospel.
Marc Shultz
Jeremiah 29:12-14
Seek Him with Your Whole Heart
Key Verse: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart,” Jeremiah 29:13.
Mother sends her son to the grocery store with instructions to buy a can of green beans. He does not like green beans and is not anxious to have them for supper. Once in the store, he does not see green beans on the shelves where they are usually stocked. He does not ask the nearby stock boy if they have any cans of green beans. If he had really wanted to find a can of green beans, he could have found one. He did not look intensely for green beans. He returned home and told his mother the store was out of green beans. He did not look for them with his whole heart.
Jeremiah told the Israelites they would find God only if they would seek Him with their whole heart. The nation had suffered divine judgment because of disobedience and idolatry. They would only avoid the judgment of God if they repented and returned to worshiping Him alone. God would not turn them away if they repented. Jeremiah was clear in his warnings to the Israelites. God desired their repentance but He would not hesitate to send His wrath upon them.
Backslidden Christians should turn back to God before divine judgment comes. Obedience removes the possibility of divine judgment. Do not shun the warnings of divine wrath. Repent before divine judgment comes. Seek divine forgiveness rather than risk divine judgment.
Just A Thought: It is risky to seek God without true repentance.
Marc Shultz
Proverbs 28:13
Confessing Sin Brings Mercy
Key Verse: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy,” Proverbs 28:13.
Mother asked her daughter if she had eaten any of the chocolate from the candy dish. The young lady knew she had not received permission to eat a piece of candy and denied doing so. She compounded her guilt by lying. The chocolate covering her face was evidence of her sin. The daughter was not only punished for eating a piece of chocolate, but also for lying.
Every sin is committed before the eyes of God. He knows the guilt of every sinner. It is futile for sinners to deny guilt. Nathan told David God knew of his sins with Bath-sheba. David confessed his sin and asked for divine forgiveness. Ananias and Sapphira refused to admit they lied to God and died immediately because of their lack of repentance. David received divine mercy in forgiveness. Ananias and Sapphira were denied mercy because they did not repent.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:9, 10). The only thing that denies divine forgiveness is an unrepentant attitude. God has never refused to forgive the truly repentant sinner. In His mercy God exercises restraint. He would rather forgive sin than show His wrath toward sinners.
Just A Thought: Divine mercy is available to all who seek it.
Marc Shultz
Exodus 34:6, 7
God’s Character of Mercy
Key Verse: “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” Exodus 34:6.
Imagine this scene. Your newly licensed teenage driver has just put a dent in the family car. After making sure the child was not injured, your anger begins to rise. You see a tear in the child’s eye and a quiver on his lip. Your first inclination is to ground him for a year but mercy takes over. Realizing mistakes happen, you dish out an appropriate punishment. Your love for your child is the reason you to exercise mercy.
The Israelites were at the base of Mount Sinai breaking God’s Law at the moment Moses was at the summit of the mountain receiving it from God. God could have consumed the Israelites in His justifiable anger, but He chose to exercise restraint. God showed mercy toward the stiff-necked people.
God is gracious in His mercy. He is willing to exercise kindness toward those who have sinned against Him. No one deserves the grace God has offered through His mercy. He offers it in love. God’s long-suffering is evidence of His mercy. God exercises great patience toward sinners. He offers a reason for repentance before judgment is issued. Christians should repent before divine patience is exhausted. God is abundant in goodness and truth. God is never unjust as He deals with sinners.
Just A Thought: God grants mercy because it is His character to do so. Sinners need divine mercy because their fallen nature requires it.
Marc Shultz
Matthew 7:7, 8
Ask, Seek and Knock
Key Verse: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” Matthew 7:7.
It is Jim’s first date with Alice. He is nervous as he stands at the front door. He runs his fingers through his hair to make sure it is laying down. He checks his wallet to make sure he has not left his money at home. He even breathes into his cupped hand to make sure his breath is not offensive. He finally knocks on the door and Alice answers. She looks beautiful. He is glad he knocked on the door.
God opens and closes doors in accordance with His will. The repentant sinner will receive divine forgiveness. The only ones who have not received divine forgiveness are those who have not repented. Christians who seek divine direction receive it. God leads His children in the paths He would have them go. Christians who pray will have their prayers answered. God may not give them what they want, but He will give them what they need. Those who study God’s Word receive greater knowledge to rightly divide the Word of Truth. These attributes are available to those who seek them.
“For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:8). The will of God should not be an unopened gift. Seek God’s will and it will be revealed to you. Seek good things from God.
Just A Thought: You will not find what you do not seek.
Marc Shultz
Romans 3:24-26
Justified Freely by His Grace
Key Verse: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 2:24.
Salvation is by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. If it were by works, the blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross was in vain. If salvation were by works of the flesh, how many works would a person be required to be justified in the sight of God? Would it be possible for a person to do that amount of works? No amount of works would be able to overcome a person’s sinful nature so he could receive salvation. If there were an amount of works that would justify a person in God’s eyes, it would be impossible for a sinner to perform that amount of works.
Mankind is justified freely by the grace of God. It is offered out of the love of God. He so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son as the sin sacrifice for the world (John 3:16). Any person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior is justified in the sight of the Father. God’s grace is His unmerited favor. Mankind cannot earn the favor of God but receive it through divine grace. Grace is received when a person accepts the Lord as Savior.
The blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross bought man’s redemption in the sight of God. Salvation cannot be by both faith and works. Since man is justified by grace, his works cannot save him. Justification comes by grace alone.
Just A Thought: Salvation is received, not earned.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 57:1-21
God’s Solution for the Wicked
Key Verse: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones,” Isaiah 57:15.
A highway patrolman pulls you over for speeding. You tell him that you are sorry for breaking the law in hopes of getting a warning instead of a ticket. The truth is you were not concerned about speeding until you were pulled over. Are you truly sorry for speeding or are you sorry you got caught?
The conviction of the Holy Spirit is a divine warning against sin and a plea for repentance. Without the conviction of the Holy Spirit there would be little if any remorse for sin, nor desire for repentance. It is arrogance against God to ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit and continue to sin. Those who ignore conviction against sin risk divine judgment. God does not want a halfhearted repentance. God desires a contrite spirit from repentant sinners. A contrite person admits his sin, regrets his actions, repents of his transgressions and seeks to turn away from the sins of which he repented. The truly repentant sinner will experience a revival of spiritual values in his life.
Recognize the high cost of sin. Have a genuine remorse for sin. Respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin with humble repentance and go and sin no more.
Just A Thought: Only genuine repentance brings peace with God.
Marc Shultz
Isaiah 58:1-14
True Fasting
Key Verse: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” Isaiah 58:6.
A high school senior is taking final exams. His biology test is scheduled after lunch. Biology is not his best subject, and he needs to spend extra time studying. Rather than eating lunch, he goes to the study hall to review his biology notes. Skipping lunch did not make a difference in whether or not he passed his biology final. What mattered was what he did during the time he normally ate lunch.
Bill had a bad day at work. He got involved in a shouting match with a co-worker which left him angry. Bill recognized he needed to change his frame of mind. Rather than eating lunch he spent the time in prayer. His attitude changed and he asked his co-worker to forgive him for his hostility. Because of his attitude, it was more important for Bill to pray at that moment than eat lunch. Prayer put Bill in a spiritual frame of mind.
It is more important for Christians to be spiritually minded than to satisfy fleshly desires. A period of fasting can put a person in a spiritual frame of mind if they will use the time of fasting to seek God’s will in prayer and study His Word. Fasting can be a time to deny self in an effort to find divine leadership.
Just A Thought: Discipleship to God demands self-denial (Matt. 16:24).
Marc Shultz
Psalm 68:18
Sin that Hinders
Key Verse: “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them,” Psalm 68:18.
Mother had given her son time out for misbehaving. He was to sit in a chair facing a corner for fifteen minutes. The young man’s rebellious spirit got the best of him and he yelled to his mother, “I may be sitting on the outside, but I am standing up on the inside!”
The people of Israel often rebelled against God. Their rebellion caused them to suffer divine judgment. While under captivity of their enemies, God waited to hear their prayer of repentance. When they repented, God stayed His judgment, and they had peace with God for a season. Soon they would revert back toward sin and idolatry, and the process would be repeated. The people of Israel’s rebellious spirit led them away from God. A repentant attitude led them back to God.
Many people live by the motto, “Do not tell me what to do.” They believe it is a sign of weakness to submit to any level of authority. They seek ways to defy authority whenever possible. They desire to be the master of their own fate. The reality is that everyone has authority to which they must submit. Rebellion toward authority carries a high cost. It requires a humble spirit to submit to authority. Rebellion is a sin that hinders spiritual growth and peace with God. Believers should replace rebellion with humility.
Just A Thought: God exalts the humble minded (Matt. 23:12).
Marc Shultz
Hebrews 7:25
He Can Save to the Uttermost
Key Verse: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them,” Hebrews 7:25.
I am one hundred percent the son of Don and Julia Shultz. The Shultz genes are in my deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Legal records verify the fact I am a Shultz. Medical records also verify the fact I am a Shultz. There is no denying my heritage.
I am also one hundred percent a child of God. I have accepted Jesus as my Savior. His blood shed on the cross has cleansed me from my sins. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is evidence that I am a child of God. There is no denying my spiritual heritage.
It is God’s will that every person accept Jesus as Savior. He did not come into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him would be saved (John 3:17). “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us” (Rom 8:26). Jesus intercedes to the Father on behalf of believers. He desires to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).
God does not partially save sinners. The child of God is saved at the moment of repentance and faith and is saved for all time and eternity. Nothing can separate the child of God from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39).
Just A Thought: The blood of Jesus saves from all past, present and future sins.
Marc Shultz
Romans 11:26, 27
The Deliverer from Zion
Key Verse: “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob,” Romans 11:26.
A high rise hotel in Miami, Florida, was on fire. Residents of the upper floors of the hotel could not go to the ground floor because of the flames, so they went to the roof. It seemed to be a hopeless situation until helicopters came to rescue them. They would have perished if not for the helicopters.
God promised Abraham that, through his linage, all nations of the world would be blessed. This was the promise of the coming Messiah which would be born of the Jews. The Messiah would save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). Though Jesus was born in the manner prophesied by the Father, many of the Jews denied His deity. This rejection did not cause Jesus to turn His back on His chosen people. The Lord continued to desire the salvation of the Jews.
Jesus desires the salvation of every person. He will save any person who receives Him as Savior in repentance and faith. The grace of God knows no barriers. Every person who reaches the age of accountability may receive Jesus as Savior. Moses who was raised in the house of the Pharaoh was saved by grace. David, the shepherd who became king of Israel, was saved by grace. The woman at the well was also saved by grace.
Just A Thought: The Messiah saves everyone who believes in Him as Savior.
Marc Shultz
Titus 2:11-14
Living for Jesus Until He Comes
Key Verse: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” Titus 2:13.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). Jesus promised to return for His saints. We do not know the exact time of the Lord’s return. Christians should assume the Lord will return at any moment.
“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Christians should not gaze into the sky waiting for the Lord to return. They should be actively serving Him until He comes. The disciples who watched Jesus ascend into Heaven still had work for the Lord that they needed to accomplish. There were people to be won, sermons to be preached and churches to be established. They could not accomplish this work while gazing into the sky.
While Christians should eagerly anticipate the return of the Lord, they should be serving Him until He comes again.
Just A Thought: When the Lord returns, how many Christians will be serving Him?
Marc Shultz
Jeremiah 5:23-25
Sin Withholds Good Things
Key Verse: “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you,” Jeremiah 5:25.
Jeremiah warned the Israelites how much their sins had cost them. Because of their rebellion God withheld both the former and latter rain. It was the rain that caused their crops to grow in anticipation of the harvest. Without the rain the crops died in the ground. Since the majority of their economy was tied to agriculture, this caused great distress to the people. They did not consider the same God who sent the rain could withhold the rain. Their rebellious spirit toward God cost them their harvest.
Despite suffering divine judgment, the Israelites did not fear God. The lack of rain had not caused them to reconsider their ways. They were comfortable in their sins and idolatry. The warnings of Jeremiah seemed to fall on deaf ears. They continued in their wicked ways and showed no signs of repentance. Did they really believe it was God who gave and withheld the rain? If they did believe, why did they not repent?
Jeremiah told the Israelites exactly why God withheld His blessings from them. They sinned against God and refused to repent. God could no longer ignore their iniquities. The prophet did not sugarcoat the message but told it like it was.
God will not bless disobedience. Rebellious spirits will suffer divine judgment. God does not withhold His blessings without cause. The way back to blessings is through repentance and obedience to God.
Just A Thought: The Lord gives and the Lord can take away.
Marc Shultz
Ephesians 5:8
Christians Should Walk in the Light
Key Verse: “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8.
You awaken in the middle of the night with a great thirst. You get out of bed to get a drink of water. Rather than turning on the light, you feel your way from the bedroom to the kitchen. Halfway to the kitchen, you stub your big toe on the dining room table causing great pain. You would have avoided the pain if you had turned on the light.
Light is the absence of darkness. Light travels wherever it is allowed. Darkness cannot overcome light but light overcomes darkness. “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). The natural man loves darkness. The spiritual man seeks the Light that is the Lord.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Jesus is the Light of the world. Those who fail to follow His leadership stumble in darkness. Why would a person purposely walk in darkness when light is available? The Light of the world is available to everyone who seeks Him. Jesus is also the Light of life. He illuminates the paths of righteousness, which believers should follow. Jesus is the Light that is available to everyone.
Just A Thought: Jesus is the Light illuminating a darkened world.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 67:1-4
Thy Way Be Known in All the Earth
Key Verse: “That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations,” Psalm 67:2.
July 16, 1969 what long seemed impossible happened; man walked on the surface of the moon. A television camera mounted on the Apollo 11 lunar landing module aired pictures of Neil Armstrong taking his “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” The world saw American ingenuity and technology at work. The Soviet Union, America’s competitor in the space race, could not put a man on the moon. The world knew for that moment American technology was the best in the world.
Evidence of God is everywhere. Creation itself bears witness of the existence of God (Psalm 19:1). God is seen through the faithfulness of His children. God is seen in inspired Scripture. The power of God is seen in the changed lives of those who repent of their sins and accept Christ as Savior. It is difficult not to see evidence of God.
“For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Matt. 7:8). The ways of God may be seen by anyone who seeks them. Christian testimony, the gospel message and the inspired Word of God share the way of salvation to the world. The will of God is discovered by prayer and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Doctrine may be learned by a study of God’s Word. Anyone who does not know of God and His ways chooses to remain in the dark.
Just A Thought: Seek the ways of God and apply them to life.
Marc Shultz
Micah 4:3
When True Peace Comes
Key Verse: “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more,” Micah 4:3.
What is peace? Is it the absence of war? In the aftermath of World War II the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a cold war. Troops were not deployed into a war zone to engage in hostilities. The cold war was waged on the political front. There was no peace treaty ending the cold war. It ended with the fall of communism in Europe. True peace seems to be as elusive as its definition.
The world is seeking peace. It has been sought in political systems. Communism and socialism could not bring peace. Peace has been sought by economic means but to no avail. Peace has been sought through peace treaties, most of which are violated in quick order.
True peace comes through God and not through peace treaties. First, a person must achieve peace with God. This comes by accepting Jesus as Savior, living an obedient life to God and serving Him. Once a person has peace with God, he must have peace with others. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18). Loving the brethren is evidence of salvation (1 John 3:14). This peace is elusive to the world because the world does not seek God.
Just A Thought: Lasting peace will come when God reigns.
Marc Shultz
Jeremiah 33:15, 16
True Righteousness
Key Verse: “In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land,” Jeremiah 33:15.
A highway patrolman pulled over a driver for speeding. The driver identified himself as a preacher in hopes of avoiding a citation. There were several problems with the driver. He had the smell of alcohol on his breath, marijuana was clearly visible in the vehicle, and he was with a woman who was not his wife. If the man’s claim to be a preacher were true, he was not being a good representative of God.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us” (Titus 3:5). The sin nature makes it impossible for man to be righteous. Sin has alienated him from God. This presents mankind with a problem. God cannot tolerate sin, and mankind cannot rise above his sin nature. Jesus is the Mediator between God and man. Since man cannot become righteous, Jesus is righteous for him. The justice of the Father demands the debt of sin be paid so Jesus paid our debt on the cross. Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us and His righteousness is imputed to us before the Father.
Jesus is the example of true righteousness. No guile was found in Him. He performed the will of the Father. Believers should reflect Jesus in all things.
Just A Thought: Man’s nature requires divine righteousness to have peace with God.
Marc Shultz
Revelation 21:22-25
No Night There
Key Verse: “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof,” Revelation 21:23.
I once visited with a man whose wife was in a hospital intensive care unit. He spent his time sitting in the waiting room waiting for visiting hours. There were no windows in the waiting room, and he lost track of time. He did not know whether it was day or night, nor the day of the week.
God created the sun to illuminate the day and the moon to rule the night (Gen. 1:16). The moon reflects the light of the sun by night. The rotation of the earth around the sun marks time in days, months and years. The sun is essential to life on earth. Not only does the sun give light, it provides heat. There was a time when people thought the sun rotated around the earth until Galileo proved the planets orbit the sun.
In Heaven there is no need for the sun. The glory of the Lord will be the light. In eternity there will be no need to divide time. There will be no night because the glory of the Lord will never fade. There will be no need for sleep because man’s nature will be different in Heaven. He will not grow weary. The light of God never fades.
Just A Thought: The Son of God should be the center of the Christian life.
Marc Shultz
Job 19:25-27
Our Living Redeemer
Key Verse: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth,” Job 19:25.
A Moscow military parade in the Soviet Union was staged to show the communist country’s military prowess. Soldiers carrying portraits of past dictators lead the parade. Each of the leaders had one thing in common; they were dead.
Job was facing a life crisis. His children had died and his health had failed. His business was bankrupt and his friends had turned on him. Job’s wife suggested his faithfulness to God had not benefited him and urged him to curse God and die. Job was in a state of mourning over the events of his life. Job never blamed God for his suffering. Though he did not understand why all these events had happened to him, he trusted God to see him through. He knew the Lord was alive and the day would come when He would reign on earth. Job’s faith strengthened him.
Jesus is the living Redeemer. He was crucified on the cross but rose from the grave the third day. If the Lord’s remains were still in the tomb, He could not be the Redeemer. The main personalities of non-Christian religions are dead. Where is the hope of their followers? Since our Redeemer lives, we can face whatever circumstances life may bring us. Our hope is not in the world but in the living Redeemer.
Just A Thought: If not for the living Redeemer, we are yet dead in our sins with no hope of eternal life in Heaven.
Marc Shultz
Psalm 89:8-18
Trust His Mighty Arm
Key Verse: “Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.” Psalm 89:13.
David journeyed from the sheepfold to the throne of Israel. David learned to trust God to sustain him during his reign. As king, David was championed by most but hated by some. His own son Absalom staged a rebellion against him. There was always an enemy to be fought. God was faithful to give David the strength to rule and the might to fight. David would have been overwhelmed by the pressures of being king if not for the help of God.
David knew both Heaven and earth were under God’s authority. David had confidence he could not be deposed from the throne because God and not man had anointed him as king. He had no reason to fear the enemy as God’s power was greater.
David also recognized God’s authority was greater than his own. God rules in righteous judgment. David made mistakes as king, but God does not, so the king sought the counsel of God. As he followed the leadership of God, his reign as king was successful. Problems persisted when he disobeyed God. All authority must bow to the power of God. Kings come and go, but God reigns eternally.
“For the Lord is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king” (Psalm 89:18). David’s time on the throne would end at his death. Those who walk after the Lord will be blessed. All people must bow to the authority of God.
Just A Thought: Christians can trust God because He is consistent.
Marc Shultz
Luke 4:16-30
Jesus Fulfills Scripture
KEY VERSE: “And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears,” Luke 4:21.
A picture is drawn here of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Luke wrote that He entered the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath, “as his custom was.” Luke also tells us this was where Jesus was brought up. Imagine the reaction of His hearers when Jesus said, “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.” The passage Jesus read, Isaiah 61:1, 2, listed His mission, which was to bring about the things the Jews—and the world—needed most. He preached the gospel to the poor, brought healing to the brokenhearted, deliverance to the captives of sin, sight to the blind and liberty for the maimed.
Instead of welcoming Jesus with open arms, they were blinded to their own needs. The comment of His hearers was, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” This comment prompted Jesus to say, “No prophet is accepted in his own country.”
The reaction Christ received is not much different from the reaction we receive today when we preach the gospel. His hearers and ours range from rapt attention and identification with the message, to surprise, doubt, opposition and finally ugly action.
It is sad to note that Jesus returned to Nazareth only one other time. Sadder still is that His reception was no better than it was the first time He revealed Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy.
Living it: Do not be discouraged when your message of the truth of salvation is not received.
Mary McCalister