Author: David LaFrance

May God be gracious to us, and bless us, and make His face shine upon us, that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving power among all nations.

Maybe today all you need to do is read these verses a couple of times. Perhaps it’s a prayer over your day, the circumstance you’re facing, or medical news that has impacted you or your family.

God’s grace can cover anything you are going through or past experiences that still race through your mind, settling down in your hearts.  To pray for a blessing holds no boundaries in the way God can bless you.  Being “Blessed” for me can include mountain top and valley experiences as long as you believe and trust it all comes from Him.  In these moments, knowing His ways are higher than our own will help you receive any blessing, no matter the size.

As I was writing this morning, I sat on our back deck with once again beautiful weather.  The sun is currently shining down, providing warmth and comfort as I listen to the sounds of nature. My body can feel HIs blessing.

You already know the perfect song for this!

Have you ever had the feeling of “homesickness“? Maybe it’s an extended vacation that lasted too many days, a stay at a relative’s or friend’s house that seemed to last too long, a hotel stay that was longer than expected, or a temporary living situation. These moments can make you long for a place where you can be independent, carefree, and close to the things that help you to feel comfortable.

Psalm 61 shares David crying out to God when he is feeling far from home. Honestly, in my head and heart, it’s amazing to think of our earthly home and how temporary it really is. Yes, there is a value, but Heaven is priceless compared to anything here.

I can say no matter where I am physically, I long for a Heavenly home. The place where we will be one day, together with joy, praise, and a perfect love that we long for on Earth, while feeling homesick.

Feeling a little homesick? Read Psalm 61

Heavenly Father,

We ask You to help us feel the comfort we long for while in our temporary home. You are our protector and refuge who keeps us safe throughout. The feeling of “homesickness” for Heaven reflects our innate longing for our true home with God. Help us believe in our unbelief.

Our belief in Heaven positively affects the way we live every day. 

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer!
2 In despair and far from home
I call to you!

Take me to a safe refuge,
3 for you are my protector,
my strong defense against my enemies.

Today’s Reading: Psalm 56

Today’s Psalm, written by David, can be read in a short time.  Honestly, I feel I should work on mesmerizing as I get Ready for Today.  Psalm 56 shares the truth and love we should remember as we face our worldly lives.   Sadly, there is an enemy that will look for ways to attack us every day in any way possible.  ( Satan used an apple, even.)

These attacks will vary based on our daily walks, but know they can and will hurt in some way.  Yet, David says that as our inevitable attacks come, we have a way to minimize the pain and grow in our faith.  Here were a few simple reminders.

• Call on the Lord – He is always there waiting, listening, and ready for our conversation with Him.
• Trust in Him – He made an eternal promise to all of us.  He will follow through.  Our temporary pain from an attack can quickly switch to glory with our eternal perspective and trust in the plans He has for us.
• Praise Him – for keeping us from continuing to fall.  Yes, we are broken in a broken world, but we have a Lord who conquered it all and already has delivered us from death, giving us eternal life beyond what we can ever imagine on this Earth.  Praise Him and walk in light instead of darkness today.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for Your Words that can bring light to any dark space that attempts to attack us daily.  You are the source of all joy and our protector and defender every second of our days on Earth.  Let us not fall to pride and selfishness and think we can do any of it on our own.  Amen

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
⁴ In God, whose word I praise—
in God I trust and am not afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?

13 For you have delivered me from death
and my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before God
in the light of life.

 

 

 

“Tell me this one thing: did you receive God’s Spirit by doing what the Law requires or by hearing the gospel and believing it? How can you be so foolish! You began by God’s Spirit; do you now want to finish by your own power?”

‭‭Today’s Reading: Galatians‬ ‭3‬

Have you ever thought if you did enough, read enough, wrote enough, prayed enough or did enough good deeds it would be… enough? Guess what…it’s really not. I could say I was being foolish, have been foolish, and still now can suffer from foolishness. I don’t want to think I can finish this race by any means on my own. When I even have a hint of self reliance of anything in this earthly world I’m wrong.  

Paul reminds us that just as we were saved by Christ, we need to grow by Christ.  We grow in our relationship with Him and not by just focusing on the rules.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Your Word that reminds us about our relationship with You. Our time on Earth needs a Heavenly reminder daily about what is important in life.  Romans 10 reminds us,  

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 

Amen 

 

In the midst of our move this last month I fell like I have lost track of time.  There always seems to be one more box to unpack and determine its place or project that needs to be figured out or put together. (multiple reflections just in that sentence for me)

In this time, I can feel the pull of the world keeping me from focusing on whats really most important, Him and my relationship and how this is modeled in my life.  The many directions I’ve been going caused me to miss my last BibleJournal which has caused me time to pause and think about what really needs to be my main focus and focus for our family.  My focus has been trying to sell the move to our family, friends, and new connections trying to make everything perfect in this transition time. ( I was failing, distracted, and losing sight of the One who decides all things.  My worries were impacting my emotions and impact on others.

As I read 2 Corinthians 3 & 13 which were my last journal entry and today I can hear Paul talking to me and the people of Corinth.  He used strong words to correct and teach.  I can relate as I could feel that Holy Spirit presence talking to me helping me to stop being so caught up on everything else.  Paul was letting them know as well as us what our true focus should be no matter our circumstances or season of life.  Instead of trying to push my authority on things or circumstances I need to remember and trust in the One who has authority over it all.  Hello – David – You should be an example of His light to our family, friends, and all my new co-workers. 

2 Corinthians 3:14-18

¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. ¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. ¹⁸ And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

No move, job transition, life transition – should impact my heart.  The veil which masked my true faith in Him should always be uncovered. This transition will become an opportunity to lean more on Him and less on me providing a transformation closer to Him (Our family needs your prayers here). 

2 Corinthians 13:5-11

⁵ Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? ⁶ And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. ⁷ Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. ⁸ For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. ⁹ We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. ¹⁰ This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Final Greetings

¹¹ Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

 

Today’s Reading: Psalm 34 

After reading Psalm 34 and reflecting on the words from David I kept thinking about the fear I’m currently walking with and past fears.  What fears are you currently wrestling with?

This last week I have beeen part of moving my family and career to a new location which brings much excitement but also many fears.  I’ve noticed the more I distance my self from the truth and letting myself get caught up in the “what if’s” I ended up having much fear about things like failure.

Psalm 34 reminds me who is in charge of every aspect of my life. The One who goes before me and the One who is with me throughout.  My prayers are always to remember this truth.  To Seek Him and Submit myself to His Ways and direction He guides myself and my family throughout this time that carries many “what ifs”. I pray our Bible Journal friends will pray that for myself and our family as we find a new church family and as my children meet new friends.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.

Come, my children, listen to me;
    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Lord – help us to always seek You in the midst of all we have going on.  Lord help us to listen to understand and be obedient to Your word. Lord help us to know in the midst of any troubles You are near and have a purpose for all things.  Help us to not fear but trust in ALL plans You have for us.  Amen

 

Today’s Reading is 1 Corinthians 7.  When reading and reflecting on these words from Paul there will be a part for everyone no matter where you at in your relationship journey.  For myself my wife Jennifer and I will be celebrating our 16th wedding anniversary which includes many situations of hills and valleys.

Thankfully in all these moments I can see God at work and also recognize the times where He was present and I was the one absent in my obedience.

We are in the middle of a big move for our family.  New place, new community, new everything.  The moments of excitement seem to have disappeared as we say goodbye to friends and things that make you feel comfortable and content.   In these high stress times hearing His Words are a reminder how I should be treating Jennifer always.

Stay faithful – the world is full of temptations and our devices we carry allow these temptations to be present 24/7.   In her presence or not am I “giving” to her?

Devote yourself to prayer – our physical world makes us believe we can do all things ourselves.  We don’t need help. The truth is we all need help.  Do I seek my help from the One who does provide all the TRUE answers.  God.  Pray, pray, pray.  Every decision we make can be lifted when we look to Him.

However many years the Lord gives us do I devote them to prayer? I can be vulnerable in saying this has been a shortcoming which I need to do better with.

Lastly, live as we are called.  Like I started, no matter where you are at with a relationship – are you leading a life that is obedient to our Lord .  Are you keeping His commandments?  If not – confess, pray to Him and ask for forgiveness, and turn away from the sins that can seek you daily.  Stay faithful, the Lord is near to Him that call on Him.

Happy Anniversary Jennifer.

Blessings to everyone!

Today’s Reading: Psalm 30 

David’s Psalm is a song of praise about joy coming after sorrow. I’m sure we can all think of times when Jesus lifted us out of a situation or circumstance that, at the moment, seemed to knock us down. There are so many that come to mind. If I choose to, I can think of a few things going on right now that without God, I would be floundering and trying to handle daily circumstances on my own, with guaranteed not good results (moving, marriage, parenting, time with God, job 1, job 2, looking for job 3 for family, did I say parenting, being a brother, husband, son, role model).  

Thankfully, spending intentional time daily leaning into the Lord and trusting in Him changes my perception, attitude, and, ultimately, my experience with every circumstance.  

God Rescues from Trouble (vv. 1–3)

“I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths…”

David recalls how God delivered him from a dire situation—possibly illness or near death—and restored him. The image is of being pulled up from Sheol (the grave), a metaphor for being rescued from death or despair.

God’s Anger Is Temporary, His Favor Is Lasting (v. 5)

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”

This famous verse emphasizes God’s mercy. His anger (often disciplinary in the Old Testament context) is brief, while His favor and love endure. Suffering is real but temporary—joy returns.

The Danger of Self-Reliance (vv. 6–7)

“When I felt secure, I said, ‘I will never be shaken.'”

David admits he grew complacent in times of prosperity, forgetting that his stability came from God. When that favor seemed withdrawn, he was quickly shaken, revealing his dependence on God’s grace.

Transformation of Mourning into Joy (vv. 11–12)

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”

The Psalm ends with a vivid image of transformation: despair becomes joy, sorrow turns into dancing. David commits to praising God forever.

So today, lean in, listen, and trust in what God has planned. Joy and hope are central to the life of faith

Today’s Reading: Romans 11

I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!

Sometimes, you feel God is not present, listening, or possibly punishing you for some sin.  The evil one is always around, taking any insecurities and trying to find ways to make you question every aspect of your life.   The question of God keeping His promises is a question of divine integrity and belief that we all need.  Thankfully, God will always keep His Word.

Titus 1:2 God is God who cannot lie.

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

 

In verse 2. “God hath not cast away His people whom He foreknew.”

“Foreknew”  basically means a predetermination to love. He knew the Israelites, and He knows us. We know He loves us. He even died for us.

Dear Lord,

It is so awesome to know that You are a God who keeps Your promise. It is an amazing confidence I can live with knowing I can trust You in all my life and future.  Lord, help us believe in our hearts always and obey. We trust You with our time on this Earth and the lives we live.  Our whole life can be predicated on You being trustworthy and a God who keeps His Word.   Amen

 

Today’s Reading is Romans 1

Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome is a thorough and clear presentation of the Gospel, or “good news,” about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Some have said it can be considered his Magnum Opus.

Where I pause to reflect on this chapter is verses 16 & 17.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last,[e] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

My prayer is to be more obedient in my sharing of the “good news”. Where my faith wavers because of insecurities of the testimony I share, my prideful step needs to step aside. It’s not about me… it is about HIM. Paul, a servant of Christ, made a lasting impact on those who came into contact with him and through his letters. This message is the “good news” to those who believe. ( John 3:16)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.

Verse 17 says that in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. The biblical truth is that the righteous will live by faith. (Hebrews 10:38) helps me live in confidence and a stronger conviction to share the “Good News” without any reservations.

38 For the one right with God lives by faith. If anyone turns back, I will not be pleased with him.”

Salvation only comes by faith, and in itself is a gift from God. Believers are free from the past penalty of sin, the present power of sin, and the future sins we will fall short of.

Lord, let not the presence of Easter be our time where we share our faith only. Help us to draw closer to You daily, growing us in our faith. Let our human self not get in the way of sharing like Paul.