Author: David LaFrance

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.

Acts 17 shares the places Paul visited in Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens. In each of these places he was faced with opposition when preached, reasoned, or attempted to prove why people should follow Jesus.

In each of these places, some would go on to believe for themselves, leading to an eternity of praising the Lord. Verses 4, 11, and 35 use words like “pursued and followed Paul & Silas,” “received the message with great eagerness and examined the scriptures every day,” and “some people became followers.” 

In opposition, others looked away and wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Verses 5, 8, 18, and 32 all share the testimony of those who wanted to follow their own gods.  These verses use words like “jealous, were thrown into turmoil,  debate with him, and saying, What is this babbler trying to say?” Some of them sneered.

Just like then, we can see and hear this today. Each day, we have an opportunity to be like Paul and share what we believe. We can do this even in the face of opposition.  In a world of idols and false gods, we can share the Good News of the one true God that offers us an eternity.  Today, let’s profess verses 24-28 to others.

24 “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples, 25 and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. 26 From one man[f] he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.

27 “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your[g] own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Continue to find the Lord daily.  Help others know Him and share how He is always in our presence when we believe.

Have a blessed day!

 

 

I remember the nights when we would watch the variety of home shows that you can find on TV.  These shows range from exotic places, families relocating, renovations, or shows that listed houses way more than I could ever imagine.  These shows would get my imagination going about what it could look like if we were ever to move.  It also makes me ponder my skill set in having to build my own house and the processes involved.

As I read Acts 7:48-50 I questioned my house building skills I have made for the Lord.

48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: 49 “‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50 Has not my hand made all these things?’

The phrase “What kind of house will you build for me?” from Isaiah 66 and Acts 7, suggests that you are building a house for the Lord by the life we are living now. A life that reflects His character and values, rather than the houses we dream about or watch on shows.

Instead of focusing on material possessions or earthly achievements, the “house” you build for the Lord is my character, actions, and relationships.

What kind of house are you building? 

Make sure to build according to code ( the Bible) and your foundation is built on our Lord.

Today’s Reading of Psalm 9 will hopefully provide you with a moment of reflection, a reminder of the true meaning of trust, a place of refuge, and, finally, a reason for joy to take with you now and always.

Let’s start with reflection: When and how have you experienced a scary moment or feeling of uncertainty? We have all been there. It might have been growing up and dealing with divorce or the loss of a loved one. These moments can also involve a career decision or medical procedure not in your favor.

Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

Reflecting on these worldly moments can cause stress, worry, and uncertainty. It’s a human response to living in this world.

Let’s discuss trust. A quick definition of trust is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. In all your time, you spent on reflection moments. We can sit here now with some peace based on our trust in Him. And realize that our moments of worry, pain, and stress come from our lack of trust.

Proverbs 3:5–6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Psalm 56:3–5: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You”

Refuge – shelter or protection from danger, trouble, etc. Where did you first go when living in the world? Where do you go now? Do you need refuge today? I think of some families and friends that have lost loved ones recently. A person who lost a job, a relationship that didn’t work, or an addiction you thought you had beaten.

Psalm 62:8: Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart to him; for God is our refuge.

Lastly, I’ll share the Joy you can only have when you finally let go of it all and put all your trust in Him.  It’s not easy when we live in a world that most times doesn’t.  I’m grateful for this BibleJournal community that focuses on His love and His Word that promises a refuge and joy that will rise above any obstacle this world has to offer.