Author: David LaFrance

Today’s Reading is Romans 1

Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is a thorough and clear presentation of the Gospel, or “good news,” about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Some have said it can be considered his Magnum Opus.

Where I pause to reflect on this chapter is verses 16 & 17.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

My prayer is to be more obedient in my sharing of the “good news”. Where my faith wavers because of insecurities of the testimony I share, my prideful step needs to step aside. It’s not about me… it is about HIM. Paul, a servant of Christ, made a lasting impact on those who came into contact with him and through his letters. This message is the “good news” to those who believe. ( John 3:16)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.

Verse 17 says that in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. The biblical truth is that the righteous will live by faith. (Hebrews 10:38) helps me live in confidence and a stronger conviction to share the “Good News” without any reservations.

38 For the one right with God lives by faith. If anyone turns back, I will not be pleased with him.”

Salvation only comes by faith, and in itself is a gift from God. Believers are free from the past penalty of sin, the present power of sin, and the future sins we will fall short of.

Lord, let not the presence of Easter be our time where we share our faith only. Help us to draw closer to You daily, growing us in our faith. Let our human self not get in the way of sharing like Paul.

Acts 17 shares the places Paul visited in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. In each of these places he was faced with opposition when preached, reasoned, or attempted to prove why people should follow Jesus.

In each of these places, some would go on to believe for themselves, leading to an eternity of praising the Lord. Verses 4, 11, and 35 use words like “pursued and followed Paul & Silas,” “received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day,” and “some people became followers.” 

In opposition, others looked away and wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Verses 5, 8, 18, and 32 all share the testimony of those who wanted to follow their own gods.  These verses use words like “jealous, were thrown into turmoil,  debate with him, and saying, What is this babbler trying to say?” Some of them sneered.

Just like then, we can see and hear this today. Each day, we have an opportunity to be like Paul and share what we believe. We can do this even in the face of opposition.  In a world of idols and false gods, we can share the Good News of the one true God that offers us an eternity.  Today, let’s profess verses 24-28 to others.

24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. 26 From one man[f] he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your[g] own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Continue to find the Lord daily.  Help others know Him and share how He is always in our presence when we believe.

Have a blessed day!

 

 

I remember the nights when we would watch the variety of home shows that you can find on TV.  These shows range from exotic places, families relocating, renovations, or shows that listed houses way more than I could ever imagine.  These shows would get my imagination going about what it could look like if we were ever to move.  It also makes me ponder my skill set in having to build my own house and the processes involved.

As I read Acts 7:48-50 I questioned my house building skills I have made for the Lord.

48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: 49 “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?’

The phrase “What kind of house will you build for me?” from Isaiah 66 and Acts 7, suggests that you are building a house for the Lord by the life we are living now. A life that reflects His character and values, rather than the houses we dream about or watch on shows.

Instead of focusing on material possessions or earthly achievements, the “house” you build for the Lord is my character, actions, and relationships.

What kind of house are you building? 

Make sure to build according to code ( the Bible) and your foundation is built on our Lord.

Today’s Reading of Psalm 9 will hopefully provide you with a moment of reflection, a reminder of the true meaning of trust, a place of refuge, and, finally, a reason for joy to take with you now and always.

Let’s start with reflection: When and how have you experienced a scary moment or feeling of uncertainty? We have all been there. It might have been growing up and dealing with divorce or the loss of a loved one. These moments can also involve a career decision or medical procedure not in your favor.

Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Reflecting on these worldly moments can cause stress, worry, and uncertainty. It’s a human response to living in this world.

Let’s discuss trust. A quick definition of trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. In all your time, you spent on reflection moments. We can sit here now with some peace based on our trust in Him. And realize that our moments of worry, pain, and stress come from our lack of trust.

Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Psalm 56:3–5: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You”

Refuge – shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc. Where did you first go when living in the world? Where do you go now? Do you need refuge today? I think of some families and friends that have lost loved ones recently. A person who lost a job, a relationship that didn’t work, or an addiction you thought you had beaten.

Psalm 62:8: Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart to him; for God is our refuge.

Lastly, I’ll share the Joy you can only have when you finally let go of it all and put all your trust in Him.  It’s not easy when we live in a world that most times doesn’t.  I’m grateful for this BibleJournal community that focuses on His love and His Word that promises a refuge and joy that will rise above any obstacle this world has to offer.

I must say the last few weeks have been a lot.  A variety of circumstances caused this feeling.  Various illnesses, deadlines, schedules, emotions, and lack of sleep all felt like a storm.  I let these circumstances take control.  I forgot, based on the demands, that I allowed the world to take over His peace in my unrest.

Jesus prayed for us that we would be one with HIm.  That we would be reminded of His glory and His glory present each day.  God’s love is present every day and in all circumstances.

Today’s scripture and my scripture from last time is John 7 & John 17.  Take time to read these today.  It helped put my mind and heart on His solid foundation.

Jesus Prays for All Believers
20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Have you ever endured suffering, heartbreak, disappointment, sickness, confusion, pain, and unsure where to go? That’s where Jesus can meet you. Being alone with Jesus can often be felt most in our highs and lows.  Most importantly, you take these moments to let Him teach us.  This practice is essential for us and something that Jesus did Himself.

Luke tells us that Jesus often found time to be alone with His Father. Do I seek this time?

^{Luke 4:16}  But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

It’s not easy.  Many things can get in the way.  This past weekend, when listening to a sermon at Eastview, I reflected on my time spent truly alone with God.  I can easily be distracted by everything that is around.  Check out the sermon here.  Martha was distracted by all the things to do and by what others were doing.  That can feel familiar today.  So many things vie for our attention from the time we awake until we lay down to sleep.  The enemy will distract, distract, distract.  Make things more important than they indeed are.  I can easily say this is where I can be reminded to fight the good fight.

^{1 Timothy 6:12} Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Spending time alone with God is a time of renewal, refreshment, and obedience. We all need it.  Taking time just to read this will hopefully allow you a moment to pray, seek Him, and not be distracted.

Today, rearrange your schedule and MAKE alone time for God!

God, we praise You.  Help us in our days to prioritize time alone with You in prayer for our own sake and for others’ sake as we interact with others today. Amen

As I read through Today’s Readings of Job 15-17 and Revelation 14, the following verses made me reflect and pause about death or the second Lord’s coming. (whatever may come first)  Initially, it may sound scary or morbid, but you can find true peace and joy in reflection and digging deeper.  

What stuck out to me was the use of “Blessed are” tucked into verse 13.

I mean reading about the beasts that will be here one day and give a mark to those who do not believe or have not obeyed His commandments.  Reading the scripture in Revelation describing the return of the Lord and the judgment that the three angels with sharp sickles will have to harvest the earth.

You may ask, “Where is the peace in the middle of this hurricane of judgment? In the eye of this storm are the following verses.

12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.

13 Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

 

Immediately, I thought about Matthew’s Beatitudes. Besides Matthew, there are many wonderful blessings/beatitudes throughout the bible.

Psalm 1	Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked…
Psalm 2	Blessed are all who take refuge in Him
Psalm 32	Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven…
Psalm 84	Blessed is the man whose strength is in You
Psalm 84	Blessed are those who dwell in Your house
Psalm 112	Blessed is the man who fears the Lord and greatly delights in His commandments
Psalm 119	Blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart
Proverbs 8	Blessed is the man who listens to Me
Matthew 5	Sermon on the Mount – a series of blessings

“Blessed” in Greek is Makarios. This would be happy, blissful, serene, or fulfilled.  So when I heard Blessed are the Dead, I had to reflect.  I thought about Paul and what he said in Philippians 1:21.

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

We just celebrated Jesus’ birth.  It was awesome. But His death and resurrection provide us with eternal life.  Blessed!

The critical reality is my perseverance of keeping His commandments, as stated in verse 12. Am I obeying always? Am I trying to do it myself?  This is not a suggestion but a command.  No matter what we face in our reality on this Earth, do we continue in our faith?

Blessed are the dead. Death is a blessing when you live with persevering faith and trust in and obey the Lord. We live in a broken world.  We are broken people. The struggle is real!

Lord – We need you.  We thank You for Your truth and help us be obedient, keep the faith, and live for You.  Upon our death, someday, allow us to be one saying, Yes, Blessed are the dead.  Amen

 

Today’s Reading: Ezra 3-4, Psalm 92, 1 John 1

Oh, to have abundant joy. As I reflected on my current state of joy I came across three points shared by David Jeremiah about joy written through John. John writes to us today in 1 John 1 about our joy. I can tell you there have been times when this joy has been lost. This loss of joy is my fault. When I forfeit this joy, John will say it’s based on a few things.

1. Deny the power of sin (1:5-7). We often claim one thing with our words, yet our actions show something else. Thankfully, walking with God continually cleanses us from our sins.  When we are cleansed from the guilt of this sin, we can once again have this fullness of joy in Him.
2. Deny the presence of sin. (1:8-9) The cure for sin is not denying our sin but relying on the faithfulness of God to forgive us based on Christ’s death on the cross. To confess our sins and remain in fellowship with God is the way to maintain the joy of salvation.
3. Deny the practice of sin. (1:10-2:2) The person that denies they have sin is probably sinning. This can cost us our joy and cause us to lose that restoration with our Heavenly Father.

If you are losing your joy in your Christian life, examine these 3 points. Maybe it’s time to reconnect with the source of all joy, and your spirit can be restored.

Take some time right now to find that joy.

Peace & Joy!