Author: David LaFrance

Today’s Readings 2 Samuel 15-17, Psalm 3, 63, Romans 1

In today’s readings, you will read about the rebellion of David’s son Absalom.  God had forgiven David for his sins but did not cancel the consequences of his sin.  Why did Absalom go against his father? Why did Absalom constantly take bad advice from others?

2 Samuel 15:4 Moreover, Absalom would say, ‘Oh that one would appoint me judge in the land, then every man who has any suit or cause could come to me and I would give him justice.’

While parenting a teenage son, I can reflect on the many sins that I have been forgiven for. I pray for my son to see and learn from my example that we can all experience forgiveness when we turn our lives over to God. It’s not saying sins will never happen again, but we can experience His love that will never go away.  As humans, we can be prone to the sins of our adults in our lives. We need to be aware and seek Him always.

Psalm 3 happens to be the Psalm written when David was fleeing from his son. David confidently trusted God for protection and peace. Many of my reflection moments and scripture reading time can happen in the morning. Prayers can come in the middle of the night when I wake and have questions that I can reach out to God for His answers.

3 But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift [2] up my head. 4 To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah 5 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me.

These sleepless nights are covered by the Lord. This is also read in Psalm 63. Instead of tossing and turning in bed, David turned to the Lord in confidence.

6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.

Lord we know that in our moments of uncertainity we can trust in Your future for our lives and our childrens’. We can learn from David about His peace and trust we can always have in You!

2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied.

Have you ever been in a transition in life? A new house, job, marriage, or child? All of these experiences involve a learning curve. Some right choices and often many wrong decisions are involved as well. Today, as I read the questions Paul asked the twelve disciples, their answers were transitional. They still followed the old law and did not understand what Jesus had promised once they truly believed.  In my faith journey, there was a time when I thought I had to earn His love and that there would be things I would need to cut out of my life for our Lord to consider me.  Wow! How wrong.  Our Lord has a love for us that He has always had.  The disciples here thought they would receive the Holy Spirit once they had arrived at a certain spiritual point in their lives.

Paul told them He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”  verse 4

We all need that. That’s all that we, as believers, have to tell others about! Believe in Him! God gives us the Holy Spirit to be with us in His fullness permanently, personally, and indwelling from the moment of our salvation.

Here are a few additional verses that we can share about His promise.

• Romans 8:9 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19 19You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
• Ezekial 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
• 2 Corinthians 6:16 For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:“I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God,
  and they will be my people.

Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? Yes!

 

Today’s Readings: 1 Samuel 11-13, Psalm 38, Acts 9

This evening, I had an opportunity to talk with a group of adults about the impact of a positive mindset. We can take intentional steps like recording or reflecting on recognizing these things for which we are grateful. We can change our perspective in a world bombarded by the negative and seek to exploit the mistakes or critique what’s not going right.

In 1 Samuel 12:24-25 Samuel reminds the people of Isreal to take time to notice and remember the good things God has done in our lives.

 ²⁴ But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you

I think about the amazing things about today that I take for granted many days. My smile is big as I praise Him for the big and small details that captured my mind from before the sun came up to this evening when I could see my children sleep and listen to my beautiful bride show her love and genuine care for assuring all things are prepared for our family to start the next day.

This reflection allows us to focus on God’s goodness and strengthen our faith and trust in Him.  In a world that wants us to get, make, do, and be future-focused, we forget what is right in front of us.  Take time today to remember all that God has done lately.  Will you join me in making it part of a daily rhythm so we can grow in faith together?

So I throw up my hands and praise you again and again because all I have is Hallauah!… Get up and Praise the Lord! 

 

I love music. The arrangement of sounds to create harmony, melody, or rhythm to express words can impact us all differently. On Sunday, with hands raised, we can praise our Lord, who speaks into our lives daily. We can feel joy and gratitude in our hearts as we sing, knowing what He is currently doing and promises we will one day see.  Some songs bring tears of joy as your brain connects back to experiences that changed your life.  Songs that can pump us up to conquer anything in front of us.

Music is a part of all human societies and is a communication tool that can culturally connect us all.  In Deuteronomy 32, Moses turns his message into a song for the congregation of Israel.  Songs can make things easier to remember. ( I want to sing the United States song as this was the only way I remembered.) This song gives us a brief history of Israel. It reminds us of their mistakes, warns us about repeating the same mistakes, and offers hope that can only come from trusting God.  It sounds like something we can still use today.  Imagine or go ahead and sing these first few verses.

We can experience so many emotions when we sing or listen to a song. Behind this song is a truth about the greatness of our Lord—the hope that we remember as we move closer to Easter. As Moses finished this song, he proclaimed these words.

⁴⁶ he said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. ⁴⁷ For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.”

Today’s Readings: Numbers 30-33, Psalm 35, Luke 3

This past week, I talked with my daughter Gianna about Easter. She said that Easter and Christmas were her favorite holidays, and I agreed. We talked about the Easter Story and how Jesus had given up His life for all of us. She said she loved him so much for dying for us and that she can’t wait to see Him in Heaven. Again, I agreed.

As we prepare for Easter in a couple of weeks, I connected with the story of John the Baptist Preparing the Way for Jesus.  Luke 3: 4-6

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
⁵ Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
⁶ And all people will see God’s salvation.’”^[

Today’s Readings: Leviticus 26-27, Psalm 112, Hebrews 10

There have been times when I try to do as much as possible for the Lord.  Reading, praying, serving, and appearing to have it all together in the presence of others.  I think doing these things might make up for the litany of inequities I carry daily.  I’m wrong.  The sufficiency, superiority, and perfection of the sacrifice of Christ were all part of God’s plan.  He knows there is nothing that we can say or do to draw closer to Him.

Reading Hebrews 10 reminded me that it was all part of God’s plan.  He knew there was nothing I could ever do, but I had to remember and believe it was what He did for me.  I need to trust and have faith more each day.  The redemption plan designed by God is pointed to throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis.  Christ’s sacrifice was perfect, complete, and sufficient because it replaced the old, inadequate system.

Christ’s sacrifice is better because it sanctifies the believer.

“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Thank you Lord for taking away my sins.  That through my earthly shortcomings of thinking there is something I can do to make this up, the only thing You want from me is to believe. To submit my heart to you.  Lord, I ask You to continue to destroy the enemies in my life that keep me from drawing closer to You.

“footstool for His feet.”

Father, thank You again, as always, when we come into Your presence because the first thing that comes to my mind is the need to express gratitude. Thank You for Your Son Jesus who followed Your perfect plan to redeem humanity and be glorified by His death. Lord help us to know You more each day.  Help us to be obedient to Your  Words. Let us confess and let go of all sins we are holding onto. Thank you for cleansing us!  We love You, Lord. Amen

Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord.  Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.

 

Today’s Readings Exodus 35-37, Psalm 96, Philippians 4

There are so many things that grab our attention daily.  The world has so many things that can make us discontent.  The newer version of a car, the newest style of clothes, a new job, an upgraded look to match the TV, new friends, a new car, or a different significant other.  Just about all we see daily can leave us in a discontented state. Discontent can take your joy and bring you anxiety, leading to fear.

It’s hard to find people who are content with where they are.  ( I know I suffer myself.)

Know that the human heart cannot be satisfied without God.

Philippians 4:1, “Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Paul is in jail, on death row…still, he is content.

In verse 11 Paul  is saying, “I’m satisfied, I have enough.” And saying you have enough is saying, “God, I am content with what You’re now doing in my life.” In other words, it’s really an act of worship to be content. You are bowing before the Lord and saying,

The familiar words of Psalm 23 begin this way: “The Lord,” or, “Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want.” A satisfied heart should be the experience of every believer because God promises to satisfy us with everything we need.

May we shine as lights by being content with God’s plan today and in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Today’s Reading: Exodus 4-6, Galatians 6

Why? I’ve asked this question often.  I’ve asked it of others, and I’ve asked it of God.  In recent struggles, I’ve asked it again and again. In today’s reading of Exodus, Moses struggled with various things.  I thought of insecurity as I read Exodus 4.  I could relate to times of inadequacy.  Moses had said, ”  “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Of course, the Lord answered and told Moses ways to move forward.   Then, in Exodus 5, Moses felt like he and Aaron had struggled to get the message from the Lord across to Pharaoh.  Moses then asks the question in Exodus 5:22, “Why, Lord, did you bring trouble on these people?” 

Why? How many times have you asked Why?  As I mentioned earlier, I recently cried this word to God.

Moses prayed, “Why, Lord, have you brought trouble?” in Exodus 5:22

Joshua cried, “Why did you ever bring these people across the Jordan?” in Joshua 7:7

Gideon cried, “Why has all this happened to us?” in Judges 6:13

Nehemiah asked, “Why is the house of God neglected?” in Nehemiah 13:11

A Psalmist wrote, “Why, Lord, do you stand so far off?” in Psalm 10:1

David prayed, “Why are you so far from saving me?” in Psalm 22:1

Jesus cried out, “Why have you forsaken me?” in Matthew 27:46

I don’t understand. I pray for this trust daily.  Not a sparrow falls from the sky without Him seeing it. (Matthew 10:29) I have to remember and trust that there is no problem in my life that God does not know about. Even though I may not understand…I can trust that God is in control and will work all things out based on His desires, not mine.

Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

One of Billy Graham’s daughters, Anne Graham Lotz, wrote, “Life is about more than temporary safety, health, happiness, and prosperity. It’s about a relationship with Him that transcends those things. He never, ever has promised to protect us from suffering, pain, and death.  But He has promised to be with us and bring us through…when we place our faith in Him.”

So when you ask, Why – today…trust His love He has for you and the plan He has for you.

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.^[e] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

The greatest commandment.  Let’s go! We got this right.  It seems pretty simple: Love God! How am I doing, though?  How are you? I love Him, but do I truly believe, think, act, trust, and follow?

Let’s break it down a little and chew on it.

Love = Love with all my heart.  I think of things I love.  My wife, kids, family. Those whom I felt I needed to lay my life on the line for.  Do anything for the person.  John 15:13 2 Thessalonians 3:5

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Soul = my consciousness, desires, and emotions.  Are my thoughts thinking about His promises? Do my desires of Him wake me up, keep me engaged, and allow me to lie down at night with a peace that only He can provide?  Psalm 62:1  Jeremiah 29:13

¹ Truly, my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Mind = Where do my brain and thoughts go throughout the day? How do I remain inspired as the world attempts to pull us in different directions?  Can I remain less distracted?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24

Strength = Hah! What I have left, can I give it to Him? When the body wants to shut down or not get out of bed, can I keep myself going to praise Him another day?  Raise our arms as we praise, dropping to my knees as I pray.  With whatever we have, can we give it all for His glory?

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

The greatest commandment.  How can we all grow more obedient today? This year? Till He returns or He calls us home?