Author: David LaFrance

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 

13 Therefore, 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. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And 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, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who 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.

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

“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers and the flower falls, 25 but 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

 

One Greater Than

The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

I love reading the daily verses and learning more about God’s living words.  They are truly a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path.  (Psalm 119:105) Today’s verses look at Jesus talking to the Pharisees and religious leaders who are still wanting to see a sign. The Pharisees and religious leaders said they wouldn’t believe until they saw a sign. (Really, Jesus had performed many signs throughout His time already)-you have to have eyes to see, and ears to hear. (Look at Jeremiah 5:21, Matthew 13:15, Ezekiel 12:2, Isaiah 6:10, Acts 28:27).

Jesus explains in His storybook parable fashion to the leaders that someone greater than Jonah and someone greater than Solomon is here.  It’s Him! Still, just hearing it wasn’t enough. Think back to the words spoken by someone who led you too knowing Jesus. Are we ever still asking for a sign?  The New Life Version of Hebrews 11:1 says Now faith is being sure we will get what we hope for. It is being sure of what we cannot see.  Jesus gives us signs all the time.  We just need to believe.  The journey we are on with Jesus are packed full of glorious days.  Most days I can miss these moments because my prideful self can get in the way.  Yes, there will be trials and temptations that will happen along the way, but we have our Lord on our side.  Our journey needs to be lived with eyes open and ears ready to hear without always needing a sign.  Our days are engineered by a perfect God that has His next perfect plan ready for you today when you let go of our grip on life and trust in Him.  It’s scary at times, hard to comprehend, and goes against many worldly ways that we are surrounded by daily.  There are no other things Greater than Jesus!

Is anything holding you back today from sharing the greatest part of your life? Your testimony is living proof of Jesus. He is our constant companion and He has already done enough by dying on the cross for your sins and mine.  We have all fallen short but Jesus was willing to sacrifice himself to pay for all our sins. The more we meditate on His words we see all the promises Jesus kept and has in store for us when we believe.

He is Greater than the pain you are going through today.  He is Greater than any virus.  Nothing compares to the One who is Greater than it all.  Jesus!

Dear Heavenly Father,

God, there is nothing in this life greater than you.  Help me never forget this. You hold this world and everything in it in your hands.  You hold our lives.  Let us not take your loving greatness for granted. Help us to always have open ears and eyes and present to us today an opportunity to tell of your greatness.  Amen

Romans 8:28-29 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

 

Merciful

What does mercy look like to you? For each of us, this will look a little different, yet still, have the same result. (Amen!)  As believers, we’ve heard the words mercy and grace many times. We have been the recipient of this mercy more times than we ever deserve. I’m so grateful for every mercy that has been given and is to come. There are over 50 plus verses that talk about merciful or mercy. These were wonderful reminders about His love for us.  Our merciful verse for today is:

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

When you break down this verse you get an opportunity to read, reflect, and see God’s merciful self. God decided to send His son, Jesus, to be our example of merciful to anyone He met. Read about the mercies Jesus showed to everyone in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Amazing! This same mercy He showed then is given to us now. He paid the ultimate price, for our sins. He showed us why He is called Merciful.

God’s mercy is abundant.  There is enough for you, me, and everyone.

1 Peter 1:3 says Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Our Merciful Father gives you hope today. No matter where you are at, what you are going through, or how bad you have messed up. Our Lord’s mercy will cover you.

How has the Lord been merciful to you? Give Him thanks, praise Him, let others know about His loving mercy that is available to them. This mercy will provide you and them with the hope we all need right now.

keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Jude 1:21

Lover

What was the first bible verse you memorized? For me, it wasn’t the shortest verse Jesus wept. (John 11:35) This verse was later in life. I remember Sunday school where I was so proud to learn my first verse. It was our verse today we will use to focus on the attribute of God as a lover.

 For God so loved the world that He gave his only son, that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

God is love. He created us; He gives us everything, Our Lord has a place already waiting for us on a day and time He already knows. God was a lover of us when deciding to create us in His image. He is a lover of us, even in our sinful state.  So much love that He sent His own Son to come to Earth to live His perfect life, then for the sins of the world He was sacrificed for us. Only someone who loves us. 

Look back at the ways Lynden talked about the Love that drives out fear. There is much anxiety around the many events that are going on around the world. Love can drive out that fear. Life is not easy right now, and the enemy whispers lies that can easily distract us from the truth. Hold fast! We have a God who loves us. In times like this, we need to fix our eyes on the cross. Jesus gave his life so we can live eternally with Him. Jesus is a lover of all human races, and his love for us all is evident on the cross. This love is indescribable, unshakable, immeasurable, and available to us all. 

 

I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Dear God,

You provide everything we need. We need your help. You know our pain, you know the fears, and you hold them in your hand.  Lord, you provide the help we need and you cancel all fears when we put our trust in You.  We love you and desire to know you more.  We believe that you are love! Amen

 

Leader

Leader 

 

The central question is, “Are the leaders of the future truly men and women of God, people with an ardent desire to dwell in God’s presence, to listen to God’s voice, to listen to God’s beauty, to touch God’s incarnate Word, and to taste fully God’s infinite goodness” (Nouwen, H. 2001) 

 

What kind of leader are you? Has your leadership style changed during our pandemic? Where are the areas you are leading right now? I believe we all lead to some capacity and have a direct impact on others. We lead in things we say and do while also in times when we don’t say something or do nothing. Who are some of the leaders you are looking up to now? I ask all these questions to get your brain thinking about leadership and how Jesus is leading you today? 

Isaiah 55:4 says “Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader, and commander to the peoples.”

I’ve been grateful to attend many leadership conferences and have many opportunities to lead in my professional career. In my home with family, friends, and in my neighborhood with friends and neighbors we equally have unlimited leadership opportunities. I must say there are many times where I realize how I could have been a better leader. Then I try to sit back and literally try to think, Do I/we model our leadership after the Lord? Jesus was loving, all the time. Not too surface-level, straight to the heart. If I were to just look at this leadership attribute I can reflect on days past and ask how can I lead more like Him? 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.—Psalm 32:8

How are you doing?  We all lead. Take time today to think of how Jesus led. Where was His heart? What were His actions? None of us will do it perfectly as He did.  Still, we have hope, we have the example provided through His living word. Each week our family has seen Galatians 5:22-23 come up as a memory verse on “Kids church”. Jennifer and the kids will bust out in the Fruits of the Spirit song. What if we as leaders no matter who we lead modeled these attributes. Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Leaders have an impact, they influence others in what they say, things they do, and how you treat them. As leaders, we influence our homes, workplace, and neighborhoods. Today, you will lead others. Today you will have the opportunity to lead as Jesus did. I pray for your leadership.  Is it a family member that is struggling? Are some medical results not so favorable? Is someone struggling financially? Does someone not know about our Eternal Father.  The One who has taken away all our sins and offers us all the free gift of Eternal Life. 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.—Isaiah 41:10

Dear Father, 

Leading is not easy left to ourselves.  Help us to have the trust and faith to point everything back to you and your divine plans.  When we are seeking answers, let us rest in Your peace that you have a perfect plan.  Help us not to lean on our own understanding but humble ourselves and listen for you.  We love you, Lord, you have given us a mission field to lead.   We pray for wisdom and continued guidance and growth to draw closer to you Lord as men and women of our Heavenly Father.  We love you.  Amen