My Daily Pause

Those that refuse to acknowledge God are blinded by the god of this world. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

We can help them by being a light on the hill (Matthew 5:14-16). The same God that said “let there be light” is the God that fills our hearts with light of his word. (2 Corinthians 1:6) This is the light that can lead others to him.

We can apply this by living godly, lovingly make corrections to false impressions of God and his word, and studying diligently to be ready when someone asks us questions. (2 Timothy 4:2 2 Timothy 2:15)

Is your light bright or is it hidden?

Daily Bible reading for April 12

Aaron offers the sacrifices for the first time. Isaiah tells of the coming Assyrian invasion.

Psalm 102
Leviticus 9
Isaiah 7-8
2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10

Paul had a problem with Judaizers moving in on his work. They even wanted to know if he had a letter of commendation from anybody important since the Jews did. Paul responds with some contrasts of the old and the new. (1 Corinthians 3)

1. Theirs is written on stone, not the heart (3)
2. Theirs not given by the Spirit (3)
3. Thiers given unto death not by life (6)
4. Thiers veiled not unveiled (15-16)
5. Theirs is given unto condemnation, not righteousness (9-10)

    

Daily bible reading for April 11

Aaron and his sons are consecrated. Isaiah sees the Lord. Paul contrasts the old law and the new.

Psalm 101
Leviticus 8
Isaiah 6
2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18

As you prepare to attend church today, what you think about can have an impact on the quality of your worship.

In a complete worship service, you will worship five ways:
Through song, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, giving and teaching/studying.

Putting aside daily and worldly distractions for a while is sometimes difficult, but it is necessary so you can give God proper reverence.

Paul gave us some guidelines that work not only for worship but daily as well.

Whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue,
and if there be any praise,
think on these things. – Philippians 4:8

Daily Bible Reading for April 7

Psalm 97
Leviticus 3
Isaiah 1
1 Corinthians 15

Those that possessed spiritual gifts were not only misusing them, they seemed to esteem the ones that were least important the most. (1 Corinthians 12-14) While there is a personal growth aspect that needs to be attended to, Paul’s point was that they needed to focus on building up the church first.

Remember that the church is Christ’s body and our goal is to become one in that body. As we begin to turn out mind toward our next worship service, let’s plan to participate in a way that builds up the church, striving to become mature in our thinking and infants in evil (1 Corinthians 14:20)

God has been very exact about what kind of people he wants his followers to be.

God wants us to think of him first. When he taught the children of Israel how to sacrifice, he required the best of the flock for that purpose. (Leviticus 1) When the Corinthians needed guidance for using their spiritual gifts, they received the definition of love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Sometimes we forget these things …
Our acts of worship become just a habit …
we forget to actually connect with God…
love turns up missing…

And everything we are falls short of our potential.

Follow the Jews through the Old Testament, or read 1 Corinthians all the way through to see what I mean.