My Daily Pause

Category: Devotional

  • Rejoice!

    Rejoice!

    At the time of this writing, it has been a tough week for some folks around the country. Unfortunately, we often hear that there has been an event that leaves people hurting. It is times like these when we understand exactly what “not guaranteed tomorrow” means.

    We have the benefit of a lifestyle that provides comfort and reassurance that there is something better waiting for us. Paul often closed his letters with a few exhortations. (especially Philippians 4:4-9, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22) I appreciate that he nearly always reminds us to rejoice. (2 Corinthians 13:11 – if you are using KJV, NKJV or ASV you will see “Farewell.” The correct word from the Greek is “Rejoice.”) The first century church was going through some very tough times, yet Paul keeps reminding them to rejoice.

    I encourage you to keep living in a way that keeps you rejoicing, and be ready to give account for why you can when your friends ask. (1 Peter 3:15)

  • Avoid the Other Gospels

    Avoid the Other Gospels

    I have heard, often it seems, that a loving God wouldn’t condemn someone for (Fill in the Blank).

    When I read my Bible, I find that God will display his wrath on those who are sinful. (See Genesis 6) God is righteous, and holy and pure. (1 Peter 1:15-16) What is sin? Unrighteous, unholy and corrupt. The very nature of each opposes the other.

    Paul told those in Corinth that he was worried about them because they fell for a different gospel. (2 Corinthians 11:3-6) When one starts accepting a “gospel” without doing their due diligence, they become easy to trick out of their salvation.

    God has given to us a list of things he finds good. We have to be careful not to in turn, try to tell him what we think is good enough.

    Daily Bible Reading for April 17

    God outlines the ritual for declaring a leper clean. Isaiah professes about Moab. Paul writes about the false apostles.

    Psalm 107
    Leviticus 14:1-32
    Isaiah 15-16
    2 Corinthians 10:13-12:13

  • Bragging About God

    Bragging About God

    The message of Psalm 105 is powerful, calling upon the believer to rejoice in God and to let that joy overflow so that others can be immersed in it and become believing as well. We can encourage others to seek him because we have sought him and have not been disappointed.

    We can teach others to seek him by:

    1. Giving thanks to God for all he has done and remembering his gifts
    2. Calling upon his name by using it forcefully and purposely. Glory in it and be joyful!
    3. Making his deeds known by your children and all the people that you come in contact with, by talking about his wondrous works
    4. Seeking the presence of God through prayer and meditation upon his word

    Daily Bible Reading for April 16

    God gives Moses the law for leprous disease. Israel taunts Babylon. Paul compares his letter writing and in-person teaching.

    Psalm 106
    Leviticus 13
    Isaiah 13-14
    2 Corinthians 10:1-12

  • Heartfelt Giving

    Heartfelt Giving

    Paul gave a lot of attention to our giving. He wants us to understand that a heartfelt gift is something that God loves to see. (2 Corinthians 9:7) The proverb writer said it this way:

    The Lord hates sacrifices brought by evil people, particularly when they offer them for the wrong reasons. – Proverbs 21:27 NCV

    For more about what the Bible says about our giving look at these 6 Giving Attitudes.

    Daily Bible Reading for April 15

    God give Moses the law of purification after childbirth. Isaiah tells about the time after exile.

    Psalm 105
    Leviticus 12
    Isaiah 11-12
    2 Corinthians 8-9

  • Heading to Church?

    Heading to Church?

    The word Worship is mentioned more than 100 times in the Bible. As you plan to go the next worship services, consider how important what you are about to do is. A proper worship, done in spirit and truth is the only way God will hear it.

    Consider these:

    1. Jesus teaches worship – John 4:19-26
    2. Paul preaches on worship – Acts 17:22-31
    3. The second recorded sin of man is over worship – Genesis 4

    Daily Bible reading for April 14

    Psalm 104
    Leviticus 11
    Isaiah 9:8-10:34
    2 Corinthians 6:11-7:16

  • How to Get Into Christ

    How to Get Into Christ

    One of Paul’s key phrases for describing a Christian’s relationship with Christ was to say that The Christian is “in Christ”. He used this phrase at least 150 times in his letters! Once we are in Christ, we are a new creation – our sins bought and paid for. (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

    So how do we get into Christ? There is but one way:

    Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? – (Romans 6:1-4)

    For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:23-29) (See also How to be Abraham’s Seed)

    For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

    You will not find another way to get into Christ in the Scriptures than through baptism. If you have been taught otherwise, I hope you can start with these passages (and also look at my Plan of Salvation page) and dig a little deeper in the matter.