David LaFrance

Humble Love in the Upper Room

Today’s Reading: John 13

As we continue through John, Lynden shared with us the assurance of God’s glory in the midst of everything going on. I pray you were able to hear that yesterday.

Today, as we read chapter 13 John has so many different topics we can focus reflect on. There’s betrayal, denial, and the humble act of foot washing. This is where I landed today. The other day as I was sitting at hockey practice for my son, subtle tears came to my eyes as I thought, “What would it look like if I knew I was going to die tomorrow? Would I even think to serve others or just myself? “ Would I still be consumed with trying to keep our students and staff at school as many days as possible during this pandemic? Would I continue to run my kids to their practice? Would I call family and friends or try to cross one more thing off the bucket list? Maybe I would just hang close to my wife and read books to my daughter until she falls asleep? I wipe my eyes and reflected on Jesus the Thursday night of Passover and ultimately his death.

Jesus had different thoughts and actions that night, not of the flesh like my own. His plans were completely selfless. He was going to serve the disciples that were around Him that evening. Even the person who was going to betray Him later that evening. In verse 3 Jesus knew that everything was put under His power. What did Jesus do? You already know. He took the spot of what was in the Jewish culture reserved for the lowest. He took off his outer garment and started to wash the disciples’ feet. I was listening to a sermon by pastor John MacArthur where he said, “Selfless humility is the soul of love. The humbler you are, the less interested you are in yourself, the greater your capacity to invest yourself in somebody else.” What was the response of the disciples? They were in shock, speechless, or wanting their hands and head washed too. So here is our example, our lesson. Can we love like this. No matter the cost can I love selflessly, humbly, in the most menial, simple necessity of life.

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you will not understand now, but afterword you will understand. “

How will you humbly show love today? What can you do today?

Lord, you provided the example by sending your own son. A son who gave up His own life for ours. What love you have for us. Lord help us to love like you. May we humble ourselves, be meek, and lowly like You so that our love can be elevated. Every day we have the opportunity to love others. I pray you to help us to show true love with selfless regard. Amen

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

MacArthur, John, The Humble Love of Christ, January 18, 2015

John 1

In full transparency, I started working on my Bible journal last week planning on writing about some recent life happenings. I opened up our group email about writing and saw I should be writing on John 1. My prayer is for some grace on my reflections for today and to go ahead and read John 1 when you have an opportunity.

John 1:10 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (Thank you)

Life’s too short (first post)

I recently celebrated my 45th birthday. Yes, I said it. My amazing wife Jennifer who I take for granted way too often made me this awesome canvas with the help of Jackson, Marshall, and Gianna. The title of the picture was called Following in my Daddy’s Footsteps. The following verse was on the bottom as seen above.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Thinking back on the years and the moments of being a parent I’m reminded of the value of every moment we are given. This is also something I feel like I take for granted too often. Jesus’s half brother James cherished his time with Jesus. Maybe that’s what he was telling us in James 4 in reminding us that we have limited time on this temporary earth. Selfishly I would like to have all the time on the earth to be a husband, parent, son, brother, a friend. Yet, I know that my plans are not always His and our short term plans we have on this earth will mean nothing compared to the eternal plan He has for us with Him in Heaven.

James 4:14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes

In these last couple of weeks, I have heard the exciting news of a pregnancy, the birth of a newborn, and celebrated other milestones of the lives of others. I have also heard of the deaths of loved ones who are newborns, grade-school age, and ages younger and older than where I’m at right now. It’s hard not to be upset and wonder why? The only thing we can do is trust in His plan. On any given day, we can go from feasting to mourning, from celebrating life to processing death, or some other life challenge.

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

Now, as we anticipate on the eve of an election while facing the many trials of COVID what is helping you clear your vision when you lose sight of God? Circling back to my picture of my footsteps with my children I know that everything I say and do leaves an impact. What will your impact be in the days to come?

John 1:5 says the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Pivotal Prayer

In the last few months, we have heard the word pivot in many arenas. This past week I was able to have a Zoom meeting with a small group of professionals around our prayer life. Yes, this is definitely something that I know I always need to focus on. The speaker was Tim Elmore who wrote the book Pivotal Praying: Connecting with God in Times of Great Need. I look forward to reading this book. As I reflect on this Zoom meeting and my current prayer life I was captured by our conversation about the types of prayers people often pray.

The three types described were:

Logistic prayers- The everyday prayers around what is going on in the moment. Routine prayers like the ones I can often have at mealtime, bedtime, or mundane prayers I have currently for the technology to work properly for myself, teachers, and students daily.
Tactical prayers – Prayers I have that ask for His presence in the moments of fear, worry, or need. Receiving strength to get through a difficult time.
Strategic prayers- Prayers that come in the midst of even a pandemic where I’m focusing on building His Kingdom. Praying for all of these worldly events to draw me and others closer to God.

Tim mentioned to me that sometimes close to 80% of our prayer life can be on the logistics of day to day routines. At that moment I felt maybe he was hearing some of my prayers somehow? This conversation helped me to reflect. Where would you describe your prayer life? As we walked through a few hidden passages tucked away in 2 Kings 3. As the focus of the people was on their momentary need of water God reminds them that His focus is much bigger.

¹⁷For this is what the Lord says: You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your other animals will drink. ¹⁸This is an easy thing in the eyes of the Lord; he will also deliver Moab into your hands.

In what ways can I transform more of my prayers from the logistics level to a strategic level? As challenges come do I question God or His plan for me? To be honest, I can be guilty. I pray to remember the Kings of Elisha and their lack of trust in the Lord. Knowing that God is in the business of meeting my goals and dreams far beyond any of my expectations. In moments of uncertainty, I need to step back and pray for trust in His ultimate plan and not my immediate needs. I need to pray for the war, not just the water. Paul reminds us of the magnitude of God’s love and plans for us in Ephesians.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the midst of a pandemic, I can pray through many logistics. I know you hear every single one. But Lord, help me to be more strategic, to know and trust your plan for this day, and that it is not just about simply bread and water to live but plans to build an eternal Kingdom for us all. So as we have all had to pivot, help me to pivot closer to you Lord in my prayers being faithful in whatever Your will has planned for me as I tell of Your Greatness to others.

Amen

Vine

I grew up in Upstate New York in a small town called Corfu. From a young age, I remember having grapevines that allowed me to forge through many meals and stay outside even longer as I would just eat grapes from the vine or pick apples from a tree. There were seasons when you would eat from sun up to sun down and seasons where you would have to do some searching. I know I ate a lot healthier than too. (That’s another story) What a great feeling and comfort to know that we have Jesus as our living vine?

Today’s verse is John 15:5

I am the true vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Branches cannot bear fruit independent of the vine. There would be many times I went out to pick grapes and they were just lying on the ground. My study bible reminds me of the importance of our lives and staying connected to God. Personally, I have had seasons of fruit-bearing. I have also had seasons where the fruit has been non-existent and I was just holding on for life. In any of these seasons or cases, the important part for us all is being connected. These days came through selfish worldly desires. Opportunities to bear fruit is praise to His glory and His kingdom. There is also praise to being simply connected to His vine. This connectedness lies in our faith. Do we believe in Jesus? His life, death, and resurrection? I imagine if you are taking the time to read this right now you are connected to His Vine. So I ask, what season are you in? Are you bearing much fruit? Maybe a bare branch? Either scenario is right where God has planned. Let’s just avoid any pruning that can happen when we don’t stay connected. Let’s pray and reflect on our source of life and the soil we are planted in.

A couple of additional verses that spoke to me on reflecting on Jesus as our vine were in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 where God reminds us about the meaning of life. How there is a season for everything. That in each season of life, whatever purpose God intends is the purpose we must live out. In addition, wherever you are today, stay connected. Psalm 1:3 says

That a person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.

Dear Father, You are our living Vine. Keep us close. Lord, help us in our day-to-day lives to not feel like we can detach and still stay connected. Help us to Seek you only and abandon our own selfish ways. Thank you for whatever season we are in. We love you! Amen

Sustainer

Last week I was attempting to play some street hockey with my kids. As I was trying to go down the driveway, my stick gets stuck in to a gap between the driveway and road. As the end of the hockey stick jabbed me in the stomach, my feet went as high as my head, landing on my hand, then elbow, and then shoulder. My body and pride took a hit as the kids expected me to hop right back up like they usually do. I thought…

In about a month, I will be turning 45. Now some may say, “That’s old!” Or some may say, “That’s young.” or some may say, “ I’m right there with you.” Wherever you land or, in my case, physically land, Jennifer was quick to remind me of my age and need for me to be injury-free in our household.

I tell you this story to help you to reflect on our verses today. These were the verses I read that night as I secretly rubbed my should and applied a little ice. Bothe verses connect with our word for today. Sustain. When you look up the word sustainer, you will discover names like carrying, upholding, supporting, keeping from falling, or enduring.

Isaiah 46:4 even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save you.

Those who trust in the Lord can believe and have an assurance that He will sustain us through it all. That day I had physically fallen, but the Lord picked me up and supported me. At work, I had a plan not happen as planned. This is where I mentally fell. I was talking to a family member who is on the verge of a divorce. I spiritually fell after thinking of the prayers we had said. Our Lord picked us right back up.

Where have you fallen? Is it physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually?

Our Lord is here to carry, support, and endure anything the world throws at us or takes out from under our feet. Are you worried a little today about anything? Let’s change it.

David reminds us in

Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.

Are you trying to do it on your own? So maybe its the impact of COVID, a position at work, dealing with family, a recent failure? Whatever it may be. Trust in the Lord. He is our sustainer.

Unspoken ~ You’ve Always Been

You’ve been my Savior, Sustainer when I’m at my end. My Healer, Redeemer, again and again, My Mother and my Father, Brother, Sister, and friend and everything I’ve needed Lord, You’ve always been everything I’ve needed Lord, You’ve always been

Spirit of Holiness

Today’s verse is found in the letter from Paul to the Romans. What an amazing letter that reveals the righteousness of God. If you haven’t read through Romans in its entirety lately I would recommend it this week. It not only talks about His righteousness but how God has revealed it to the world. It also tells us how the good news of the Lord should be revealed to the world. Guess who that involves? Yes, you and me. Chapters 12-16 provide directives for those who have responded to God’s righteousness and how we can demonstrate these directives in our daily walk.

Our focus today is on the Spirit of Holiness. Romans 1: 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

What I’ve reflected on while thinking of the Spirit of holiness is how wonderfully amazing that this Spirit that was living through Jesus has now been placed in us. As we pray daily to submit to God’s will it is the Spirit of holiness that helps guide us in our daily decisions in our own walks. This includes obedience to the will of God. Alone in this mission, we will miss the mark every time. But, when we call on the Holy Spirit the work of the Third Person in the Trinity is to make God’s holiness ours. A. W. Tozer wrote in Knowledge of the Holy that this Holiness is made available to us through the blood of the Lamb.

The Holy Spirit, being the Spirit of Christ, is the Spirit of holiness. Hebrews 12:14 says Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

It’s estimated we make 35,000 decisions a day. We need the spirit of holiness in every one of them. The Holy Spirit doesn’t work on us, He lives in us. Let’s look at 1 Peter as a reminder about our calling.

1 Peter 1:13 – 25 Called to be Holy

¹³Therefore, preparing your minds for action,^[b] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, ¹⁵but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, ¹⁶since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ¹⁷And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, ¹⁸knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ²⁰He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you ²¹who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave Him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.

²²Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, ²³since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; ²⁴for

“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers and the flower falls, ²⁵but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Let the Spirit fill you with this awesome song of praise by Upperroom!

Salvatio

Our daughter Gianna is now 2. As a newborn, I read that the only two fears infants have are loud noises and falling. At her young age, she has a fear of some bugs, large animals, heights by herself, and other things that her parents and older siblings have trained her to be afraid of. As an “adult” in my mid-40’s, the world’s fears have taken hold of me for many years. These fears can include what I say, do, or act in front of others with underlining insecurity. Fear can make you wonder if you have enough or hold a high enough position with the constant fear of failure. The Lord’s transformation of my life started around ten years ago, even though I can point to various points in my life where I know the Lord has always been by my side. Truth is he has never left you, I just never listened or opened my eyes. Until I was willing to surrender my selfish pride and surrender to a losing battle, I found my salvatio. (salvation) Merriam-Webster has a few definitions for salvation like 1. deliverance from the power and effects of sin, 2. preservation from destruction or failure, 3. liberation from ignorance or illusion. I feel like all three of these definitions fit me well at that time with some lingering effects. But thankfully, our debt has been paid in full, and we have hope in our Lord.

Today’s verses are a couple of my favorites.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

The world is sending a message always. In these dark times, we can always look to the light. As something or someone starts your anxiety level to rise, relax, turn to God our say in your head, “Whom shall I be afraid? ” As you begin to feel weak, and the physical or mental exhaustion kicks in. Remember where your strength truly comes from. Go ahead this morning, today, at lunch, dinner. Say it to a friend, a colleague, child, your spouse. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I be afraid? The Lord is the stronghold of life; of whom shall I be afraid? Repeat it if you need to. Say it as the pressures of the world enter into your day.

Remember Gianna, still semi-fearless besides what we as parents have instilled. No fear. She would jump from anything into your arms because they trust you. I would want my children, my wife, and myself to remember this verse as the world attempts to enter fear into our minds. Where are you today? Are you worried about something? School? Kids? Finances? Health? Our Lord is right there waiting to be the light, to be your strength. To be your salvation.

The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my Father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

Whom shall you be afraid? Sing praise today; salvation is yours.

King of Kings

Rock of My Salvation

Psalm 89:26 He will call out to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.’

Growing up in Upstate New York allowed me to enjoy rivers and streams of Alleghany State Park or the vast flowing waters of Niagra Falls to the greatness of Lake Ontario. I now enjoy taking my family to these places. In all these spaces I can clearly recall the rock that splits a stream, the rocks that the Niagra Falls crash down on that only deflect the rushing falls, or the rock that forces a wave straight up in the air like the image above. It’s where I picture our Lord.

We are currently occupying a unique space in time and history. Waves of fear seem to come from all angles leaving us with uncertainty at work, health, school, family to travel. The waves can hit so hard that it is hard to catch a breath. When gasping for breath at a time like now where do you reach? Reach for our Rock, our Savior. He is the one who won’t move. Unfortunately, the waves will continue to come. Some days you may get wet. During this pandemic, you may feel like a tsunami has hit you and your life. Luckily we have a Rock, A Savior, one who stands above any wave. Are you ready to dry off? Look for the Rock, your Savior, now.

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:6

Reaper

Good Morning Biblejournal family,

This may not be the name you first thought of when you think of the names for Jesus. Reaper. Yes, at first maybe you would think about the outfits that appear at our seasonal Halloween spaces when describing the grim reaper. The image today includes a sickle but in the sense of a heavenly harvest by our Lord.

Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” (Revelation 14:15)

One day Jesus will stand upon the clouds, angels will be present, and it will be a Great Harvest. Some may believe that this day may come sooner than later based on worldly implications and social media impact. I can only imagine Jesus standing above in the clouds with all His glory and brightness holding his hand out. According to Revelation 14, It will be a time of judgment that only our Lord will make. The question will be answered. Faithful or unfaithful? No standing lines where we wait and wonder if we have done enough. It’s a reminder its not about what we have done. (2 Timothy 1:9) It’s a matter of do we believe that Jesus was born, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again. He is seated next to God waiting once again for His call to say, It’s time. Go Harvest. Have we been faithful or not? Do you believe it? As Christians, we will not have to fear but have the joy of our eternal reward at this time.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come in condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:24)

Take time to read Revelation 14:14-19. The harvest of the earth. The first harvest will be one of the believers. The second harvest is considered the winepress of God’s wrath.

The time of harvest will come. (Jeremiah 51:33) (Matthew 13:37-43)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your many images that are a reminder of who you are. Thank you for your words that can transform our lives through faith in you. Lord we know one day you will return, please remind us of your harvest and of the love you have for us. Please help us to be obedient to your words and be ripe when your time comes.

Amen

Power

I truly can’t think of anything more meaningful, valuable, and true when I think of the power of Christ. As I reflect on my own life and the journey thus far, God has walked me through I can only see and tell of the testimonies of His power. As we read our daily bible journal posts you see the endless number of miracles of healing, providing, and transforming lives. This power is available to all who believe.

Today’s verse comes from Paul who has a testimony of his own to share God’s power. In 1 Corinthians 1, Paul is talking to the people of Corinth who had to make a decision to believe or not. Verse 18 says

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God….verse 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

We can read His word and remain foolish or stuck in our ways like many or we can choose to believe and share with others His power. Paul would say himself in Colossians 1:29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Questions to ponder today about His power.

How has it changed you? The stories if the Bible are full of examples of how Christ’s power changes people. That is why Paul says that it’s not about him, it is all Christ. Just like God called Paul, God is calling us if you believe. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Jesus had all the power, He knew it. How did Jesus use His power? John 13 says 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; Jesus served others. Our question to reflect and acknowledge is How do we use the power God has given to us? Are you using the power He has given you for His glory?

Christ works in all of us. He has the Power to Save Lives, Power to grant Wisdom, Power to change your short-term life on this Earth to an eternal Kingdom in His presence. That’s Power. Christ has given this power to all who believe. Use the power that lives n you!

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church