My Daily Pause

As we continue to get settled into this new year, let’s have a look at some things which the Bible says are new:

1. Jesus’ blood is the blood of the New Testament – Matthew 26:28
2. Jesus has given us a new commandment, that we love one another as He has loved us – John 13:34; 1 John 2:7-10; 2 John 1:5
3. For those that are in Christ, all things are become new – 2 Corinthians 5:17
4. As Christians, we are to live in a new way – Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10
5. We live under the new covenant – Hebrews 8:8
6. We have been given a new and living way to draw near unto God – Hebrews 10:19-22
7. We are to look for a new heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness – 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1-2

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5).

The First Gospel Message

In Genesis 3 Satan has caused man to fall and the our Master’s plan begins to unfold. God places a curse on Satan and his instruments and promises that his evil will be overcome. If you have extra time today, study a little closer Genesis 3:14-15 and see the promise of Christ’s arrival even at this early date. While Satan might have “bruised Christ’s heal” on the cross, Christ crushed Satan’s head and won. (Hebrews 2:14)

Each day, look for Christ in the Scriptures. We can find him and God’s promise for us in every book of the Bible!

And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, “Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.” – Acts 24:25 ESV

From the “There’s a devotional in there somewhere department”, Michael Port asks us to rethink the “Life got in the way” excuse. While very sound secular business advice, it made me think about Felix letting life become his excuse for not making the next step for his salvation. Felix had come to understand the truth but acted otherwise.

What are you putting ahead of your spiritual priorities?

Today’s daily reading list included 2 Peter 1:1-11. This might be considered a companion piece to the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 as it describes the action needed to make our faith fruitful.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:3 ESV

Obeying the gospel takes a special disposition. One has to recognize that they are so spiritually destitute as to need to approach the Father for all the necessities and blessings of life. The poor in spirit are not proud or arrogant. Those who don’t recognize this within themselves will never see their spiritual poverty or the need to obey until it is too late.

Heaven belongs to those that put their faith in our Lord and not themselves.