My Daily Pause

Author: Butch Adams

  • The Grasp of God’s Hand

    The Grasp of God’s Hand

    God demonstrated through Joseph that His will cannot be foiled through the results of sin. (Genesis 41-50) In Exodus 1, God’s plan is under attack once more from the King of Egypt. Notice that it only took a few little actions to keep God’s will on track and frustrate the Pharaoh:

    • They multiplied despite hard labor and slavery v12
    • The midwives disobeyed the king and didn’t kill the newborn boys v17
    • Moses was hid (Exodus 2:1-3)

    God is on our side when we teach His word and help His kingdom grow despite the attempts Satan makes to block us.

  • God Will Not Be Stopped

    God Will Not Be Stopped

    The last part of Joseph’s life was very comfortable and he had a lot of power. (Genesis 41-50) God used the sin of Jacob’s sons to save them so they could become the fathers of the children of Israel. Perhaps one of the most powerful acknowledgements of God’s providence was Joseph’s response to his brothers when they pled for their lives after Jacob’s death:

    As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today – Genesis 50:20

    How encouraging to know God’s plan cannot be foiled by sin!

  • 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.

  • Improving God’s Teachers

    Improving God’s Teachers

    Those of us who read and study the Scripture have a duty to pass it on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 4:2, Philippians 4:9, etc.) Our spiritual maturity will continue to increase as we study and teach – along with our confidence.

    Apollos was a man who was very confident and willing to teach, but he was getting something wrong. A fine couple approaches him and teaches him “the way of God more accurately”. (Acts 18: 24-28) He goes on, even more capable of refuting the Jews’ false teaching.

    This lesson can be taken two ways:

    1. Always be willing to reexamine what you “know” to be true against the Scriptures when someone approaches you.
    2. Always be willing to help others that are teaching an error.