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 June 18, 2026

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And it was told to them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth or any green thing or any tree, only those men who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Rev 9:4.

           The year was 1944. Continental Europe was under the domination of the Axis powers, who controlled everything from the shores of France to the plains of Western Russia. The allies, mainly the United States and Great Britain, built up an enormous invasion force, filling up the southern part of England with men and equipment. Thousands of ships and landing craft were assembled. An even larger number of aircraft moved into action.
           On the shores of France, Belgium and the Netherlands, German forces braced for the inevitable assault, not certain where the blow would be struck. The invasion was preceded by weeks and months of bombing all along the coast. Then on the sixth of June, forever to be known as D-Day, the all-out assault got under way.
           One of the key French cities in the path of the invasion was Caen. The story of the invasion and its impact on Caen is graphically told today at the war museum in the city. The British and American bombers dropped thousands of tons of bombs in and around the city. When the allies finally marched into Caen, almost every building had been destroyed.
           There were a few notable exceptions. The churches of Caen, which had been built during the Middle Ages, survived. War-time photos attest to the fact that ancient spires still stood among the rubble. Apparently the careful construction of these ancient churches was so solid that the populace of Caen would use them as air raid shelters during the terrible nights of bombing.
           What is remarkable about Rev 9:4 is that the locust/scorpions seem able to discern between the genuine followers of Jesus and those who only profess allegiance. The seal represents the living presence of God in the lives of these followers (Eph 4:30; 2 Tim 2:19).
           The attacks of Satan are going to be more and more pronounced in the period before Jesus comes. The good news is that those whose character is solidly built on the foundation of Jesus Christ will not be harmed by these attacks. In our own human strength we would have no chance against Satan, but those in living relationship with Jesus are shielded from the worst of Satan’s devices.
           Spiritual foundations are built through time spent each day with the Lord, in the study of His Word, in prayer and in ministry to others. There is no more significant way to use our time as we approach the last days of earth’s history.

           You are the master builder, Lord, strengthen my spiritual foundations today for the challenges that are yet to come.