My Daily Pause

Blog

  • Surviving the Council

    Surviving the Council

    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

  • How Not to Select Leaders

    How Not to Select Leaders

    In 2 Chronicles 10 (and 1 Kings 12), Solomon’s son Rehoboam has assumed the throne and almost immediately the kingdom divides. Obviously he was not vetted as a leader, but put in charge only because he was “next”. God’s Kingdom (the church) has suffered the same fate – From the single united group that assembled that day in Acts 2 we now have hundreds of denominations that split away. Poorly selected church leaders have innovated new ways to worship and have tried to blaze paths to salvation other than the one given in Acts 2:38.

    Be careful not to allow your faith to be spoon fed to you. Do your diligence and select where you worship and study with based on what you read in the Bible.

    Daily Bible Reading for Feb 6

    Jacob and Esau are reunited. Rehoboam decides to be a tougher ruler than Solomon. The Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles.

    Psalm 36
    Genesis 33
    2 Chronicles 10
    Acts 2

  • Great Expectations

    Great Expectations

    The Apostles are flush with a great expectation for what is to come. They believe Jesus is about to restore the Kingdom of Israel – actually, they have believed that was what Jesus’ ministry was about from the beginning. (Acts 1:6-11) They would know soon enough just how big the events were going to be. The Holy Spirit would soon come upon them and give them all of the answers they would need to save souls and build up God’s Kingdom. In the same way, the Spirit has given you what you need to be fully informed (2 Timothy 3:16-17) to go about the work of teaching and saving souls (2 Timothy 2:2). Can you model your ministry after what these men did for the church?

    Daily Reading for Feb 5

    Jacob sends word to Esau and wrestles God. Solomon meets the Queen of Sheba, has his wealth inventoried and Dies. The Apostles choose a new twelfth.

    Psalm 35
    Genesis 32
    2 Chronicles 9
    Acts 1

  • Taste and See That the Lord is Good

    Taste and See That the Lord is Good

    The Lord doesn’t desire that we live in need – He tells us not to worry about anything (Matthew 6:25-34). He promises blessing to the trusting, providence to those in want, many good days to those who desire life, and an ear that hears the cries of the downtrodden (Psalm 34:8-16). What the Lord desires then, is that we turn our faith over to him completely and those blessings are just the beginning of what we’ll have. (1 Peter 2:1-3, Ephesians 1:3)

    Daily Bible reading for Feb 4

    Jacob begins his journey home. Solomon’s accomplishments are listed. Jesus rises and takes care of His final business on earth.

    Psalm 34
    Genesis 31
    2 Chronicles 8
    Luke 24

  • Joy in the Lord

    Joy in the Lord

    If you want a template for the proper attitude towards the Lord read Psalm 33 very closely. Here is a call to joyful praise of a good and considerate Lord who is our help and our shield.

    Here are some questions for this Lord’s Day:

    1. Will there be joy in your worship today or will your heart be somewhere else?
    2. Will you be pleased to return a contribution to God’s work or do you make that offering reluctantly?
    3. Will you sing each word with equal emotion and thought or pass through the words without consideration of their intent?

    Daily Bible Reading For Feb 3:

    Jacob works out his wages with Laban. God tells Solomon how to keep His blessings from turning into curses. Jesus is crucified.

    Psalm 33
    Genesis 29:31-30:43
    2 Chronicles 7
    Luke 23:26-56

  • Denied

    Denied

    Have you ever wondered how Jesus must have felt when Peter denied him three times? (Luke 22:54-62)

    Do you suppose he feels the same way when we don’t talk about him when given an opportunity?