David LaFrance

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.

Looking and Listening

1/3/2017

Matthew 2

“And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”

Looking and listening. The wise man searched for a star that rose and would guide them to our King. This light would be the light that would guide their lives and ours for the rest of our lives. As I reflect on Chapter two of Matthew, I found a timely quote. It said, “Those who live at the greatest distance from the means of grace often use the most diligence to find it, and learn to know Christ and his salvation.” (Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary) I think this can also be true as the wise man and we search for his light. This light in the form of a star can be thought of as the same light we should look for each day as we search for Jesus. John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Joseph was told by the Lord in a dream to believe in his marriage to Mary. He believed. He was asked to have faith in a decision to move his family to Egypt. He moved. The Lord tells Joseph how to keep his family safe. He listened.

In this new year I pray to help us to be more like Joseph and less like “me” when asked to do something. Where we listen for the Lord and not just what we want to hear. Where we make our decisions to go or stay when the Lord tells us to and not just when it feels right to us. Often, we make decisions based only on our accord and not what the Lord may be asking you to do. (I’ve been here often..) I realize we may not get an angel telling us what to do, but it may be someone else. It may be a timely verse read, a friend from small group, a stranger you share your faith with. It’s all part of God’s plan. Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

My prayer for 2017 is that I listen closer to God. I pray you do too. May he open doors, may he close them, sometimes we will be told to move, sometimes told to stay. Either way we listen. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

In addition, Joseph followed through. I can be a good listener at times, I’ve also been told that I have “selective hearing” just like our children. At either listening level, what do we do next. (This is my self confession, submission part, I ask you help me with. Pray to follow through with God’s plans.) Do we follow through for our Lord or do I stay because it feels more comfortable, less scary, more worldly, or just less conflict. Unfortunately for me it’s the latter.

Lord help us to listen. To make decisions based on what you want and not what we want. Help us to trust in your word and believe in the plan you have for us even if it seems uncertain, scary, bigger or smaller than we ever imagined. That even when it seems like King Herod is out get us, you provide the people and protection we need to keep us safe. Not because of decisions we made. But because we listened, followed through, and had faith in you. Amen

And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11

God with You

Today’s Readings: 2 Chronicles 32; Revelation 18; Zechariah 14; John 17

Reflecting on God and his word through 2016 has been a priceless blessing full of Joy for all of us that have read, laughed, cried, and shared stories of God’s work in our lives. Each day, every post, you will find God. Often times when we need it most a scripture is shared with an application to life that can impact every second of each that day if you allow it. We read together His commandments, miracles performed, and examples of Love shared to all people. Even when we didn’t deserve it, God sent His son to take away all our sins and provide us Hope for an eternal future with Him. God’s love poured out for us so that we can take His example from His son Jesus and show that same love for others. The words we read daily helps us to know him better and share with others. We hold on to our belief that God holds it all in his hands and we submit ourselves to Him everyday.

26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:26

God makes the biggest difference in our lives. I encourage and pray that you will continue to grow in Him and through Him. Continue this journey with us as we walk daily in this journey of Faith. As I read in John today I’m filled with the joy that God loves us just like he does his own son. That He is always with you no matter where you are at or current situation you may be in. Let your submission to Him shine through and provide light on others through love.

Dear God,

Let your heart beat in my chest. Help me to be prayerful in everything. Not trying to take things on my own and call you after. Engage me in other people. Give us the strength and courage to share your love with others. Open our ears to listen to wht he is saying to you today. Humble ourselves by putting others first. God we pray that we always look for opportunities to serve. Recognize those in need and come alongside them with encouragement. Lastly Lord, I pray you help me be submissive to your will and not my own. You paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, allow us to sacrifice our will to yours. Amen

If you need a little encouragement and courage to go with you today read Joshua 1:5-7. Reminder – “Be Strong” God is with you.

See you in 2017!

The Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. John 10:11

How great it is to have our shepherd be Jesus? He paid the ultimate price for us and has shared the perfect example of how he will take care of us. The Good Shepherd knows each of us and wants to leads us to green pastures.

In my very short sheep research I was able to read and come to understand the sheep “hard-wire” instinct to follow those around them. How true is that of us? As a child, young adult, and into my adulthood many times I would find myself following the wrong crowd or wandering off. Often of the world and failing the test of listening to God and not the world. 1 John 4:4-6.

My actions of sheepish instincts requires the love of the Good Shepherds staff. This can be a generous hit by the end to get me back going the right direction or the use of the hook to take me out of a situation. In both cases his love is provided throughout. John 10 some reminders that represents His love for us.

John 10:3-4 He goes before us calling each one of our names and leads us out of danger.
John 10:7 Jesus is the gatekeeper to an eternal pasture.
John 10:11 He lays down his life for us.
John 10:14-16 Jesus is the shepherd of us all calling us all to one flock with one shepherd.

Dear Jesus, Good Shepherd, you tend over your flock always and know our every need. May your crook and your staff always protect us and guide us through all the troubles of this life. Help us from wandering and allow us to lead others to an eternity with you and your love. Shepherd us to have conversations with others about your glorious kingdom waiting us. Amen

Merry Christmas Bible Journal Family ~ What an amazing year, I pray that reading God’s words of encouragement and guidance has made been a blessing in you and your families lives. I know it has in ours. We love you.

Francis Chan: I am the Good Shepherd

Listen to how Francis Chan explains how God has called us to be a shepherd and a sheep.

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 24; Revelation 11; Zechariah 7; John 10