David LaFrance

Living and Loving Each Day

I think its amazing how many watches or other devices can count each step you take during the day and give you feedback. They can even provide you with goals and/or acknowledge your accomplishments. What if these watches could give you feedback on how you were living your life for Christ? Wow! If you were given reflections of each step, what did these steps look like? What about when I rise? What are some of the first things I do? Do I put on God’s Armor? Ephesians 6:10-18 Do I praise God or thank Him for His grace? Ephesians 1:6 Do I submit the day to Him? James 4:7 As I take each step how is my day filled? What are my actions, words, thoughts? How do you end your day? Do I have a thankful, grateful heart? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Now just think, that is one day. Add a week, a month, a year. How has God changed your life? Paul convicts, challenges, and encourages me to make my walk with God progressive and more Christ centered each day.

As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.

God provides us with all the instructions we need. His living word gives us an example of how to live. Think of how Paul instructs timothy in 1 Timothy 4 Now as I sit in Brooklyn with our own Spread Truth Ministries or at home in Bloomington-Normal it can be easy to allow my earthly desires and cultural influences to flood our minds. But here or at home I know we need to always read, apply, and pray to do my best to follow and listen. Jeremiah 33:3

Now as we walk through our lives no matter where we are at, I pray that we just live and show the simple act of love. Love on all people daily. Follow God’s instructions to lead.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

What we do and don’t do every step matters. I pray that as we walk this journey together each step is closer to God. It’s not always the number of steps, but what you do in those steps. Let’s walk together closer to God each day!

Intro to Philippians

Happy Fourth of July!

Taking the 50,000 foot approach to starting our devotional and reflections on Philippians is as Paul would say, “pure joy!” This letter is one of Paul’s prison epistles . It was a positive letter by Paul written to thank the Christians living in Philippi for their gift they had sent him for his missionary work. It was also to strengthen fellow believers by showing them (us) that true joy comes from Jesus Christ alone. Amen!

As we look back in Acts 16 we read how Paul had a divine dream that told him to go to Macedonia to spread the good news. (Acts 16:8-10) God always has amazing perfect plans for all of our lives. This dream was perfectly planned. In Psalm 37:23, the psalmist writes, “the Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him“. God not only orders our steps but also orders our stops, especially in this case. This vision lead to Philippi where they would be the first European City to receive the Gospel of Christ from Paul.

As I reviewed the various reflections on Philippians and read the intro’s in my study bibles I continue to land on the theme about the contrast between happiness and joy. Knowing people want to feel happy and look for this in different material things, experiences, people, statuses, or even places like Happy Gilmore. Yet all of this is just worldly happiness, that can often be related to our temporary current circumstances. What is your current circumstance? What is mine? The weather has been great, the pool is the perfect temp, camps have gone well, the pictures or final details are being finalized for all summer trips? But what happens when the temperature changes, that 4th of July party ends, the children need to get back on a schedule…? Or on a more serious side, a job has been lost, you lose a loved one, a bill comes in that leaves you strapped, your child faces addiction? Our happiness that is based on happenings can wither as each new trial prevails. Going through Philippians will help remind us that in contrast to this earthly happiness or sadness true joy depends on our relationship with God. According to the Tyndale Study Bible it says, “In contrast to happiness stands joy. Running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confidence assurance of God’s love and work in our lives, that He will be there for us no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, Joy depends on Christ!”

So rejoice and enjoy these four chapters and look for the themes that include; finding joy in suffering, serving, believing, and giving. I know my wife Jennifer will enjoy me referencing once again “Consider it all joy… verse from James 1:2-3 that I use often in our household of two young boys that love to follow a fallen, broken, bigger boy in myself. I pray for Jennifer and I, our boys, and all of you to not seek the happiness of the world, but know the true joy in our relationship with the Lord!

Dear God ,

We are blessed by these letters of encouragement by Paul. Please fill our hearts when we have the feeling of being overwhelmed or in despair. Help us to pray for others that need to know your promises. Help us to stay positive and trust in you no matter our circumstances. Lord, help us to follow Paul’s example and know you more so we will rejoice in you always. Amen

Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Justified by Faith ~ Freedom in Christ

Welcome to Galatia. Where life by many is lived by the law. Where your merit and what you do, means more than anything. This idea of, what do you do?; in contrast to, Who do you follow? Or the question of, what law or rules are you following? instead of, Who do you have a relationship with?

The book of Galatians has been called the charter of Christian Freedom according to a couple study bibles. Who better to write this letter than apostle Paul (formerly Saul). The story of Paul’s miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus is necessary story to the people in Galatia, it is necessary to us, it is necessary to me. Here’s a reminder. (Acts 26:5-23) As I reflect on this story, I think that when the Lord gives you an opportunity today write down or share your “Damascus Road” experience with someone who needs Christ will I? Will you?

Paul wrote this letter to defend his apostleship and to defend the authority of the Gospel. To help the Galatians turn from legalism to faith in Jesus. This issue can still be present today where we try to earn God’s favor through doing so many things, following rituals, or obeying a set of rules. I found a great reminder for myself in Our Daily Bread: Rhythms of Grace. It reminded me to take a second to pause and take inventory of your life: “If you find that Christianity exhausts you, draining you of your energy, then you are practicing religion rather than enjoying your relationship with Jesus. Your walk with the Lord will not make you weary; it will invigorate you, restore your strength, and energize your life” ( Matthew 11:28-29)

Paul gives a realistic picture of the challenges of transitioning from a religion based on rules to one based on a relationship with Jesus Christ. From a life based on entitlement, to one given through grace; to a life not lived out through our flesh, but through the power of the Holy Spirit.

So are we working for Him, or walking with Him? While you read through Galatians be reminded that we are justified by faith not just the law. ( Galatians 2:20 Galatians 3:10-11) That our list of do’s and don’ts doesn’t confine us, it is our relationship with the Lord. We have freedom in our faith in Christ alone. He is all we need now and for eternity. (1 John 2:1-2)

Dear Jesus,

Thank you for your grace. I accept that I am just like everyone else and can’t do any of this life on my own. We are imperfect in so many ways and prone to sin. There is nothing we can do that makes me better than anyone else. You love us so much you gave yourself up on the cross for me. That’s a grace so amazing that I can’t wrap my head around it, I can only accept this free gift and know that I’m saved. I pray for guidance and willingness to submit the rest of my life to you. That as we walk together I grow my faith and serve you with continued joy. As we read through Galatians keep your words through Paul in our hearts.

Amen

Lost Letters

Have you ever talked with someone about things in their life that were hurting them? It could have been alcohol, drugs, abuse, lying, meanness… the list can go on. Maybe you have taken it even a step further and intentionally took time to mentor, coach, or were directive and intentional about sharing steps to help lead that person to a place that would change their life for the positive. Prayerfully eternal changes. Really, a life closer to God.

If you have children I know this is part of our daily parenting. Besides our own children who we will leave our biggest impact on, who are you filling into? Who are you guiding, planting seeds of hope, and eternal future? Personally, I know I can and need to be more intentional in my conversations and recognize the need from others. To be more courageous in sharing God’s love. I plan to use some of the tips shared yesterday from Jillian in The Last Word is Love.

Next question, has there been a time where you were mentoring and it seemed like it had worked? Like it was all good. Coaching success! Then unfortunately, you find out they are back to their old ways. The bad habit had crept back in and the pressures of our worldly desires or influences took hold and brought them back to where they were, maybe worse. Then to top it off, the person you were pouring into was making negative comments about you and your motives. I personally can relate, I’ve been on both sides of this fence. Most of my younger years the wrong side of the fence. This is where Paul was when he started to write 2 Corinthians. Paul was feeling saddened, frustrated, displeased at the church he had founded just four years earlier. He thought they had listened and his previous letter giving specific instructions to moral issues. In this letter Paul shows courage to speak up to those who were slandering him and his ministry, Paul defends our God against those who were twisting the truth.

In referring to a couple study bibles on the themes for 2 Corinthians here are reflecting points as we read and reflect.

Suffering/Trials – Paul had experienced it all. Suffering, persecution, he paid a price for service to Christ and the gospel. 2 Cor. 6:3-13, 2 Cor. 11:16 -33. Reminder – God is faithful. He will provide the strength we need for any trial.
Giving – 2 Cor. 8 and 9 Paul lays out detailed ways of giving. Reminder for us is our giving and generosity of whatever helps those in need and allows them to thank God.
Sound Doctrine/Apologetic’s – Paul shares how to represent Christ. The boldness to share the gospel and boast in the grace that we have all received. Paul does all this with Love. 2 Cor. 12:7-10

As we read through 2 Corinthians notice how Paul affirms, defends, and stands up to false teachers. Corinth was full of people who wanted to do everything their own way. Making others look bad by talking about them. Paul reminds them, he reminds us, that they are a new creation, ambassadors for Christ. 2 Cor. 5:17-20. That in all the stress, anxieties that they go through, that we go through, it is encouraging to know that God has a divine plan for us to be part of His eternal kingdom. So our mission while in this temporal world is to point others that way and to please Him. 2 Cor. 5:9

I recently read that Paul had written 2 other letters to the Corinthians and now they are physically lost. Let’s not lose these and their instructions for us.

Dear Father,

As we read your word today we pray for the courage of Paul to always want to please you. To be ambassadors for you and to let others know about the grace you have given us and them. That these worldly desires that the Corinthians face and we face today are temporal, and that the indescribable gift of a “new creation” covered by Your love is available to everyone. We pray for obedience in all we do and a heart that will boast of Your love and goodness always. We pray to listen and follow Your will until the day you come to take us home to you. Amen

References:

Tyndale Life Applications Study Bible

The Jeremiah Study Bible

United In Christ

Good Morning, today’s Bible Journal post is by my friend and brother in Christ Jeremey Helmer. Praise! 1 Corinthians 3

As I read through the first few chapters of 1 Corinthians, especially Chapter 3, I can’t help but be reminded of the spiritual journey my wife and I have been on to find a church home since we wed ten years ago. I grew up Catholic while she spent her childhood in Baptist and evangelical churches, so we began our journey miles apart from a theological and liturgical perspective. I think we’ve regularly attended somewhere around ten churches in the ten years we’ve been married. Now, some of the changes were due to relocating from city to city. However, others were admittedly due to the fact that we just couldn’t find a pastor or church that (insert subtle sarcasm) represented a perfect blend of our Catholic/Baptist backgrounds.
Or, to put it another way, since we were both walking away from the faith traditions of our childhoods, we wanted to be sure we found a pastor that was undeniably “right” in both our minds.

Fortunately, through the frustrations of this journey, I’m thankful we’ve returned to Christ as the foundation of our walk together. And now, hopefully we’ve come to a minimal level of spiritual maturity to see the how what we’ve been searching for has been here all along. So with this context in mind, Paul’s opening of Corinthians speaks volumes about spiritual maturity and the roles of the church and its leaders.

The chapter begins with Paul essentially saying, “Look, the fact that there’s division among you regarding which pastor you choose to follow is demonstration that you’re still spiritual infants.” Basically, Paul pointed out that the envy and strife among them should have been evidence that they were completely missing the point. Neither camp was going anywhere fast because they had taken their eye of Jesus as the foundation of their faith. So for Andrea and I, the more we clung to our theological background and held on to our own right-ness, the more prone we were to take our focus off the person of Jesus Christ.

Paul then goes on to explain “Apollos and I are just servants. Don’t boast or brag that you follow either of us. And, even worse, if you can put together a 43-point narrative about why I’m right and Apollos is wrong, you’re even further from the truth.” Several times this past week, I saw a post pop up from a pastor at a small church calling out and refuting some remarks made by Franklin Graham. I won’t go into details on the post, but I was struck by some of the conversations and remarks between sympathizers of the small-town church pastor and fans of Franklin Graham. Each side was firmly entrenched, supporting the leader of their cause to the detriment of their brotherhood and sisterhood. At one point, I too, caught myself thinking “yeah, this guy is completely right, and anyone that supports the other guy just doesn’t have a clue.” It’s so easy to fall into that trap. But then I wondered, “where and how does the reconciliation begin? How could these two sides ever come together to form a body of Christ that would be a beacon of light to the world?”

I could be wrong, but I have to think the communal reconciliation begins the same way that Andrea and I have reconciled our differences through the years – returning to Christ as the foundation, and laying down our entrenched “wisdom.”

Christ Alone ~ Hillsong

No longer slaves indeed!

Today’s Reading: Romans 6

Good Morning,

Today we have one of our regular guest writers over the last couple years Kris Walker. Prayers for all of us as we continue this awesome journey together. No longer be slaves to fear and enjoy these words to a song that we will live fearless as a child of God!

As we look in Romans, I once again find myself gravitating towards music. I can’t help it. It’s how I’m wired.

“I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God”.

Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

I feel like the song leaves out some important thoughts! I love how verse 13 says you have to offer yourself to God for this to happen! We have to make that conscious effort!

I also like how there is still accountability. There are some people that would say, “well, I’m saved now, I’m a child of God. Why strive to do better? Why push to serve with righteousness?”

Romans 6:15-18
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

I feel this is so important, because we cannot abuse our grace we are given. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we have to make ourselves be slaves to righteousness! So, we still are slaves… but we are VOLUNTEERING ourselves! We have to! It’s how we should serve!

The biggest take away from this?? Obviously is the reward for being a slave to righteousness.

Romans: 6:22-23
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is my hope, OUR HOPE, as we serve together, as brothers and sisters, that we can all be in everlasting life together! We can live in holiness! I can’t even imagine! I know personally my life is constantly filled with disaster. I look forward to a time to live in everlasting holiness. And, all we have to do, is make that choice, and become a willing slave to righteousness!

No Longer Slaves – Jon David & Melissa Helser

I am Ready

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased , saying, The will of the Lord be done. Acts 21:13-14

Are you ready? I reflect on these couple verses found in the middle of Acts 21 and think of how many times I have been fearful, lacked trust, listened to the world, or allowed myself to be influenced by others. To focus on me and not do the, “Will of the Lord“. My personal excuses in these moments could include; I wasn’t ready yet, no time, over-extended, or, afraid of a perception that others would possibly judge me by. I can be lost or selfishly looking at me at times without letting the will of our Lord take hold of all aspects of my life.

Today, as we continue to grow in the wisdom of what Paul shares with us in Acts, we can be encouraged to show courage. Paul shows how not to be afraid and to share His word even when fear can be on the horizon. Be inspired! This courage found in Paul is inside of all of us! Think, what if when Agabus approached Paul and other believers, after taking Paul’s belt for the purposes of modeling to him the bounding that was going to transpire. What if Paul in that moment said, “You know what Agabus, your right let’s stop spreading the good news.” No way!!! Paul’s faith and God’s grace gave him courage. Think, How many eternal lives would of been lost if Paul didn’t do the Lord’s will.

As a staff our school has been reading a book called Move Your Bus written by Ron Clark. In this book there is a parable about a bus that doesn’t have a gas tank but moves based on those that are on the bus. In the book these people can consist of; runners, joggers, walkers, riders, and the driver. I share this story because I think of Paul. Paul is a runner. He is not walking, going for the ride, or choosing his moments to run. He is a full-time runner. He’s ready for anything. Whatever needs to be done, and when it needs doing. Paul is there ready to work without persuasion. He simply loves God and knows the only way for others to get to have a relationship with Him is through sharing the truth. Paul doesn’t give in or decide to remain silent. He knew God’s will for him.

Now none of us enjoy physical pain, hardships, or hurt. But through faith, our desire to please God can overshadow the avoidance of suffering. I’m sure Paul didn’t enjoy being bound, beat, and having to go through all the humility and pain. Yet his main focus was to do God’s will and he accepted it all. In these times like Paul we can say, “The will of the Lord be done.”

It’s hard for me to say no. I want to do as much as I can for God, family, friends, and others. But, when God is not involved I can struggle with knowing what is for me and what is for Him. Help our desires to be on Him.

God, I pray now for wisdom and discernment to keep you at the center of all our decisions. That when you open doors for us we enter. Give us courage like Paul. Let your will be done! – Amen

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I love verse 15 that follows. (15)And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. Paul’s courage has an impact on others. After pleading with Paul to not go to Jerusalem, and Paul saying basically too bad, I’m doing the Lord’s will. The rest of the group who all wanted to turn around joined Paul in his mission. That’s leadership. His courage affected them. God’s will!

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

Are you ready?

Dear God,

Thank you for your word. We know you desire a total commitment to you from us. We give up ourselves to follow you and your will. Use us to accomplish all goals planned for our lives. Amen

Contributions of Stephen

Good Morning Bible Journal Friends and family,

Today, I’d like to share a snapshot of a speech shared by Stephen in Acts 7. Yesterday, Amy set the stage for us and a focus for us to be praying for our opportunity to serve. In Acts 6 we are introduced to a man chosen to support the widows. Stephen was at the top of this list, he was a man full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, and a man full of God’s grace. Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:5 and Acts 6:8. Unfortunately, opposition arose and false charges were then brought against Stephen that included; blasphemy of God, Moses, the law, and the temple.

Stephen then shares a sermon that defends his faith before the council of Israel. This is found in today’s reading of Acts 7. I’l let you read through this powerful sermon in order to provide you with the full picture and true specific points of this dynamic speech. This speech by Stephen holds so much power, that by his conclusion, and before Stephen could even finish, members of the Sanhedrin had taken his life because it had made them furious and moved them.

In 1 Peter 3:15 Peter tells us, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you regarding the hope that is within you.” Peter is right! In a moments time I definitely wouldn’t have the amazing sixty verse sermon, but I know one word I could start with, “Jesus!” You can view this sermon as a masterpiece for the subject of apologetics. Apologetics is the subject of information that defends the faith. Stephen knew what he believed. He also knew why he believed as well.

Stephen leaves us a lesson of the boldness in witnessing. We read about his courage. We read about the faithfulness of God. In addition, we can also read about the blindness of hostility, and even though when the members of the Senhedin committee heard this sermon and gnashed their teeth at him, Stephen was still full of the Holy Spirit. While Stephen was being dragged out of the city and being stoned in front of a young man named Saul (who later becomes Paul) Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Stephen fell to his knees and cried out, “Lord do not hold this against them.” Stephen then fell asleep. (was brought to heaven) Stephen prayed the same prayer as Jesus in Luke 23:24. Did this picture of Stephen and his prayer remain with Paul?

Acts 1:8 says, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.“

As we move into Acts 8 Stephen’s death was a catalyst that set into motion evangelism outside of Jerusalem. Up to this point in Acts, everything had taken place in Jerusalem. Stephen sermon and death set waves of persecution forcing believers to leave…God always orchestrates life’s events for his purposes.

Dear God,

Thank you for this amazing brother in Christ, Stephen. Thank you for the words of truth spoken by him. I pray for the courage and boldness that is necessary on this earth as we live out this breath of a life. I pray that we continue to be encouraged and grow in the knowledge of God’s words and to defend the faith when necessary. I pray that throughout our day in our words, actions, and heart we share and recognize your presence. I pray for this Easter week and for open doors that will allow us to share your words, love, and the desire you have for us to be part of your eternal kingdom. Amen

Happy Easter

Abide in our True Vine

Today’s Reading John 15

Do you love grapes? I do. I remember as a child as soon as the sun started to come up over the field and glistened through the tree line I would take off outside. We had an apple tree, rhubarb, and carrots. My favorite, when in season, was our grapevine. Many meals could be skipped when we hung out by these grapes. As a kid, this earthly vine satisfied my earthly hunger. Still my heart and soul hungered for our True Vine.

John 15:1 says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener”. Jesus, fulfills all needs.

Our True Vine, Jesus, provides nourishment to create any and all fruit in our lives. Independent of this vine, our branches can’t produce fruit. Independent of Jesus, our lives are fruitless. He is the source of nourishment we need. Are you receiving nourishment?

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

The book of John has a series of “I am” statements for us to remember. He says, “I am the Bread of Life. I am the Light of the World. I am the Door, I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Resurrection and the Life. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” He says in John 8:58 I am Eternally Existing, and in John 15, I am the True Vine. Our God is the great I am, and in in John 8:24 it says that we need to believe this.

Since we know that Jesus is the true vine, he says His Father is the gardener. The gardener who planted the vine, and cares for it. There are then branches that bear fruit meaning true disciples; or there are branches that produce no fruit, that are cut off. What is my branch looking like?

The key to knowing what my branch looks like is in the word abide. Do we abide in Him? This word is repeated eight times in five verses. Starting in verse 4 where abide is used three times. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

So what does it look like to abide in Jesus? John 15:10 says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

We need to do all we can to faithfully keep his commandments. To keep his commandments means to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39). Our love for God is in our trust, prayer, and devotion to Him. We abide in relationships, prayers, and in love.

When our lives are intertwined with His, true joy fills our days. Even in the face of adversity our consistent relationship keeps us able find joy in all circumstances. So today and everyday, abide. Stay connected to the True Vine that is connected to Jesus.

John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Dear God,

Thank you for another amazing day where we can praise you in everything we do. God we pray that you give us the strength to stay connected to you from the inside out. That in the midst of any circumstances that may impact our day we remember who we are connected to, and who are gardener is! Amen

Heart Alignment

John 1

Where do we begin?
Every story has a beginning, and the manner in which John begins the narrative of Jesus’ life is captivating to me, especially in light of the other Gospels. Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus’ earthly lineages. Mark begins his account with John preparing the way for Jesus. But John – John begins his story with a 14-verse poem that echoes the creation narrative and traces Jesus’ divine lineage to the very beginning of all things.

In the beginning was the Word… It’s not simply a “word” strung together with a few letters or syllables, but it’s the Word – the logos, the reason, the plan, the cause, the declaration. The Word is the divine pulse of the universe. It is life. It is the light of all light. It is that which darkness cannot overcome. And the Word became flesh. How’s that for a birth story?

Whereas Matthew and Luke tell of Jesus’ more relatable humanity in their opening lines, John’s account of His divinity has been almost mind-blowing to me as I’ve sat and dwelled on it for a while. It’s difficult for me to put in words, but it’s as if everything that is beautiful, and pure, and holy, and radiant, and light, and life-giving, and… love, is wrapped up in and radiates the Word.

Until recently, I rarely caught a glimpse of the full magnitude and gravity of Jesus’ divinity, and I’m sure I still don’t fully comprehend it now. But even the smallest notion of the fullness of His divinity paints His life, death, and resurrection in an entirely different and brighter light.

Have you ever thought about it, I mean, really thought about it? Have you ever tried to wrap your mind around pure unadulterated love? Around the fact that darkness can never overcome light? Around everything that is good and holy and sacred in this world? Around the essence of life itself and everything that is life-giving? Around the actual logos of creation?

When I dwell on Jesus’ divinity, choosing to follow him becomes much more than a prayer, and much deeper than a ceremony or ritual. It becomes a matter of aligning my heart and my life with He who is everything good and holy, at the expense of all else.

He is the reason. He is life. He is the light. And yet it’s still a daily struggle to abandon all and follow Him. ~ Jeremy Helmer

Today’s Bible Journal is written by one of my good friends and brothers in Christ Jeremey Helmer. God Is Good! He is Life! He is our Light! Amen