My Daily Pause

Category: Devotional

  • The Judge

    The Judge

    In our New Testament world we take the “loving” approach to sinners and our enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48) This worldview makes David’s request for God’s swift judgment in Psalm 58 sound a little harsh.

    In Psalm 58:6-7 the request from the psalmist is to make the enemy powerless. Let’s think about Jesus in the wilderness countering the temptations of Satan. (Matthew 4:1-11) He turned every attack into harmless chatter with no substance. To follow this example is to teach the scriptures, discredit false interpretation of the Bible and try to make sinners see the way.

    In the end, when we pray for others (especially those we care about) that are sinners, we cannot pray for God’s to make an unrighteous judgment. We need to pray for their conversion because God is a righteous judge.

  • Eight Reasons Not to Skip Bible Study

    Eight Reasons Not to Skip Bible Study

    Paul never missed an opportunity to do a Bible study. (Granted, his Bible was in his head, put there by the Holy Spirit) In fact, even when he was in jail he converted the jailer  (Acts 16:31-34) During his travels Paul made sure he was somewhere to worship with the saints on the first day of the week. (References throughout Acts) Paul knew this was how to build churches and Christians (Acts 20:32)

    As you prepare to attend Bible study (Sunday school, Wednesday evening service) at the next opportunity, (especially if you are deciding whether to go) think about these reasons you should be there, ready to participate:

    1. It is a rewarding privilege
    2. If we don’t, we cast our vote to stop scheduling it.
    3. Our influence and contributions to the Lord’s work is dependent on attending.
    4. It helps lead the lost to Christ.
    5. Jesus would attend if He were here.
    6. It’s not optional.
    7. It stabilizes our homes.
    8. It part of the example we set.

  • The Whole Truth

    The Whole Truth

    During Paul’s last meeting with the Ephesians, he told them he had taught them everything they needed to know and he was therefore “Innocent of the blood of all.” (Acts 20:26)

    Paul’s example was to teach the full counsel of God. He never let his students continue in sin without a warning. He taught everything:

    Not just the popular parts.

    Not just the easy parts.

    Not just the fun parts.

    Would it break your heart on the last day to have your best friend ask, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  • The Truth Hurts

    The Truth Hurts

    So there Paul was in Ephesus – teaching and converting people to Christianity like a pro. The problem was the little statues of the Greek gods were becoming obsolete because people began worshiping the one true God. They created a stir so loud and large that some people didn’t even know why they were rioting. (Acts 19:21-41)

    I just today saw in the local TV news that an outspoken evangelist is being accused of hate speech. While there are no actual witnesses to these things, the rumor is that he leads vicious rallies targeted at homosexuals. His contention is that homosexuality a sin – along with premarital sex and adultery. He says that he doesn’t hate gay people, but the New Testament clearly makes that lifestyle a sin. He has created a lot of enemies by teaching the truth and they are talking about protesting the church where he works.

    Some things never change.

  • Teaching is Difficult

    Teaching is Difficult

    Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 2:2 to follow the example of the apostles and teach God’s word. Paul was a very persuasive teacher and really knew his stuff. His skill didn’t keep him from facing difficult situations though, did it? Paul was beaten, mocked, run out of town, arrested. (Acts 16, 17, 18) But he kept teaching  – and that is the example he wants us to follow.

    The next time you need a little boost in your courage, think about Paul and Silas as they travel through tough terrain converting some tough people.

  • Reflecting God’s Image

    Reflecting God’s Image

    Consistent application of God’s word earns respect and tolerance from others. God’s image is seen first in a godly person. When Jehoshaphat demonstrated this, he even had the Philistines and Arabians paying tribute to his kingdom (2 Chronicles 17:10-13).

    Some ways to apply this might be:

    1. Be careful in your language.
    2. Be willing to teach when you have an opportunity
    3. Show the qualities of Jesus in your actions

    Daily Bible Reading for Feb 13

    Joseph interprets two prisoners’ dreams. Jehoshaphat begins his reign in Judah and teaches the Scriptures to all the land. The house of Cornelius is converted (The First Gentiles).

    Psalm 44
    Genesis 40
    2 Chronicles 17
    Acts 10:1-11:18