I served as pastor of Southern Baptist churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana for 30 years before taking an early medical retirement in February 2013. In this blog I share daily devotions from my own personal Bible readings, as well as sermons, book reviews, illustrations -- and occasional "peeks" at life inisde a pastor's home through my "Paradise" articles. I was diagnosed with dysautonomia or POTS in June of 2012, and write posts on my ongoing experience with that illness as well.
Author Archives: Shawn Thomas
The Right Side of History
Psalm 2:1-3 asks: “Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying ‘Let … Continue reading
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The Origin of All Skill
In Exodus 31:2-3 God says: “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged ability, Exodus 31:2-3, Exodus 31:6, gifts, God-given ability, skill, talents
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No “Family Plan”
Exodus 30:12 says: “When you take a census of the sons of Israel to number them, then each of them shall give a ransom for himself to the Lord …”. Each individual member of the people of Israel was responsible … Continue reading
The Greatest Blessing
In Exodus 29:45 God said: “I will dwell among the sons of Israel and will be their God.” The great blessing of Israel was not invincible military might, unequalled prosperity, or unique religious rituals – but that GOD HIMSELF would … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged Colossians 1:27, Exodus 29:45, God's presence, the greatest blessing
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ASK!
In Psalm 2:8, God tells His Anointed One: “ASK of Me …”. God would do immense things for His Messiah: give the Gentiles as an inheritance, the very ends of the earth as His possession – but He wanted Him … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged ask, asking God, James 4:2, John 16:24, Matthew 7:7, prayer, Psalm 2:8, requests
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The Incense of Prayer
After the first verses of Exodus 30 describe the pattern for the altar of incense at the tabernacle, :7 says: “Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps.” This is … Continue reading
“Sound Doctrine”
In Titus 2:1, Paul commands: “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” Many would say, “Amen!” – but look at what the next verses tell us this “sound doctrine” is composed of: – older … Continue reading
Missing the Blessing
Many are familiar with the opening words of Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful.” But … Continue reading
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Tagged blessing, counsel, criticism, holiness, missing the blessing, Psalm 1:1, scoffing
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