David LaFrance

Judging Others

Matthew 7:1-5 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Growing up I had a fear of being judged, in being honest, I can find myself slipping down this road again at times. Why do we do this? For myself, growing up what I saw as, various obstacles, made me think our family was different. Parents with multiple failed marriages, addictions to alcohol or drugs, abuse, and to top it off being very poor. My mind or heart as a child was not set on a richness in being content in the Lord, but on a worldly expectation of keeping up with others or appearing to have it all figured out. I worried (worry) what others thought about me and/or my family? (Thank you Lynden for a great reflection on not worrying. )

When I was younger, if people knew what happened in my house, what would they think? How would they look at me? Would they even like me? In my head the answer was no. So what did I do? I became a master of pointing out what others where doing wrong. Sadly at times, made fun of others. I was judging others and pointing out others shortcomings trying to get the spotlight off my dysfunctional family and self. I was tearing down others to try to build myself up. How sad…. I’m sorry for my insecurities and have prayed many prayers of apology whole heartedly for my lack of understanding of our real judge. My hurting of others through my words or actions caused genuine pain, while honestly looking in the mirror caused more?

So what does this scripture mean? Why do I share that sad story of an insecure young man? Because the struggle can be real for many. We have fear of any kind of failure, and when we do mess up it’s a lot easier to call out others to get the magnifying glass of ourselves.

I have really loved digging into various scriptures on not judging others. Knowing that we have but one Father, one Judge, one that has put us in His perfect place allowing us to trust Him. He pulled me out of a selfish pit and helps me to share my story. As we have said the phrase before audience of 1.

Here are some scriptures that can help you to walk a mile in anyone else’s shoes. That can help us to see others like God sees each of us.

Luke 6:37 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.

1 Corinthians 4:3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

Jesus is telling us to examine our own motives and actions. What we tend to call out in others is often what we need to reflect on ourselves. The world teaches us to judge people by their appearance. But God doesn’t judge people by how they look — and neither should we.

1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.”

2 Timothy 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Revelation 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.

33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!

Dear Father,

You know our hearts. Continue to due open heart surgery to help to know, trust, and show your love to all others. God please remind us of you being the only judge and for us to first seek your kingdom in everything we do. God we can’t do this, the world pulls us many directions. But you can! Your wisdom, knowledge, and love blankets us. Thank you Lord for being our one true judge. Amen

Psalm 119:66
I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

Today’s Reading Matthew 7:1-5, Psalm 83

Heartfelt or Hypocrite

I have a desk in our unfinished basement tucked away in the corner just out of the way of most flying balls or pucks. This is a usual spot for reflection and prayer. At my desk, dinner table, bed, car, school or church how are my prayers? In the longest recorded sermon given by Jesus, He describes the traits He was looking for His followers. Jesus requires consistent heartfelt prayer. He is not looking for a series of words but a true confession of the heart. This confession can be anything, because He already knows.

Matthew 6:8 says, “Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

As I reflect on my various daily prayers there are times when I read this verse I pause to think am I always honest and sincere? At times do I babble? Do I take for granite the fact that God is right there listening to every prayer. Even the dinner prayers were I’m attempting to keep the boys from calling each other out for having their eyes open. I believe as our relationship with God grows closer so does our prayer life . We are reminded that our Father who is mentioned 17 times in the Sermon on the Mount knows what is truly on our hearts. My flesh side of my self can be at times fearful, while at opposite times it can be full of pride. This lacks the closeness and the honest heartfelt prayers our Father desires.

Pastor Mike Baker a couple weeks ago shared four prayer killers that can take away from a sincere closeness to my Heavenly Father.

Not abiding in God or His word ( John 15:7 )
Not asking ( James 4:2)
Not believing what you’re asking for ( James 1:6 )
Not asking with the right motives ( James 4:3)

Which one of these can get in my way of the genuine one on one intimacy God desires no matter my location or circumstance?

Today’s Reading Matthew 6:8, Psalm 71

Dear Father, You know our hearts, minds, and soul. I ask that you help us to not let any of these prayer distractions get in the way of a closeness with you. God we don’t deserve this amazing promise and grace but it’s not about us, its about you. You hear all our prayers, you answer them all according to your perfect timing. Thank you for your love that only our eternal Father can give. I pray to always be open and honest with you admitting that I need you always. Jesus, we come to you with our hearts wide open. Help us to share the truth you already know, asking to come into our hearts and trust a promise you already gave us through your son Jesus. We love you. Amen

Psalm 71:5 For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.

Psalm 71: 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all that are to come.

Salt Life

SALT

• Adds Flavor to Life,

• Purifies Set apart,

• Preserves the souls of man for the Kingdom of God

Good Morning,

Today we get a chance to look at Matthew 5:13-16. The Salt Life image that we see on cars or shirts is imprinted my brain. Verse 13 says how we are the salt of the earth. A couple characteristics of salt that can be seen as a parallel to our Christian life includes the ability to make me thirst. Last week as I battled a cold and went to the good ole’ gargling of salt water, it made me thirst. That even as I poured the salt into liquid it never lost its saltiness. As we are living in this world do we lose our flavor? As we are watered down by worldly pressures do we keep our saltiness in every part of our life? Colossians 4:6 says Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Salt also adds seasoning. It makes a better taste. Does the flavor of being a Christian make others come back for seconds? Seasoning brings out the best flavor of our foods. Do we bring out our best and point it all back to God?

I have learned I can’t always control the circumstances I face, but I am the keeper of my “saltiness.” Will I be bitter, broken down or better and making a difference? Less seasoned or more flavorful? When God comes back, what good am I if I’ve lost my flavoring?

Light of the World

If we all understand that the light of the world is God we will be able to see. Matthew 5:14-16 what living for Christ is like. That God’s light should be in full display in our hearts, minds, works and actions. That as we let our light shine others will see the reality of God in us. God’s light will guide us as we speak to Him and for Him. God’s light will shine when we are trying to avoid a situation. Let’s not let sin dim our light. Let’s not put our light to the side when others need to see.

Ephesians 5:8 says For you were once darkness, but now you are the light of the world. Live as children of the light.

Have a blessed day being the salt and the light.

Today’s Readings: Matthew 5:13-16, Psalm 59

But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; you are my fortress , my refuge in times of trouble.

Family Implications

There are many times children imitate their parents. I remind myself and other parents that in most cases you will be the number one earthly influence on your child’s life. Children will only do what they know. Thankfully, there is a Heavenly Father that is always present to have the biggest influence on this earthly life that will leave eternal implications.

Today’s Readings: 2 Samuel 15 and Psalm 47

As we continue to read through 2 Samuel 15 we read about Absalom, the third son of David with wife Maacah. As we continue through 2 Samuel, family troubles were mounting for David, and Absalom had just murdered Anaan. Now he wanted to use his leadership to take over the kingdom of his father, David. David’s family was falling apart. The beginning of 2 Samuel 15 you see how Absalom uses his qualities of beauty and people skills to exalt himself, and not listen for God. 2 Samuel 15:1-6 shows Absalom selfishly providing for himself, and persuading others to appointed him judge of the land. In 2 Samuel 15:10 he sends out secret messengers to tell others to say “Absalom reigneth in Hebron“! These actions by Absalom make me reflect on a couple verses.

John 3:30 (ESV) He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Galatians 1:10 (ESV) For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

In Matthew 23:11-12 Jesus says, ” The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The difference we have read and know is that when we are putting ourselves and the desire for power before a relationship with God, sooner than later our plans will fail against His. Self-destruction can happen when we listen to the world and do things according to our accord and not His. There are many times this has happened to me, there are times when I think I have it figured out on my own and make a decision that revolves around myself and what I believe my goals should be; yet, God reminds me in His ways that I need to be walking with Him. Praying, Asking, Trusting.

Our focus should be on Him and not ourselves. When I’m wrong, which I know can be often, I need to confess to God and ask for forgiveness. Absalom was on the fast track to success, but he lacked the most important thing in His life and his leadership. That was a loving, trusting, and submissive relationship with God. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to the last few weeks on Leadership 101 by Mike Baker I highly recommend it. Click: Leadership 101.

As we read through Psalm 47 I’m reminded by the theme God is King of the world. isn’t that awesome news. That no matter our circumstances, God is in control.

This week as we head into Good Friday and Easter Sunday truly focus on Jesus. I’m reminded of the movie Passion of the Christ and even though Jesus was letting His disciples know the end was near for Him, they didn’t believe. Jesus made promises, Jesus kept them. Just like He told them He would die and come back to life, He did. Jesus says He will come back again. He will. He’s Alive! If there is someone that doesn’t know about Jesus coming back again would you let them know?

Have a wonderful day, have a wonderful week. God is King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and His plans include us in closeness with Him. What glorious days!

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

References

Picture: Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 173v – The Entry into Jerusalem the Musée Condé, Chantilly.

David Jeremiah Study Bible

Tyndale Life Application Study Bible

Revenge

Happy Tuesday Bible Journaling Family,

Today’s Readings includes; 2 Samuel 3 and Psalm 35

Last week, I found myself in a middle of a conversation where false accusations where being said about a colleague and myself. It hurt. After trying to figure out where the misconceptions occurred or what else I could say or do,( even though we hadn’t done anything wrong) I was at a loss. In my flesh at times, there are moments a quick witted comment or a snarky attitude can come out. My revenge…. Not in this case though. This situation made me reflect on the reading in 2 Samuel 3.

In the middle of 2 Samuel 3:26-29 you read the revenge that Joab took on Abner. This revenge was displayed by Joab murdering him because of the loss of his brother. How serious and sad. I reflected and thought even though our situations are never this extreme, what does my revenge look like? When wronged in any way what is our response? Do I wait and trust in God to have his justice or take it into my own hands. What are my actions, words, or thoughts? Do they represent God? Prayerfully I try to think of verses like, Romans 12:19. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written….

When we seek revenge in any fashion, doesn’t it impact your heart? Mind? In a quick witted comment I can leave myself remorseful and questioning my flesh like actions. I model my lack of trust. God, I need you in these moments of weakness. When discussing this scenario with a close friend, he reminded me of the book of Ephesians 4. Ephesians 4:1-32 reminds of points like; To walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love… to speak the truth in love… A new life where we let no corrupting words come out of our mouth, but only words that build others up. Revenge is not mine, it is His.

Psalm 35:1 Contend O Lord with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me.

Dear God,

Thank you for your scripture. That in all parts of our words, there are Your words that remind us of how we should respond, and Who’s we are. God we pray for wisdom, guidance, and a focus on you and your love in the moments we are week. It’s not about us, it’s about you. That in this vapor of a life there are many moments that can leave us focusing on our own pride and not on You. God, I pray that we turn our focus on You! Trust you take all situations and make them yours. We love you!

Leviticus 19:20 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Travel Light

Happy Tuesday Biblejournal family, I’m consistently reminded each day when we open up His word how great it is we are doing this together. Keep it up! God loves you and He has great plans for you!

As I just wrapped up the book Traveling Light by Max Lucado I open up my email to see what I will be writing about this week, and sure enough its Psalm 23. The same chapter the book Traveling Light is about. I then proceed to get my verse of the day fro my bible app that says, The Lord is my shepherd… Psalm 23. God is always looking to speak to us when we are looking for and willing to listen. So while you read through the promises of Psalm 23 let go of the burdens you were never meant to hold on to.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell[f] in the house of the Lord forever.

the Lord is my Shepherd. As I have tried to do things on my own and failed, or think I have it right, I can find rest from thinking things have to be my way.

When the commercial comes on or I’m driving along and I think that I need to have it. I can have rest from the endless wants. Why? Because I shall not want.

He makes me lie down. When the days are long and my eyes and thoughts are glazed over by our schedules we have to keep. I can find rest from weariness.

When I’m struggling with a decision, or thinking about the future. I can find rest from the worry. Why? Because He leads me.

He restores my soul. When I have failed, let others down, or just falling short in a variety of areas. I can find rest from my hopelessness.

When my decisions are poor or I make misguided choices. I can find rest in my guilt. Why? Because He leads me in the paths of righteousness.

His name’s sake. When I think its all about me. I’m selfish. I can find rest in my arrogance.

When you know someone who has passed or wonder what lies ahead for you. I can find rest from the valley of death. Why? Because He walks me through it.

He guides me. When I’m afraid of the unknown, when the world says one thing and God tells us something else. I can find rest from my fears. His presence comforts me.

When I’m feeling alone. I can find rest in my loneliness, because He is with me.

He has prepared a place for me in the presence of my enemies. I can find rest when all I want to do is run and hide.

When I’m disappointed one day and envious the next. When I doubt where I’m going or where I have been. Why? Because He anoints me, my cup will overflow, and He follows me.

When your wondering about a purpose, feeling lost, or wondering where to go next. Have rest from your homesickness. Why? Because You will dwell in the House of Our Lord forever.

Traveling Light, Max Lucado. The Promise of Psalm 23

So set down the extra luggage. Those burdens that you still cling to. We will never truly enjoy this amazing journey in God’s presence carrying it all. I know many years of my life I have done just that. And before I set my brain and heart down that destructive path right now, I’m reminded of Matthew 11:28 ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”

Let’s take on today with Our God who is right next to our side. He provides with everything we need to face any circumstance. All those bags from past years or yesterday He is waiting to take them.

God, Thank you for your encouraging and loving words. That as we walk through this day and everyday we keep our eyes on You. standing by our side saying come with me. Help us to come and let go of the things that stand in our way. We love you. Amen

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYQ5yXCc_CA

Today’s readings: Psalm 23, 1 Samuel 22

Arrows and Our Battle Plan

My dad was a hunter, so as a young child he would have his bow and arrows around the house. It was often during deer season you would see a deer hanging from one of our trees in the yard. It would always make for some fun bus conversations. For many of my own personal reasons, I never did pick up this love of hunting. I can say I still truly love being outdoors exploring and taking in the beautiful creation God has made for us. One of my only true bow and arrow experiences was in high school PE class when we had archery for a unit. I can still remember being sent to the office for some poor choices in aiming(my disclaimer is no people or animals were hurt in my choice).

Did you know that an arrow can travel up to 225 ft. per second? Or, that it can travel up to 300 yards? So why the arrow stories? Besides being one day away from Valentines (hint hint), today, we read Psalm 11 and it hits my heart with a message of trusting God in the face of arrows of pain. In addition, while reading 1 Samuel 10 you will read how God changed Saul’s heart in verse 10.

In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “ Flee like a bird to your mountain, 2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; 3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

What are the arrows that have been coming at you? Are they still there leaving you in pain? Has any hit today? These are arrows of; pain, abuse, gossip, cheating, addiction, lust, past sin, pornography, loss, selfishness, divorce, insecurity. The list can go on and on. I’m sorry. The arrows have come, they hit, and they will continue. They can also leaves scars that can be a daily reminder. God told us trials would come and test our endurance. He sees and knows about them all. Yet, the closer we grow to Him we realize the love God has for us and the internal battle is short compared to the eternal life we will have with Him.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Still, Praise goes to God that no matter where these arrows come from, how fast they come, or how many come… in our Lord we can take refuge! We can put on His armor daily and withstand any onslaught. Ephesians 6:11-18 remember, 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes…

4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man. 5 The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. 6 Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

Dear God, What a promise! What a love! Its hard, it hurts, especially when all or any of these arrows have hit and have stuck. Yet, you Lord are faithful, You heal, and provide us with comfort and hope as we face these trials. We are never alone! We love you and praise you. Amen

The Power of Prayer

Today’s Reading: Jonah 2; Proverbs 28

Jonah 1:17: And the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Wow! Have you ever wondered why something has happened to you? How are you ever going to get out of a predicament? Being swallowed by a great fish, is some kind of predicament! Jonah realized he needed to rely back on the Lord. He was in trouble, even under sin and in God’s displeasure, he still prayed. Jonah 2:1-2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried and you heard my voice.”

There are many times within a day, lets be real I’m a mom of a 7 year old and 3 year old boys, a junior high teacher and living in this crazy society. There are definitely many times within a day I need to pause and PRAY! I am not perfect, I am trying to live out a life the best I can to be like Jesus, but it is far from perfect. Take a moment to pause…PRAY and even bring out pain, suffering, or struggles by our sins. God knows our sins and imperfections. The Lord will welcome us to the throne of grace, just like He did with Jonah. It is not easy, we live in the picture-perfect world through social media. No one wants to admit their imperfections. It is so easy to get caught up in a world that does not live like Jesus did. Whether it is your workplace, family, or friends; how are you going to show others the love and grace that Jesus has shown us? Stop and pray for the mom at the store whose screaming child is throwing a huge fit or a friend who is struggling with a relationship. No matter the struggle big or small, God is here for us we just need to take the time to pray. What better way to show Jesus’ love then the power of prayer. Don’t just say “I’ll pray for you” actually pause and do it! At the end of the day, Jesus is the judge of us all.

Jonah shows us that no matter where you are, even at the bottom of the ocean in the stomach of a fish, we can too pray because God is always with us. He walks with us and alongside us in the crazy place we call life. Pause, take a moment to PRAY, and most of all thank God for all He does for us. He is a miracle worker and we are so undeserved of everything He has done for us. Praise be to God! Jonah 2:10: And the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land. Miracle worker? I believe so! Pray and trust in God!

Jennifer LaFrance

Committed Heart

This last Saturday I was blessed to attend an event called Equip with many other brothers and sisters in Christ. This event hosted and lead by Eastview Christian Church staff and members provided a chance for those involved in small groups to join in fellowship. It also provide meaningful spiritual wisdom to prayerfully lead well giving insights that allowed us to walk away more equipped to focus on God. These insights encourage and support our small groups on their spiritual journeys and remind us of the influence we have day in and day out on others as part of the body of Christ. What an amazing day and I truly appreciate the wisdom, time, and love shared to grow the body of Christ.

One reminder I walked away with is that God is always in earshot of us. That when we “lean in” and listen to what God has to say. It will influence our lives. This influence will then be the nudge we need to influence others. A reminder of this influence can be found in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are chosen by God, that we may proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Today’s Reading is Joshua 14 and Proverbs 14. Digging into these chapters I selected a few verses that captured my heart and literally spoke about the heart. In Joshua 14 Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite , shares how Moses had promised him land. Now, we have already seen through Joshua the division of land, but what I reflected on mainly is what Caleb says in verses 8-9. Caleb says… but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God whole-heartedly. So on the day Moses swore, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.

Breaking down wholeheartedly requires our school dictionary Merriam-Webster that defines wholeheartedly as; completely and sincerely devoted, marked by complete earnest commitment: free from all reserve or hesitation.

My heart check question to reflect on today was, “Where am I at with a wholehearted following of our Lord?” Can I be completely and sincerely devoted? Marked by complete earnest commitment? A realistic answer is that I fall short many times and influenced by my flesh instincts. I will follow this realization with specific prayers for our continued growth, resilience, and obedience to Him and His living word. That we continue to journey each day with praise and submission to Him. In verses 10-11 Caleb says that even from the age of 40, (which is an age I can reflect back to :), until his age of 85, Caleb was still as strong in the Lord, and vigorous to go out to battle. He wholeheartedly continued to love and serve the Lord.

God, we ask that at whatever beautiful age we are at, give us the wisdom and endurance to exhibit an obedient spirit to consistently grow our faith in You that does not lose strength.

Proverbs 14 has many powerful verses, this includes verse 30 that made a connection to our heart topic for the day. It says, A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Our heart makes a difference, not only on a physical and medical level, but mainly through our closeness with God. This closeness is available to you today. He is waiting for us. Just call out, listen, and trust. This peace provided by our Lord leads to a an earthly time of happiness, and an eternal time of love and fellowship.

Reach out to God today wholeheartedly. Let Him provide you with the peace we all need!

Grace Through Faith

Happy New Year Everyone,

How is day two of those New Year Resolution’s going? How are we pursuing a closeness to God for 2018? As we reflect on 2017 I think about what an amazing walk we have journeyed together through in bible journal and our lives as we walked through the New Testament and Psalms. This year as we start in the Old Testament and Proverbs I’m grateful for the message of faith by Rahab in Joshua and the wisdom of the Proverbs in providing instructions and a handbook for living God focused days.

Take notes as you read through today’s reading of Joshua 2 and Proverbs 2

11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. Joshua 2:11

Rahab was a known prostitute, and God’s perfect plan put the two spies right in her house. When the king comes in search of the men Rahab tells them they are not there. In these moments Rahab put her life, and the life of her family in the hands of God. But more importantly, her faith changed. It was her first step from living a life where she made her own worldly choices to a life where you submit to Him and trust your life in His hands. I believe God reaches out for us all through various people and circumstances.

Hebrews 7:25 says Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

He has perfect plans to reach us all. In addition, the story of Rahab is an example that at the foot of the cross How is God reaching out to you now? How will God use you to share His story this year? How will you seek Him this year? Where will you look?

My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5

A special thanks to Renee Voltz for sharing this song by Randy Travis and Josh Turner with me that reminded her of the story of Rahab. Hearing this song was a reminder to me of how God’s people and word can change the trajectory of anyone’s life. That our words and actions that represent Him can have a ripple effect on so many. What conversations will you have this year?

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us your living word that is always available to us. For sharing stories of Rahab which show your grace and love for us. That our past is our past, and through our belief in you, our slate is wiped clean. Thank you for sending your son to lay down His life for us. We are saved by your grace and not what we have, can, or will do. God we love you and pray that we store up your wisdom and submit ourselves to you in all our days you give to us. Amen

Proverbs 2:10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;