Author: David LaFrance

We all have a story, and doesn’t it make a difference when we know them? How quick sometimes, I can read into a situation or a person and think I have it figured out.  I judge a problem not knowing all the details.   Today’s reading of Psalm 82 is a plea for justice.  How quickly we want justice to be served when it deals with others, but when it deals with us…not so much.

As I read through today’s verses, I came to the following verse that caused me to pause and dig deeper. The Hebrew word translated as “gods” in Psalm 82:6 is Elohim. The Hebrew word Elohim is translated as “judges.” 

“I said, ‘You are “gods”;
    you are all sons of the Most High”

These words are another heart check I can reflect on daily.  The word “gods” refers to the judges of the earth.  The fleshly impulse to judge a situation that includes others can present itself daily.

Do I model grace in a situation like the Lord has given me? 

Is my conversation or thoughts representing the fruits of the Spirit? 

Our spiritual growth is being tested and sliding or growing each day.  Judging others is not what we should do.   Christians are also called to speak the truth in love and respect.  Do I say of His truth or pass judgment?  Am I there yet? Not always.

The truth is that we are all sons and daughters of the Most High.  I will one day face Him, and He will have all those of the flesh sins of judgment.  My prayer is for an increase in obedience and submission to His ways.

Matthew 7:1-5

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Luke 6:37

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

We are not God. God is God, and we who know Christ are His children.

Father, help us be mindful that judging others is not our place. We are no better than they are, and you will bring down and lift up as you see fit. Help us trust your almighty plan and the power of your love to capture hearts and transform people. Thank you for capturing our hearts.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 10

1. Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? 

There can be times when I may ask this question of our Lord.  Times when life doesn’t seem fair for myself or fellow believers.  These doubts, frustrations, worries, and wonders leave me with the checking of my heart.  I desire to develop a deeper faith and ensure I have not lost sight of His plan.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

As I read further into this Psalm, some believe it to be written by David I’m reflecting on verses that reference words like arrogance, boasting, pride, and greed.  I pray that I relentlessly trust that His way will prevail in my troubles.  That there is nothing, I can do alone or can be offered by this world to answer my deepest desires.  He already has ordained my days.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

During these times when we feel most alone or oppressed, we need to keep praying, telling God about our troubles, and trusting in His perfect plan.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

The psalmist concludes this chapter with a triumphant assertion of faith despite all challenges.

http://https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA

16 The Lord is King for ever and ever;
the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that mere earthly mortals
will never again strike terror.

Today’s scripture brings me to my knees even as I type.  What started as a prayer-filled morning can turn to disappointment and letdown as my human self attempts to handle my sinful actions.  (I’m writing a book on Parenting Shortcomings…) Have you heard the phrase, “You may be the only Bible some people may read?”  How others see me could be how they see Christianity if I have been intentional in sharing my faith.

Amos 3 is full of metaphors that remind, cause me to reflect, and lead me to repentance of sin that ultimately separates me from our Lord.  This was his warning to the Israelites and a reminder for us today and all days.  With a family and being surrounded by people daily in my earthly job, my example of how to live out my Christian life is on watch daily.

“You only have I chosen
of all the families of the earth;
therefore I will punish you
for all your sins.”

³ Do two walk together
unless they have agreed to do so?
⁴ Does a lion roar in the thicket
when it has no prey?
Does it growl in its den
when it has caught nothing?
⁵ Does a bird swoop down to a trap on the ground
when no bait is there?
Does a trap spring up from the ground
if it has not caught anything?
⁶ When a trumpet sounds in a city,
do not the people tremble?
When disaster comes to a city,
has not the Lord caused it?

⁷ Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants the prophets.

What we say and do matters.  I can sometimes find myself allowing myself to fit into a situation and lose sight of what God has called me to do.  Where does my faith fall when achieving earthly desires?

2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Today take a moment to remember God’s closeness. His desire to walk every step with us. Reflect on what is causing distractions from our Heavenly Father. I can think of a few of my own.  Thankfully, our God shows mercy even in his anger at our human desires.

Luke 9:23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Lord, I just came today with an open heart asking for forgiveness.  Every word that is written is for us from You. Help me to draw closer to you and deny myself and my earthly desires to not seek you first.  Amen

Stay Blessed

http://https://youtu.be/fiyYoe678yI

Last week, I was blessed with the opportunity to be part of a wedding one weekend and a funeral the next. You may ask, How is that a blessing? The blessing came in the moments I celebrated and remembered with others. The wedding between my sister Dakota LaFrance and Jose Valdez was full of fun and laughter as we celebrated their marriage and their excitement at the announcement of a welcomed addition to their family.  What a day to celebrate and the chance to walk her down the aisle.

Fast forward to this past weekend, I was part of celebrating the life of Faye Skaggs, who lived 95 beautiful years.  During this day of celebration, I listened to and remembered her influence on so many others.  We listened to beautiful scripture by grandchildren and enjoyed a potluck of country-loving food and desserts. One of the closing verses I remember the pastor saying was, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

Whatever stage you may be in today, from early marriage to the age of 95, everyone yearns for a fulfilled life unfettered by regrets.  When our fin”l bell tolls for us, we all hope for a life well lived.

How do we get there?  Some think it is in our finances; others would say in our wisdom.  Others believe in who you surround yourself with.  Today’s reading of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon, discusses what he discovered in his time. Solomon pursued every pleasure, fulfilled every passion, and took advantage of every opportunity.

Solomon said it was all in vanity.

People all around us are desperately searching for meaning. Think of a family member, friend, or neighbor searching for meaning apart from God.  Pray for time this week to speak to them about the futility of finding meaning in themselves or in this world. Let them know about the meaning we find in any hills or valleys in our Lord Jesus.  A life well-lived doesn’t come without pain, confusion, or sorrow. Our personal relationship with our Lord will free us from the daily scramble for power, approval, and money and draw us closer to God.

I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.  ~ Ecclesiates 1:14

Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

Have a well-lived life today!

 

 

 

Today’s Reading: Luke 16:14-31 

“The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.”

As I started reading for today, I stopped after the first few verses.  There is so much great wisdom to be shared as you read through this section, but I thought about the first couple of verses. I thought of all the ways we try to justify ourselves as humans.  How can we wake up daily striving for the subsequent feeling of success? 99.999(repeat) of people have put their hope and trust into the world at some point in their earthly lives. We have and always will live in an earthly world that has so much to offer. Whatever your desire long for can probably be found on this earth or delivered by Amazon. 

We often believe that we will be filled if we have the next best thing or accomplish that impossible task. A worldly mindset will make you think that we will be happier if you only make this much more. The Pharisees thought that gaining earthly riches would bring you closer to Heaven. They were in love with money.  Did you know that the Latin word for Pharisee is separated?  Striving for the world and its riches can separate us from Him. 

Is there anything separating you from a closer relationship with Jesus?  The world offers it all.  But all we need is Jesus. The earth exerts a downward pull on your thoughts and your bank accounts. Media bombards you with greed, lust, and cynicism that we need to keep up and strive for more. When you face these things, pray for protection and discernment of what you need. Stay in continual communication with the Lord whenever you walk through the wastelands of this world. Refuse to worry about feeling like you need the next best thing because this form of worldliness will weigh you down and block awareness of My Presence. Remember His presence as you lay down at night.  His presence when you juggle schedules to get your children or yourself to the next place on the calendar.  The world will find ways to separate you.  Don’t let it.  If you need help, call on Him, and talk with a brother or sister in Christ. 

Matthew 6:24  “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Stay blessed

¹⁴ The great day of the Lord is near—very near and coming fast! That day will be bitter, for even^[c] the bravest soldiers will cry out in despair!

On that day…

I will…

Today’s reading is Zephaniah 1:1-18 

The prophet Zephaniah was blessed to hear the word of the Lord. In the first chapter, the two above statements are presented multiple times. V. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 17.

What if it was today? Tomorrow? Or next week? What would look different? 2 Peter 3:10 and 1 Thessalonians 5:2 reminds us the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  Can you hear His voice?  Too many days and moments have I can miss His voice through the crazy busy journey I lead myself on some days.  When my decisions are made for the world’s approval, not God’s approval.  There are moments when I can be complacent in my ways, thinking that I’m doing just enough.

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ v. 12

The dictionary definition of complacent is “a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger or defect; a smug satisfaction with an existing condition.” If I place my security in anything other than my relationship with God, I live for the world.

Romans 12:2 is a daily prayer.  ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

After a weekend full of running our kids to sporting events, I need to call time out.  How was I living?  I know the answer.  There weren’t nearly enough times where I just listened for Him.  The honest part is that He never leaves us.  I just get caught on the hamster wheel of life.  Step off the wheel.  Zephaniah was speaking to the people of many nations then and now.

Lord, open my heart, mind, and soul.  Help us to see and know Your closeness. Please help us to understand that the day of your coming will come.  Help us not to be complacent in what the world offers but in complete submission to you.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Lord bless you and keep you. On this day… He will