Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.

Daily Devotional For September 9, 2026

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Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Rev 14:12.

           When people hear about “keeping the commandments of God” they often have a negative impression. They think that God is an arbitrary taskmaster who loves to tell people what to do and wants to keep them from having any fun. But God’s commandments are not designed to make us miserable, they are designed to help us achieve life at its best. So don’t do what I did. Don’t wait until someone else proves the benefits of obedience before you try God’s ways.
           You see, based on the Bible and other good counsels that have come my way, I’ve always been convinced that a consistent program of walking is part of God’s plan for my life. But I was always too busy, or I didn’t feel like it, or I just had more important things to do (or so I thought). Then one day I read an article in a magazine for over-50 types.¹
           John Stark told how, at age 52, he was the fittest person in a workplace that included many in their 20s and 30s who went to fitness clubs, jogged often and did weekend activities like skiing and kayaking. For him it started with a Japanese scientist who found that most people take 3000-5000 steps a day. American researchers built on that work by determining that to stay healthy and fight off disease, the average person needs 10,000 steps a day, about five miles.
           Through the use of pedometers (devices that count steps), Stark discovered that he was averaging 20,000 steps a day and that few of the “weekend athletes” were even close to 10,000 steps a day. What was Stark’s secret? Walking had become part of his life. He lives in Boston without a car in a fourth-floor walk-up apartment with no buzzer. He is, therefore, constantly up and down stairs to answer the door (38 steps each way) and walks to the subway (607 steps), the grocery store (3000 steps round trip), and the bank (8000 steps round trip). His two dogs require two or three walks a day (2200 steps each), and often have to go “out” as well.
           I was inspired by the article to change my life. I bought a pedometer (I’m fairly competitive, I love watching the steps accumulate each day). While I drive to work, I walk home each day for lunch (5000 steps). I scamper to the library, administration or the post office for every detail, instead of having my secretary do it for me (hope she’s OK with this). I dash around the building to drop stuff off, instead of using inter-campus mail. The result? God knows what He is doing and His commands are not grievous. I’ve lost ten pounds and twenty years. I have energy I don’t remember having since I was in college (don’t ask when). My mind fills with inspirational thoughts as I walk, often with a book. I can’t remember when I felt this happy. God’s ways are the best after all. Next time I’ll just take Him at His word.

           Lord, I want to walk with You today. Help me to know the joy of obedience.

¹ John Stark, “Footnotes of a Walker,” My Generation, Nov-Dec., 2002, 78-81.