My Daily Pause

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  • A Righteous Judge

    A Righteous Judge

    Uzzah laid his hands on the Ark of the Covenant and was struck down. (1 Chronicles 13) He was trying to save it from falling, but God had commanded that only a person from the tribe of Levi could touch the ark. (Numbers 1:51, Numbers 4:15) Even though he was angry at first, David realized that God is a righteous judge.

    It is an error to think that God will not keep his word when our judgment is due.

    David made a mistake we don’t have to make. He forgot to make sure he knew how to obey God’s word.  Even though he had the best of intentions, he paid for it through the loss of a good man.

    In addition to daily Bible reading, do you set aside time to really get to know the word?

  • The Hope Within

    The Hope Within

    As David is crowned king of all Israel, there is a massive increase in the size of his army. Mighty men with great strength and well seasoned for battle were willing to follow him into battle because they saw the strength of his God. You too could live and demonstrate God’s love by being ready to answer His call. 1 Peter 3:13-16 is a great place to start. Be ready to talk about the hope inside you.

  • Some Days You’re the Shoe and Some You’re the Bug

    beetle-info0Every Christian I’ve ever asked has wondered why God allows atheist and evil people to materially prosper. It is apparently an age old question going back at least to David in Psalm 10. He seems to think that they are so spiritually poor that the riches never really satisfy them, yet it becomes their main pursuit.

    Jesus said to lay up our treasure in heaven, not here in this life where it will decay away (Matthew 6:19-21). God will settle the accounts in the end (1 Thessalonians 1:3-10). If we concentrate on God’s work, the rest will take care of itself. (Matthew 6:25-33)

  • Thanksgiving During the Tough Times

    Thanksgiving During the Tough Times

    In Psalm 9, David is at rest during some difficult times of war. He takes time out to reflect on a recent victory and return thanks to God. David had to fight a lot of battles and shed a lot of blood, but he was always mindful of God’s leadership.

    Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 to temper all of our requests with thanksgiving. Even during the toughest times, there is much to be thankful for. Jesus makes plain the rewards of contentment even during lean times and the dangers we face during the good times. (Luke 6:20-26)

    Today, make a special effort to forget about the things that are wrong and list some things to be thankful about. Offer prayers up. Repeat tomorrow.

  • The Rejection of Jesus

    The Rejection of Jesus

    From day one, Jesus met with resistance, doubt and outright rejection. It is clear from the brief glimpses into his childhood that we are given in the gospels that plenty of people knew who he was and why he was here.

    Things aren’t much different for Jesus today. Those who choose to ignore his call often know a lot about him. Still, God has been asked to leave our schools and sports events. He is being escorted out of the very government we the people established in His name.

    What can one person do to fix this? What can each one of us that cares about this problem contribute to welcome our Lord back into every part of our life? A great place to start is Matthew 5:13-16

  • Growing from Temptations

    Growing from Temptations

    Temptation of Christ - 16th Century - Simon Bening (circa 1483/1484–1561)
    Temptation of Christ – 16th Century – Simon Bening (circa 1483/1484–1561)

    Jesus came to earth to live as a man, including the trials and temptations man faces. Luke 4:1-12 is rich with examples we can apply to our lives:

    • Jesus resisted each test to show us the standard of living
    • Jesus already had everything Satan promised him
    • Satan will wait for an opportune time
    • Scripture can be twisted against you.

    This challenge complete, Jesus begins his ministry on earth in earnest. In this same way, we can grow from the sins, challenges and hardships we face every day. James said to let these things be a joy to us (James 1:3-4)