My Daily Pause

Paul had a formula for his teaching.

1. He was always setting an example
2. He expected Christians to follow that example
3. He instructed us to set the example for others (2 Timothy 2:2, Philippians 4:9)

One of the common examples we see in Paul’s letters is his concern for the churches he planted. He made it clear that he loved his brethren! In 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 we read where he sent Timothy down to check on the Thessalonian church.

That concern for “one another” is a big ingredient to the success of the Lord’s church.

Paul mentions how we should treat one another a number of times in his letters. He says we are to:

• Prefer one another in honor (Romans 12:10)
• Admonish or Instruct one another (Romans 15:14)
• Speak the truth in love one to another (Ephesians 4:15)
• Forbear one another (Ephesians 4:2)
• Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32)
• Comfort or encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
• Edify one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13)

The next time we sense there is a conflict between “one another,” we now have a head start on how to resolve it. One of the things in this list will surely help.

The bottom line is that we are to “love one another” just like Jesus loves us. (John 13:34-35)

Daily Bible reading for May 16

Psalm 135
Numbers 16-17
Isaiah 55
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

Paul was always quick to praise Christians for studying the scriptures. Especially when they faced trials because they followed God’s word. He was also quick to point out that what he said came from God and wanted those that heard to give God the credit. (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)

The word works in those that believe – here are just a few how and whys:

• The word saves souls (James 1:21).
• The word sanctifies (John 17:17; 1 Timothy 4:5).
• The word produces, just like a seed (Mark 4:26-27).
• The word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).
• The word is like fire against the false (Jeremiah 23:29).
• The word is like a hammer against the strong (Jeremiah 23:29).
• The word is light in darkness (Psalms 119:105).
• The word is the sole weapon in Christian warfare (Ephesians 6:17).

Just like any Subject, hobby or tool, the more we work with the word of God, the more we understand the nuances and the plan he laid out for us.

Daily Bible reading for May 15

Psalm 134
Numbers 15
Isaiah 54
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

When I think about my military days, I remember one of the biggest challenges was to always be ready as part of the team. Living in close quarters was difficult for most of us kids – especially being away from home for the first time. One gets a firsthand look at that old saying, “familiarity breeds contempt.”

The same thing can happen in college dorms, families, and sadly, inside the church. When there is disagreement or strife among teams or families there is a loss of function. Unity among these groups make everything ideal. According to the psalmist it is “good and pleasant”. (Psalm 133:1)

It is sad to see earthly families unable to get along, but when it happens within our spiritual families, it brings discredit to the Lord’s church.

The challenge then, is to:

• Let brotherly love continue (Hebrews 13:1)
• Remember the doctrinal unity takes effort (Ephesians 4:1-6)
• Have the same mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10)
• Never stop loving our brethren even when it is threatened (Galatians 5:13-15)
• Pursue things which make peace (Romans 14:19)
• Pursue things which make holiness (Hebrews 12:14)

We work hard to make earthly relationships function well – don’t we owe it to our savior to make the spiritual ones work?

Daily Bible reading for May 14

Psalm 133
Numbers 13-14
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
1 Thessalonians 1

In a previous post, we had a look at Paul’s formula for building strong families. In that post, I offered a few of Paul’s instructions for building strong families as given in Ephesians 5:22-6:4.

Protecting the marriage should be a primary concern for a couple. As it turns out, single parent homes run a very high risk of living below the poverty line and having a member convicted of a crime. You can read the statistics at the US Government’s site Child Stats.

Paul mentions the order of the family unit as God intended it a few times. In addition to the Ephesians passage mentioned above, he restates it again in Colossians 3:18-21

• the wife and children respect the husband as the head of the house
• the husband loves and protects his wife with the intensity that Christ does the church
• the couple understands they are to move, live and think as one

Daily Bible reading for May 13

Psalm 132
Numbers 12
Isaiah 51:1-52:12
Colossians 3:18-4:18

As you mentally prepare for your next worship service, you could practice seeking things which are above. (Colossians 3:1) What better place than that? That’s where Christ is! (Colossians 3:2-3)

One who is in Christ has the essence of a new man: He is tender, kind, meek, patient… (Colossians 3:12-13) That is the attitude I want God to see in me when I worship and when I live.

As you join together with the peace of God in your hearts … be thankful for Christ.

Daily Bible reading for May 12

Psalm 131
Numbers 11
Isaiah 50
Colossians 3:1-17