David LaFrance

United In Christ

Good Morning, today’s Bible Journal post is by my friend and brother in Christ Jeremey Helmer. Praise! 1 Corinthians 3

As I read through the first few chapters of 1 Corinthians, especially Chapter 3, I can’t help but be reminded of the spiritual journey my wife and I have been on to find a church home since we wed ten years ago. I grew up Catholic while she spent her childhood in Baptist and evangelical churches, so we began our journey miles apart from a theological and liturgical perspective. I think we’ve regularly attended somewhere around ten churches in the ten years we’ve been married. Now, some of the changes were due to relocating from city to city. However, others were admittedly due to the fact that we just couldn’t find a pastor or church that (insert subtle sarcasm) represented a perfect blend of our Catholic/Baptist backgrounds.
Or, to put it another way, since we were both walking away from the faith traditions of our childhoods, we wanted to be sure we found a pastor that was undeniably “right” in both our minds.

Fortunately, through the frustrations of this journey, I’m thankful we’ve returned to Christ as the foundation of our walk together. And now, hopefully we’ve come to a minimal level of spiritual maturity to see the how what we’ve been searching for has been here all along. So with this context in mind, Paul’s opening of Corinthians speaks volumes about spiritual maturity and the roles of the church and its leaders.

The chapter begins with Paul essentially saying, “Look, the fact that there’s division among you regarding which pastor you choose to follow is demonstration that you’re still spiritual infants.” Basically, Paul pointed out that the envy and strife among them should have been evidence that they were completely missing the point. Neither camp was going anywhere fast because they had taken their eye of Jesus as the foundation of their faith. So for Andrea and I, the more we clung to our theological background and held on to our own right-ness, the more prone we were to take our focus off the person of Jesus Christ.

Paul then goes on to explain “Apollos and I are just servants. Don’t boast or brag that you follow either of us. And, even worse, if you can put together a 43-point narrative about why I’m right and Apollos is wrong, you’re even further from the truth.” Several times this past week, I saw a post pop up from a pastor at a small church calling out and refuting some remarks made by Franklin Graham. I won’t go into details on the post, but I was struck by some of the conversations and remarks between sympathizers of the small-town church pastor and fans of Franklin Graham. Each side was firmly entrenched, supporting the leader of their cause to the detriment of their brotherhood and sisterhood. At one point, I too, caught myself thinking “yeah, this guy is completely right, and anyone that supports the other guy just doesn’t have a clue.” It’s so easy to fall into that trap. But then I wondered, “where and how does the reconciliation begin? How could these two sides ever come together to form a body of Christ that would be a beacon of light to the world?”

I could be wrong, but I have to think the communal reconciliation begins the same way that Andrea and I have reconciled our differences through the years – returning to Christ as the foundation, and laying down our entrenched “wisdom.”

Christ Alone ~ Hillsong

No longer slaves indeed!

Today’s Reading: Romans 6

Good Morning,

Today we have one of our regular guest writers over the last couple years Kris Walker. Prayers for all of us as we continue this awesome journey together. No longer be slaves to fear and enjoy these words to a song that we will live fearless as a child of God!

As we look in Romans, I once again find myself gravitating towards music. I can’t help it. It’s how I’m wired.

“I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God”.

Romans 6:11-14
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

I feel like the song leaves out some important thoughts! I love how verse 13 says you have to offer yourself to God for this to happen! We have to make that conscious effort!

I also like how there is still accountability. There are some people that would say, “well, I’m saved now, I’m a child of God. Why strive to do better? Why push to serve with righteousness?”

Romans 6:15-18
15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!16 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.

I feel this is so important, because we cannot abuse our grace we are given. We are no longer slaves to sin, but we have to make ourselves be slaves to righteousness! So, we still are slaves… but we are VOLUNTEERING ourselves! We have to! It’s how we should serve!

The biggest take away from this?? Obviously is the reward for being a slave to righteousness.

Romans: 6:22-23
22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is my hope, OUR HOPE, as we serve together, as brothers and sisters, that we can all be in everlasting life together! We can live in holiness! I can’t even imagine! I know personally my life is constantly filled with disaster. I look forward to a time to live in everlasting holiness. And, all we have to do, is make that choice, and become a willing slave to righteousness!

No Longer Slaves – Jon David & Melissa Helser

I am Ready

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased , saying, The will of the Lord be done. Acts 21:13-14

Are you ready? I reflect on these couple verses found in the middle of Acts 21 and think of how many times I have been fearful, lacked trust, listened to the world, or allowed myself to be influenced by others. To focus on me and not do the, “Will of the Lord“. My personal excuses in these moments could include; I wasn’t ready yet, no time, over-extended, or, afraid of a perception that others would possibly judge me by. I can be lost or selfishly looking at me at times without letting the will of our Lord take hold of all aspects of my life.

Today, as we continue to grow in the wisdom of what Paul shares with us in Acts, we can be encouraged to show courage. Paul shows how not to be afraid and to share His word even when fear can be on the horizon. Be inspired! This courage found in Paul is inside of all of us! Think, what if when Agabus approached Paul and other believers, after taking Paul’s belt for the purposes of modeling to him the bounding that was going to transpire. What if Paul in that moment said, “You know what Agabus, your right let’s stop spreading the good news.” No way!!! Paul’s faith and God’s grace gave him courage. Think, How many eternal lives would of been lost if Paul didn’t do the Lord’s will.

As a staff our school has been reading a book called Move Your Bus written by Ron Clark. In this book there is a parable about a bus that doesn’t have a gas tank but moves based on those that are on the bus. In the book these people can consist of; runners, joggers, walkers, riders, and the driver. I share this story because I think of Paul. Paul is a runner. He is not walking, going for the ride, or choosing his moments to run. He is a full-time runner. He’s ready for anything. Whatever needs to be done, and when it needs doing. Paul is there ready to work without persuasion. He simply loves God and knows the only way for others to get to have a relationship with Him is through sharing the truth. Paul doesn’t give in or decide to remain silent. He knew God’s will for him.

Now none of us enjoy physical pain, hardships, or hurt. But through faith, our desire to please God can overshadow the avoidance of suffering. I’m sure Paul didn’t enjoy being bound, beat, and having to go through all the humility and pain. Yet his main focus was to do God’s will and he accepted it all. In these times like Paul we can say, “The will of the Lord be done.”

It’s hard for me to say no. I want to do as much as I can for God, family, friends, and others. But, when God is not involved I can struggle with knowing what is for me and what is for Him. Help our desires to be on Him.

God, I pray now for wisdom and discernment to keep you at the center of all our decisions. That when you open doors for us we enter. Give us courage like Paul. Let your will be done! – Amen

In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. Luke 14:33

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I love verse 15 that follows. (15)And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem. Paul’s courage has an impact on others. After pleading with Paul to not go to Jerusalem, and Paul saying basically too bad, I’m doing the Lord’s will. The rest of the group who all wanted to turn around joined Paul in his mission. That’s leadership. His courage affected them. God’s will!

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:33-34

Are you ready?

Dear God,

Thank you for your word. We know you desire a total commitment to you from us. We give up ourselves to follow you and your will. Use us to accomplish all goals planned for our lives. Amen

Contributions of Stephen

Good Morning Bible Journal Friends and family,

Today, I’d like to share a snapshot of a speech shared by Stephen in Acts 7. Yesterday, Amy set the stage for us and a focus for us to be praying for our opportunity to serve. In Acts 6 we are introduced to a man chosen to support the widows. Stephen was at the top of this list, he was a man full of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, and a man full of God’s grace. Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people. Acts 6:5 and Acts 6:8. Unfortunately, opposition arose and false charges were then brought against Stephen that included; blasphemy of God, Moses, the law, and the temple.

Stephen then shares a sermon that defends his faith before the council of Israel. This is found in today’s reading of Acts 7. I’l let you read through this powerful sermon in order to provide you with the full picture and true specific points of this dynamic speech. This speech by Stephen holds so much power, that by his conclusion, and before Stephen could even finish, members of the Sanhedrin had taken his life because it had made them furious and moved them.

In 1 Peter 3:15 Peter tells us, “Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you regarding the hope that is within you.” Peter is right! In a moments time I definitely wouldn’t have the amazing sixty verse sermon, but I know one word I could start with, “Jesus!” You can view this sermon as a masterpiece for the subject of apologetics. Apologetics is the subject of information that defends the faith. Stephen knew what he believed. He also knew why he believed as well.

Stephen leaves us a lesson of the boldness in witnessing. We read about his courage. We read about the faithfulness of God. In addition, we can also read about the blindness of hostility, and even though when the members of the Senhedin committee heard this sermon and gnashed their teeth at him, Stephen was still full of the Holy Spirit. While Stephen was being dragged out of the city and being stoned in front of a young man named Saul (who later becomes Paul) Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Stephen fell to his knees and cried out, “Lord do not hold this against them.” Stephen then fell asleep. (was brought to heaven) Stephen prayed the same prayer as Jesus in Luke 23:24. Did this picture of Stephen and his prayer remain with Paul?

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

As we move into Acts 8 Stephen’s death was a catalyst that set into motion evangelism outside of Jerusalem. Up to this point in Acts, everything had taken place in Jerusalem. Stephen sermon and death set waves of persecution forcing believers to leave…God always orchestrates life’s events for his purposes.

Dear God,

Thank you for this amazing brother in Christ, Stephen. Thank you for the words of truth spoken by him. I pray for the courage and boldness that is necessary on this earth as we live out this breath of a life. I pray that we continue to be encouraged and grow in the knowledge of God’s words and to defend the faith when necessary. I pray that throughout our day in our words, actions, and heart we share and recognize your presence. I pray for this Easter week and for open doors that will allow us to share your words, love, and the desire you have for us to be part of your eternal kingdom. Amen

Happy Easter

Abide in our True Vine

Today’s Reading John 15

Do you love grapes? I do. I remember as a child as soon as the sun started to come up over the field and glistened through the tree line I would take off outside. We had an apple tree, rhubarb, and carrots. My favorite, when in season, was our grapevine. Many meals could be skipped when we hung out by these grapes. As a kid, this earthly vine satisfied my earthly hunger. Still my heart and soul hungered for our True Vine.

John 15:1 says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener”. Jesus, fulfills all needs.

Our True Vine, Jesus, provides nourishment to create any and all fruit in our lives. Independent of this vine, our branches can’t produce fruit. Independent of Jesus, our lives are fruitless. He is the source of nourishment we need. Are you receiving nourishment?

5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

The book of John has a series of “I am” statements for us to remember. He says, “I am the Bread of Life. I am the Light of the World. I am the Door, I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Resurrection and the Life. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” He says in John 8:58 I am Eternally Existing, and in John 15, I am the True Vine. Our God is the great I am, and in in John 8:24 it says that we need to believe this.

Since we know that Jesus is the true vine, he says His Father is the gardener. The gardener who planted the vine, and cares for it. There are then branches that bear fruit meaning true disciples; or there are branches that produce no fruit, that are cut off. What is my branch looking like?

The key to knowing what my branch looks like is in the word abide. Do we abide in Him? This word is repeated eight times in five verses. Starting in verse 4 where abide is used three times. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

So what does it look like to abide in Jesus? John 15:10 says, “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.”

We need to do all we can to faithfully keep his commandments. To keep his commandments means to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. We love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39). Our love for God is in our trust, prayer, and devotion to Him. We abide in relationships, prayers, and in love.

When our lives are intertwined with His, true joy fills our days. Even in the face of adversity our consistent relationship keeps us able find joy in all circumstances. So today and everyday, abide. Stay connected to the True Vine that is connected to Jesus.

John 15:11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

Dear God,

Thank you for another amazing day where we can praise you in everything we do. God we pray that you give us the strength to stay connected to you from the inside out. That in the midst of any circumstances that may impact our day we remember who we are connected to, and who are gardener is! Amen

Heart Alignment

John 1

Where do we begin?
Every story has a beginning, and the manner in which John begins the narrative of Jesus’ life is captivating to me, especially in light of the other Gospels. Matthew and Luke begin with Jesus’ earthly lineages. Mark begins his account with John preparing the way for Jesus. But John – John begins his story with a 14-verse poem that echoes the creation narrative and traces Jesus’ divine lineage to the very beginning of all things.

In the beginning was the Word… It’s not simply a “word” strung together with a few letters or syllables, but it’s the Word – the logos, the reason, the plan, the cause, the declaration. The Word is the divine pulse of the universe. It is life. It is the light of all light. It is that which darkness cannot overcome. And the Word became flesh. How’s that for a birth story?

Whereas Matthew and Luke tell of Jesus’ more relatable humanity in their opening lines, John’s account of His divinity has been almost mind-blowing to me as I’ve sat and dwelled on it for a while. It’s difficult for me to put in words, but it’s as if everything that is beautiful, and pure, and holy, and radiant, and light, and life-giving, and… love, is wrapped up in and radiates the Word.

Until recently, I rarely caught a glimpse of the full magnitude and gravity of Jesus’ divinity, and I’m sure I still don’t fully comprehend it now. But even the smallest notion of the fullness of His divinity paints His life, death, and resurrection in an entirely different and brighter light.

Have you ever thought about it, I mean, really thought about it? Have you ever tried to wrap your mind around pure unadulterated love? Around the fact that darkness can never overcome light? Around everything that is good and holy and sacred in this world? Around the essence of life itself and everything that is life-giving? Around the actual logos of creation?

When I dwell on Jesus’ divinity, choosing to follow him becomes much more than a prayer, and much deeper than a ceremony or ritual. It becomes a matter of aligning my heart and my life with He who is everything good and holy, at the expense of all else.

He is the reason. He is life. He is the light. And yet it’s still a daily struggle to abandon all and follow Him. ~ Jeremy Helmer

Today’s Bible Journal is written by one of my good friends and brothers in Christ Jeremey Helmer. God Is Good! He is Life! He is our Light! Amen

Pursuit of a Stress Free Life

There are so many valuable verses to dig into in Luke 12. While spending intentional time in His word each day you find more meaning and make that connection with something directly impacting you. This is where I focused today. Many people have stress, anxiety, and worries about their day. Some may turn to medications, drugs, alcohol, shopping, eating, and other types of binges that attempt to fill our mind with other thoughts to ease the pain. In Luke 12: 22-34 The Lord offers us a way to not just “manage” or anxieties but eliminate them.

22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Life can be hard… when you reflect on years, days, or even moments you can think back to times where you have been totally consumed by a moment that leads to stress, worrying, or just fear. God offers for those who listen and obey, a stress free life. This is only possible through Him. Some of these verses quoted I’ve shared with others, and yet, there are times where I forget them myself. This was a timely reminder to give it all to our Lord. My “what if” scenarios lead to stress, worrying, and fear that are completely against what God has in store for us. He is committed to our well-being and we should be focused on His kingdom. There are no pharmacies which can eliminate this feeling of worrying or other earthly avenues to manage our pain. God offers a way to eliminate it.

In verse 22 we hear, “Do not be anxious,” and verse 29, ” Do not keep worrying,” and then verse 32, “Do not be afraid“. Let’s look at these verses in order to use His words for a stress free life. In addition to the David Jeremiah Study Bible and Tyndale Application bible I came across a few online messages found through the Grace To You app. John MacArthur did an amazing three part study of Luke 12 titled Anxiety-Free Living. In his message about Luke 12, Jon MacArthur unpacks six points that help us to understand that worrying rises from a failure to understand something about God. Here are the six points to think of when you are under pressure or starting to run down the “what if ” lane:

Divine Purpose – Luke 12:22-23 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. ²³For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. This verse reminds us that we can either be rich towards ourselves or rich towards heaven. Stop worrying about the basics like food or clothing. Verse 22 says that these necessities will be provided for us by God. Verse 32 offers our assurance to the kingdom God promises us in heaven. My sin, at times, is my failure to understand these verses that God has already take care of these things in my life both here on earth and in heaven. God is going to take care of you. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for us. Luke 9:23 tells us that our Lord wants us to be his disciple. We are a divine priority that God has put here to fulfill a divine purpose. Whatever the current circumstance God has been purposeful. Philippians 4:11 God has a purpose for you to fulfill today and always.

Divine Provisions – Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Since God has a divine purpose for your life he also will provide you with everything you need. So being rich in God means he will be rich in us. He will do everything he needs to sustain us for His purpose. Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? We don’t have to build bigger or horde more. Be smart and faithful. Even the birds are dependent on God. How much more he loves us and he will sustain us. His mission for us is to serve and to witness to others. He will take care of our lives.

Divine Privilege – Luke 12:25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? We don’t have the privilege to determine our life span. God does. That is true, I recently had this conversation with a family member about how God gives us life and takes away. Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days for a heart of wisdom. Stay disciplined and moderate what you do so we can serve with all our heart, energy, and power. Avoid gluttony, laziness, or overindulging. When we are born or die is determined by God.

Divine Preference – Luke 12:27-28 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[d] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! God created us in His image. He has created the grass and covers it. How much more will he do for us. The temporary testimony of the beauty of a flower. We are the bride of His beloved son. With His own personal touch he created us in His image. Genesis 1:26. He then breathed His own breathe into us.

Divine Paternity – Pater in Latin means Father. God is our Father. Luke 12:30-31 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his[e] kingdom, and these things will be added to you. If we don’t have God as our Father who is? I lost my father to addictions, divorce, and cancer many years ago. For many years I searched to fill a void in my life by a earthly father. This void would never be filled with any temporary fixes of the world but by our heavenly Father who names all our names. He is our provider, protector, and gives us everything we need. Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the Lord;trust in him, and he will act.

Divine Pleasure – Luke 12:32 Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. God is pleased to give us His kingdom. He loves his children and will provide for us. Proverbs 23:22 says “Listen to your father, who gave you life,”

So today as you start the day, lets start and turn to His word and let our faith in God be fulfilled for his purpose. Simply trust in him by praying and not worrying. Have a perspective on your problems and turn to the best problem solver there is, our God. Use your support team, utilize your fellow believing friends to pray for the wisdom and strength to get through whatever current situation you may be dealing with. Our father loves us and seeking His Kingdom means making Jesus the center of your life. Are you holding anything back? Is there problems you can submit to Him?

When you start the feeling of being anxious, worried, or fear starts to take over. Prayerfully turn to God and His words in Luke 12 as a reminder of the faith we need to have in Him and his purpose for this life. Seek His Kingdom.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

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

Curtain Call

Today’s Reading: Mark 15

I write this post from my moms bedside who has currently resides at the 4th floor of ICU these last few days. We are waiting for another surgery with outcomes that range from A-Z with various terminology that leaves me in a blur. The only two results I can still hear are life or death. The thoughts, words, and prayers shared are priceless as it has strengthened a faith in the trust of a Father who only knows the results. These results not known to me have already been decided by our God who has plans predestined according to His will and not our own.

Ephesians 1:11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

In between the beeps, clicks, and sound of each ventilator breath the trust in God holding everything in his hands, including my mothers life, always holds true. In this short, vapor of a life we have on this temporary earth I’m grateful for the promise God has given to us for an eternal life with Him. Psalm 39:4-5 reminds me of our investment we spend on our earthly days for an eternity with God.

Psalm 39:4-5 “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; he span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

As I read through Mark 15 the death of Jesus always puts lump in my throat as I am saddened by the mocking, brutalizing pain, and abandoned feeling Jesus would have felt. But as you read on to Mark 15:38-39 there is another assurance of the relationship God desires from us.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died,[c] he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

This curtain represented a barrier to the Holy of Holies that only allowed the highest priest to come in and enter into God’s presence and make atonement for their sins. ( Jeremiah Study Bible 2016) The symbolism of the curtain being ripped from top to bottom is that God opened the way for everyone to have a relationship with him. Jesus’s death on the cross grants us all access to the the highest of all, Jesus, who sits on the right side of God.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

So on this wonderful Valentine’s Day, God wants us to approach him, with heart and arms wide open. This true love given by a Father who sent His Son to die on the cross for us. He tore down this curtain to show us that we are all invited into His presence. Believe, keep the faith, that God loves, cares for, and will never leave our side. Psalm 62

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mended – Matthew West

Prepare the way!

Happy Tuesday everyone ~ Enjoy this wonderful kickoff of Mark 1 shared by one of our awesome guest writers Kris Walker. Prayers go out to all our readers and writers.

Prepare the Way!

Mark 1 prepares the way for something amazing! It’s a very brief description of some amazing events. I love how the gospels all focus on different things, their writing styles are all so different and where some focus, others don’t. I feel like we just got a cliff note version of some amazing events! There are so many things in this 1 chapter to take in! It really makes you want to reference all the stories in depth! It was a hard decision what to focus on. So, I had to pick a couple.

The first one, I love the stories of healing and cleansing of demons! What an amazing show of our Father’s power!

“21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us,Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.”

I know it seems silly to make such an amazing point on this, but not only did he make the demon come out, but he silenced it! I have 4 children, NOT demon possessed, and I can’t ever get them to be silent! Our father SHUT THE MOUTH of a demon! Which we know isn’t a big feat for our God, but can you imagine seeing that in person?? This “man” just told a demon to come out, and told him to shut his mouth, and a demon was forced to listen! What a truly all powerful God we have! I can’t imagine being a member of that crowd and actually seeing this! It would be mind blowing!

“27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”

Clearly it made an impression! But another thing is learned about was his power. It’s a loving power, he healed so many people, and even when he wanted seclusion, he still ended up being called to teach the word, and healed people!

The application for me in this is: What am I doing with my power to help those in need? Not only in our community, but in my own home. Jesus was tired and wanted seclusion, but still did his Father’s work! When I’m tired and want seclusion, I tell everyone to leave me alone and let me rest. I have so much to learn, and have so much growing to do. This really stresses to me that I need to strive more daily to be more Christ like and serve my family more.

My other big take away from this is about John and then Jesus’s first disciples. John prepared the way! His job was to tell about Jesus coming. And he did just that! He did not shrink back. He went forth preaching about Jesus coming and baptized in his name!

“4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”

He did all this for Jesus and never once questioned it, and always gave honor to the right place!

“8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

What an amazing example. We then get a glimpse of Jesus getting his first disciples, and the immediately follow him. He biggest part of this for me is:

What am I doing to make disciples? It is our calling! It’s what we are meant to do! Who am I helping in my community? Who am I encouraging to follow our God? Am I being a true disciple?

I know there is so much more to get out of this chapter, but those were my main thoughts after reading through Mark 1. It really just makes me want to be a better servant at home, and a better disciple in my community.

Prayerfully, we can all strive to do the same!

Dear God, we pray for continued wisdom in our writing as we share your words and not our own. We pray that you continue to guide us in this journey, guide and protect our families, and give us courage to share with others the great news of Jesus through these gospels. We love you, praise you, and thank you for sending your son to be born, live a life on earth, model your ways, die, and conquer death for us for our sins. Amen

Losing Champions

Today’s Reading: Matthew 16

I tend to have a competitive spirit when it comes to sports, games, or just about any activity. At times this desire to win can get in the way of what truly is important and the understanding of who is really winning. When I was growing up we didn’t have much so this yearning to win I imagine came from my own complex to feel the need to prove myself all the time to appear “normal”. It could also act as a temporary fix for an internal fear of failure and a want to avoid the current situation. Where I was feeling like I was winning, I was actually losing, lying to myself, others, and denying Gods call to control my life.

As we read through Matthew 16 we close out on Jesus telling his disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. I’ve written about this before after reading Luke 9 in Lose Yourself. If you have a chance look back at some of the questions posed there. Today, I’m reminded about the change that we all pursue to cause us to grow in the Lord. That when we decide to say Yes to ourselves, we say No to Christ. If we say No to ourselves, we say Yes to Christ. Throughout our day, what are the ways to forget ourselves and our desires, and search, listen, and follow Jesus’s example.The first thing I pray for is for the recognition of more than surface level approach to others and to truly think of others first. I need to avoid superficial situations that don’t represent God’s heart and prayerfully submit to God’s will and not my selfish desires to look past a situation. To listen, serve, and share God where you can. If not by words, our actions can speak volumes. Here are a few pointers you can think of for today.

Self-denial – try not to do things only for me – Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Stop trying to run “my” life – what am I putting in my body and mind? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Remind myself that I don’t belong to me – submit my day to God each morning- Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Champion God’s will in everything today. Unselfishly serve others. Happily Lose!

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

Do you want to find yourself? Do you want to be who you ought to be? It’s not easy and its a constant work in progress. But, let’s try to lose ourselves and grow in the dedication of our life for Christ.