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 March 18, 2026

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I am coming quickly. Hold fast to what you have in order that no one might take your crown. Rev 3:11.

           I have three children who are just about grown up now. But while they were all born to my wife and me, they are all different. For example, when I used to read them stories in the evening, the oldest would tend to repeat everything I said, trying to tell the story better than I just did. The middle child would try to get into my lap so he could see the pictures as I read the story. The youngest would bounce around the room acting out the different parts of the story. While all of these behaviors were at times annoying, each child exhibited a unique learning style.
           Now the differences show up in the way they handle money. One likes to hoard everything for a “rainy day.” She usually has each semester of college paid up in advance before the application of subsidies or scholarships. Another child tends to spend every dollar as soon as it comes in, or even before it comes in (a persuasive borrower), but almost always spends that money wisely on things that will make a difference in the long run. The third child is just as quick to spend money, but tends to spend that money on short-term indulgences like candy, computer games and cheese breadsticks. As parents we advise but we also allow them to make some mistakes so they can learn.
           When the oldest was about three years old we went to visit another couple who had a child her age. Early on the mother distributed some raisins to the children. Later in the day I noticed that my daughter was doing everything one-handed. In playing games she would move the pieces with the same hand each time, the other hand held out of sight. Even while eating she didn’t dive into the food with her usual two-handed vigor. It finally became evident that the other hand was balled into a fist and that she wouldn’t loosen that fist for anything. When I asked her to show us what was in her hand she shyly opened it for inspection. There were about eight raisins in her hand. She liked raisins and decided to save these for “a rainy day.” She hung on to those raisins as if her life depended on it.
           Jesus encourages the Philadelphians to “hold fast what they have.” They are to cling to certain values as determinedly as my daughter clung to her raisins. Jesus wanted them to hang on tightly to their salvation (John 10:29). He wanted them to hang onto their patience and not move ahead of God’s plans for their lives. He wanted them to hang onto their consistency in obeying Him and in doing good.
           So never give up! Hang on tight to all that truly matters. Jesus is coming soon.

           Lord, help me identify the things in my life that truly matter to You. I want to hang onto them with all the strength You can give me.