My Daily Pause

God is a quick forgiver.

Asa brought peace to Judah by restoring God to the kingdom (2 Chronicles 15). Saul, the one bringing terror to the new Christians, was converted and made the teacher to the Gentiles by the Lord (Acts 9:1-31).

God was so quick to forgive Nineveh that it upset Jonah (Jonah 3:10 – 4:1)

With these examples we can leave with two lessons today:

1. It’s never too late to get God’s forgiveness and change the direction of our lives. We’re never “too far gone”.
2. We should probably offer forgiveness to anyone we are withholding it from. Soon. Now.

Which do you need to do?

Daily Bible reading for Feb 11

Judah’s children are born. Asa reforms the Kingdom of Judah’s attitude toward God. Saul is baptized in Damascus.

Psalm 41
Genesis 38
2 Chronicles 15
Acts 9:1-31

Before he became the Apostle Paul, Saul was very aggressive in dealing with the followers of Jesus. He watched and approved of Stephen’s execution and  then continued on to ravage the church (Acts 8:1-3). He later called himself a Hebrew of Hebrews (Philippians 3:5) and in Acts 23:1 said he had fulfilled his duty in all good conscience.

Taking the “Jiminy Cricket” approach to life and “letting your conscience be your guide” puts one in the same class as Saul of Tarsus. Being oblivious to the sins we commit will not excuse us when judgment comes. Solomon knew the value of study: Proverbs 1:2-7

Daily Bible reading for Feb 10

Joseph’s dreams and the coat of many colors. Asa brings peace to Judah through the favor of God. Simon and the Eunuch are baptized.

Psalm 40
Genesis 37
2 Chronicles 14
Acts 8

When I read the story of Stephen (Acts 6 and 7), I see similarity in his situation and ours. We are trying to help others see the truth, only to be rebuffed. Those who have an audience are able to wrest the Scriptures just enough to create doubt in a weaker believer’s mind. Many atheists know what’s in the Bible better than many Christians! This is how those who support homosexual marriages, abortion, evolution and more are making progress in getting this stuff into the mainstream.

The defense to such attacks on the Bible has at least the following ingredients:

1. Study (2 Timothy 2:15)
2. Be ready to speak on the arguments used against the Bible (2 Timothy 4:2)
3. Quit remaining silent! (Romans 1:16)

We each have control of these building blocks. Together we can slow the momentum the godless seem to be gaining.

Daily Bible reading for Feb 9

Esau’s descendants are listed. Abijah defeats Jeroboam. Stephen rises and falls.

Psalm 39
Genesis 36
2 Chronicles 13
Acts 6:8-7:60

Barnabas had just sold a piece of land and laid all the money at the feet of the Apostle (Acts 4:36-37). That was a grand gesture, one that wasn’t even required but came straight from the heart. It’s not surprising that Ananias and Sapphira got caught up in the joy of giving and wanted to participate (Acts 5:1).

The beauty of being a giving person turns ugly fast when it is done only to be seen by others. We might not suffer the same fate as Ananias and Sapphira when we to do the same thing, but we know the Lord will ignore such heartless giving (Mark 12:41-12:44)

Proclaiming Jesus is dangerous business. I don’t know if it will ever come to a trial like Peter and John had to face (Acts 4:1-7), but paying for it in respect among peers or opportunities in the work place is very possible. In fact, fellow Christians may go on the attack if you stand your ground on difficult matters based on what the Scriptures say rather than what they feel “in their heart”. Work on your faith daily so it grows (Romans 10:17) to where you could survive a difficult test. Could you defend an attack on the Bible in a one-on-one debate?

Daily Bible reading for Feb 7

Jacob’s daughter is defiled. Rehoboam fortifies his kingdom. Peter begins his ministry

Psalm 37
Genesis 34
2 Chronicles 11
Acts 3:1-4:31