Author: David LaFrance

Expressions of God’s Anger & a prayer request

Today’s Reading: Revelations 15-17

Today we get the opportunity to read through some very intense, detailed reading that looks at the expression of God’s final anger.  I will admit that many of the descriptions and details were hard to imagine.  I lean back on the truth of God’s Word being the truth ad that when these days come if I’m still in this physical space, I want to be written in His book.

This anger described is in 7 bowls of wrath shared by seven angels.  These bowls included different wraths given around the following areas.

  1. Sores –  These were given to those who had the mark of the beast.
  2. Water – was turned to blood and all sea creatures died.
  3. Rivers and Springs-  of water were turned to blood.
  4. Sun –  people were burned by the heat.
  5. Throne of Beast – darkness
  6. The Euphrates – dries up, and the kings all come together for a battle. Frogs come from the mouth of dragons.
  7. Air – Lightning, thunder, earthquakes, and 100 lbs hail.

At the time of the seventh bowl, a loud voice came from the throne in the temple saying, “It is done!”

Going back to Revelation 13:16, the beast forced all the people, small and great, rich and poor, slave and free, to have the mark placed on their right hands or foreheads.  I had read a commentary saying these markings were put on their hands and foreheads based on actions and choices.

Chapter 17 talks about the great prostitute, beast, abominations, and impurities.  And while I struggled with all the meaning behind many of these stories, I landed on a few reminders.

They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with I’m recalled and chosen and faithful.”

As I read through these chapters, I was reminded of the importance of turning our life over to God.  Many had an opportunity to turn to God throughout these chapters, but they didn’t.  The infinite time we equally have consisted of 24 hours 7 days a week.  The most precious commodity we have is time.  The time we have with others gets shorter every day. I pray that we share in these days between Christmas and New Year with friends, family, and others who need to know of our Lord’s victory these days.  I ask for wisdom and prayers from all of you to share and influence my family in making this most important decision of their lives so they will continue to transform their own children’s lives.  Thank you.

Live your Life for Him

Today’s Reading: 1 Peter 4-5 & 2 Peter 1 

What’s your plan for the day? Maybe you are lying down reflecting on this day?  What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? Here are some powerful reminders and words of encouragement in these chapters. 

During this season of Joy, what lens are you looking through for this Christmas Season? What lifestyle are you choosing to live as we interact with others?

As humans, we are susceptible to the Holiday pressures of the world and to friends and family that may not believe in the birth of Jesus and the eternal life we have through believing in Him. This can create moments where we forget about our shepherd, who is always present.  Our daily lives present us with circumstances that can allow us to suffer. Perseverance through suffering is a common theme Paul has talked about, and we have heard through numerous testimonies from some of our Bible Journal writers.  Paul reminds us that we should always live for Christ in these sufferings we face yesterday, today, and tomorrow.  Jesus faced circumstances that caused suffering, and yet he stayed the course.  I believe that we can, too, when we put all our Trust and Hope in Him.  Paul encourages us to not fall to the pressure or desires our human body desires to ease the pain of suffering.  

1 Peter 4:1-2Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires but rather for the will of God.

Hebrews 12:2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

1 Peter 2:21-23 21 To this, you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.22 “He did not sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e] 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him, who judges justly.

There is pure joy in the season and many moments of our lives. There is also the suffering. Whether it is to train us to be obedient, produce patience, prevent pride, teach His ways, prepare us, or prove He is Who we believe God has a purpose for each day we live.  I know and believe God is doing these things in me every day.  I’m grateful for the joys and sufferings that He brings and will show me in the weeks leading up to the celebration of His Son. 

It’s not easy, I struggle, and I make mistakes.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to have His way with my daily life and for myself to be humbly, joyfully, and grateful in these moments. 

2 Peter 5:8  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

2 Peter 1:3 For this reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas – Have a great day! Be prepared for whatever comes trusting in His refining process for our lives.  

Finish 2021 Well

Today’s Reading 2 Timothy 3-4 & Titus 1 

Leadership, Instructions, and Fatherly Advice were the last few posts inspiring and encouraging to us all as we lead in our ways daily.  As we continue reading 2 Timothy and Titus, Paul shares his final charge to Timothy and his advice to Titus as he takes on many church responsibilities.  I’m sure Titus was taking notes, highlighting, and jotting down his notes as he read the letter from Paul. For Titus, following a fantastic leader can be very challenging.  Leaders can make many changes to put themselves at the forefront or improve and enhance upon previous successes while walking alongside those they lead.  In Paul’s instructions to Titus, I see Paul sharing advice and providing him with a plan.  

In any leadership position, having a plan is essential. Remember, we are all leaders because we all have influence.  Paul’s advice was not of his own, but that always of our Heavenly Father. 

  • Have a good character that church leaders should have
  • How to teach to various groups
  • How to conduct ourselves

Reading through the verses between Titus and 2 Timothy, I caught myself capturing the contrast between the last days Paul warns us about in 2 Timothy 3 and what will equip us on our journey to Heaven in Titus.

Without fault Selfish 
Not arrogant – or quick-tempered  Greedy 
Not drunkard  Conceited 
Not greedy for money  Irreligious 
Hospitable  Ungrateful 
Self-controllable  unkind/merciless 
Agree with doctrine  Love pleasure more than God 

 

2 Timothy 3 

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Titus 1 

6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe[b] and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

What way will I choose to live? What path will you choose to lead? Many will say that we are in some of the last days.  I know that only He knows that day.  All we can do is choose how to lead every day this side of Heaven. One of my favorite Spiritual Audit questions is,  “Who did I serve in the name of Jesus today?”  Have no regrets about how and who you lead today. 

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store 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 longed for his appearing.

Finish Well!

Journey with You.

Today’s Readings: Ephesians 2 -3 

We all have traveled a different journey in our walk with Christ.  My journey had brought me through a time where I would have said I was truly spiritually dead—a time in my life when I definitely followed the ways of the world.  Paraphrasing from verse 2:3, Paul called it gratifying the cravings of our flesh.  I’m thankful for this letter Paul writes to the church of Ephesus. I, too, deserved the wrath Paul talks about in Ephesians 2:4. The joy Paul reminds the church elders is that we are all made alive in Christ when we turn our lives over to Him. 

 I’m grateful for so many people that have poured into me along my journey and brought me to be true and closer to God. I pray to share the same encouragement and dedication to others along their journey. Each day I read our Bible Journal posts and am inspired by the stories and reflections of how each chapter of the Bible has an impact o our lives.  

This journey is ongoing and can take different paths. I can hit potholes of worldly desires and selfish actions that humble my heart and mind in the daily walk.  Still, God’s grace captures me right where I’m at and draws me in.   

I leave you with Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians in Chapter 3:14-21. 

Dear Lord, 

 I pray that out of Your glorious riches, You may strengthen us with power through Your Spirit in your inner being so that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. And I pray that we, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

http://https://youtu.be/ZYkZE8AogDE

Gift of Love

Today’s Readings: 1 Corinthians 12 & 13

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers, and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.

We have had some fantastic posts on spiritual gifts & love. Through the years, I have been very blessed to read the words and thoughts other bible journal writers have shared in their insights on these God-breathed chapters. Here are a few that you can go back to and read again for some additional blessings today. Comparison and Gifts & Discerning Faith.

As I reflected on this topic, I want to share the reminder we are all gifted. We can have absolute joy, without hesitation,  knowing our God, who has blessed us in infinite ways, provides spiritual gifts to us every day. Share that gift of You today!

How should I do this? Glad you asked:)

1 Corinthians 13 The Way of Love

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I’m reminded, refreshed, and reassured that every choice throughout my day will flow in love? Can I step aside from my selfish desires, pick up my eyes from what the earthly world wants me to focus on, and love the person in front of me. Love is the most important thing that we have. When what we think, say, and do comes out of love. Our spiritual gifts will shine.

Check out some of our previous posts on Love. Binding Agent & Love.

Dear Father,

You are love, and you have placed this in our hearts.  In the moments where I fear, worry, or hesitate to share your love, give me strength. We need to never question or wonder if our gift will make a difference because you desire us to simply share love with others. Help us do that today with ourselves, family, friends, and strangers. You have blessed us with this day.  Amen

http://https://youtu.be/fkYL1b7MCEw

Measure of Stature

This last week, I read day thirty-three of our On Purpose study, and the phrase “measure of stature” from Ephesians 4:12-16 was unpacked. It made me go to my basement, where we have our three children’s marks on the wall to measure their height the last few years.  It is truly a blessing and excellent to see your kids grow in front of your eyes. (Always way too fast.)  

Ephesians 4:12to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

The connection between Day 33 and our reading for today in Romans 5-7 is that Paul reminds us how we are saved from our sinful nature. Paul goes on to remind us of how we should live once we have been saved. Now for me, that divine transaction occurred back in May of 2014.  The physical showing of surrendering my will for His.  I wish I could say that from that point forward, I was submitting to Him daily. I have had mountain top experiences and many valleys.  The reminder for me in today’s readings is that this transformation does not equal perfection.  Our transformation is a lifelong process until He decides the day He will bring me to my eternal home.  

 I had a recent conversation with a colleague about our physical life: she recently went to the Dr where they said she had a heart problem.  We talked about the shortness of life and God’s timing/purpose for everything. While this conversation was sad, it helped me remember the importance of how we live every day. 

I know and understand that more important than their physical growth is their spiritual growth. For myself, I know that my spiritual growth will have an impact on others as well. Paul embarks on an excellent discussion of the doctrine of salvation by grace through the work of Jesus. 

Romans 5:10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

It is exciting to see my kids when they stand against that wall.  Making a mark and showing them where they were and where they are today is incredible. How much more awesome will it be as we grow daily closer to God?   What if I stood against that wall and measured my spiritual growth? Where would I be? Have I grown? Like I tell my children what it takes to grow physically, do I equally or more stress the importance of consuming what it takes to grow spiritually? 

I know my recent measures are not where they need to be. Where would a measure look like for you today?  I can make excuses about things that can get in the way, or I can grow closer to Him each day. 

Romas 6: 1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

Mars Hill

Athens was a city that was spiritually lost.  As I read about the city of Athens and the Athenian council called Areopagus, I read how, at this time that Paul was on a second missionary journey where there were around 10,000 people.  The hard part to believe was there were twice as many idols as there were people.

16 While Paul was waiting in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. (Acts 17:16-18)

Paul is amazing.  He is brave. He saw the situation he was surrounded by and took action.  Paul inspires me to want to draw closer to God.  In our world that have idols surrounding us always.  I’m convicted and repent for the times I take my eyes off God and focus on the idols of the world.

The Lord was able to show Saul what a genuine relationship is with the only true God we have.  Paul did not hold back the truth.  There are moments when we need this ourselves.  Often we need, even though it is not always warm and fuzzy, to have accountability partners.  After Saul, who was living life for himself, became Paul, who then lived his life for Christ, he understood God’s purpose for his life.

Eternal life will not be measured by the length of time; the quality will measure it. Paul saw a need and said something. I’m sure there were mixed reviews.  Some kept following idols.  Some found eternal life that day.

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25)

I pray that we will all draw closer to the Lord this week.  That we will grow in our love and knowledge of Him so that when we are standing on the hill, we can share the gift of eternal life.  We can set aside the idols of the world and look to the one who is standing by our side always.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

23 This is what the Lord says: ”

Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
24 but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

Live eternally today.

http://https://youtu.be/8M_bJM7F6y8

 

You are not Alone

This past weekend I was able to attend a funeral for the mother of my youngest sister Dakota.  This celebration of life for Sue was in the hills of Avoca, New York, near the same place where my father, Ronald LaFrance, was buried many years ago. At the service, the pastor referenced Psalm 89 that reminds us how short our lives are.  He also connected Psalm 23 and the comfort we can find in the loss of a loved one.  In the less than 48 hours I had with family, we literally and figuratively experienced mountaintop and valley moments.  Conversations included physical and spiritual loss.  On the other side of these conversations, we experienced moments of hope and trust in the hope in the Lord. Special prayers for the family of Sue Johndro.

Today’s Reading of Acts 1 and 2 made me think of these conversations in addition to the On Purpose study we are focusing on at Eastview Christian Church. The Apostle Luke writes the book of Acts.

Acts 1:1-2 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

I was once asked what my ministry was? I’ve reflected on this question often.  The conclusion I come back to is to finish the work God has called us to.  The book of Acts reminds us that Jesus began this work, and through giving us the Holy Spirit, we get to finish it.  Sharing the hope we have in the Lord is living On Purpose.  Jesus has given us everything we need to do this.

These connections the Holy Spirit helped me to see this last weekend pointed back to the following;

  • Evaluate my time. How am I spending it? 1 Peter 1:17
  • The time we have is short. Psalm 89:47
  • Maximize the use of our time.  Ephesians 5:15-16
  • We don’t know when He is coming back. Luke 13:32

Live life On Purpose every day. Finish what the Lord began. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide our days. Our life testimonies share what we have seen, heard, and felt. Go to the ends of the earth and share today. 1 John 1:1

Thank you to my family and brother in Christ Chet who made this visit possible!

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

Click here to start or continue your journey on purpose.

Psalm 23  – People & Songs

Buckets or Fountains

Today’s Reading: John 7

John 7 is another glorious invitation that Jesus provides to the people. There was probably not a single day that went by where Jesus didn’t invite people to salvation, forgiveness, and eternal life.  If you go back to John 4, He invites the woman at the well.   “ The water that I give you is eternal or living water. Drink of this water, and you will never thirst again.”  Chapter 6 Lynden talked about the “bread of life.” 

As I read about the importance of small things from Lynden yesterday, I love how he highlighted the importance of bread.  Today we are going to talk about the simplicity and necessity of water.   Did you know that over 60% of your body is water?  That over 70% of your brain and heart is made up of water.  As adults, it is recommended that we drink 2.7 – 3.7 liters of water daily.  How much are you drinking? 

 

John 7: 37-39 reads, “Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out saying, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the Scripture said, from his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’  

Are you thirsty? Have you ever been dehydrated? Research shows how madness can set in when you have not had water after some time.  I connect this with not having Jesus in our lives as not having water.  Think of where you might be?

Three verbs stick out in this invite.  When you think about evangelism, it makes sense.  

  • Thirst – Recognizing your condition.  Realizing that you are apart from God, you will always want something to drink. 
  • Come – trust in Him, abandon sin and turn towards God. 
  • Drink – live with Him each day. Surrender daily. 

The last awesome part that convicts me in this scripture is the last line that reminds us that from our innermost being will flow rivers of living water. 

This is where my picture connects.  There are many days that I’m just like the bucket taking it all in and just sitting there—just getting my fill.  Jesus wants us to be a river sharing the living water with others just like He did every day.  

Who will you share with the Living Water with today? 

Have a blessed day!

 

Pride vs Humility

Pride. I can sometimes have a problem with pride. My pride can get in the way in many/all areas of my life. For example, my kids are not doing what I exactly want them to do and how I want to do it. Another one could be a conversation with my beautiful bride doesn’t go how I imagined it and according to all my standards.  At work, when something doesn’t go the way I had planned it. Or a response by a group of people that wasn’t the same kind of response I wouldn’t have had can leave me close-minded. All these situations can make my blood rises, my temper gets shorter, and words or actions come after faster than I wish. 

My pride can get in the way, and this predominant force can lead to sin. 

Anger, rudeness, shortness, yelling sarcasm can all fall into this category. Do you have any pride issues? In today’s reading of Luke 17, three verses focus on humility. Jesus is talking to the Pharisees and His disciples. Pride can impact us all! 

“Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that make people fall into sin are bound to happen, but how terrible for the one who makes them happen!”

  1. Refrain from offending others. Verse 1

“So watch what you do! “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.”

2. Be ready to forgive. 

 

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Make our faith greater.”

3. Recognize your weaknesses. 

Jesus calls for total humiliation. Here are a couple of additional verses that can increase our faith. Help me with complete surrender—humble my prideful self. 

“Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised!” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

“He has no use for conceited people but shows favor to those who are humble.”‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3:34‬ ‭

“In the same way, you younger people must submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

“But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

“No, the Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.” ‭‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭

Proverbs 6 is very clear. 

“There are six or seven kinds of people the Lord doesn’t like: Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder,” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭6:16-17‬ 

Father, thank you for Your truth. I have a problem, and my only answer is total surrender to you. Search my heart and help me to humble myself to my selfish desires. Amen