This past weekend I was able to attend a funeral for the mother of my youngest sister Dakota. This celebration of life for Sue was in the hills of Avoca, New York, near the same place where my father, Ronald LaFrance, was buried many years ago. At the service, the pastor referenced Psalm 89 that reminds us how short our lives are. He also connected Psalm 23 and the comfort we can find in the loss of a loved one. In the less than 48 hours I had with family, we literally and figuratively experienced mountaintop and valley moments. Conversations included physical and spiritual loss. On the other side of these conversations, we experienced moments of hope and trust in the hope in the Lord. Special prayers for the family of Sue Johndro.
Today’s Reading of Acts 1 and 2 made me think of these conversations in addition to the On Purpose study we are focusing on at Eastview Christian Church. The Apostle Luke writes the book of Acts.
Acts 1:1-2 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
I was once asked what my ministry was? I’ve reflected on this question often. The conclusion I come back to is to finish the work God has called us to. The book of Acts reminds us that Jesus began this work, and through giving us the Holy Spirit, we get to finish it. Sharing the hope we have in the Lord is living On Purpose. Jesus has given us everything we need to do this.
These connections the Holy Spirit helped me to see this last weekend pointed back to the following;
- Evaluate my time. How am I spending it? 1 Peter 1:17
- The time we have is short. Psalm 89:47
- Maximize the use of our time. Ephesians 5:15-16
- We don’t know when He is coming back. Luke 13:32
Live life On Purpose every day. Finish what the Lord began. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide our days. Our life testimonies share what we have seen, heard, and felt. Go to the ends of the earth and share today. 1 John 1:1
Thank you to my family and brother in Christ Chet who made this visit possible!
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Click here to start or continue your journey on purpose.
Psalm 23 – People & Songs