David LaFrance

Strengthened

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 14–15; Revelation 4; Haggai 2; John 3

Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. Haggai 2:4-6

I like to workout. I have a small set of weights in my basement and now that the membership has run out they get more use. The recent amount of dust on the bench and barbells wouldn’t prove this, but current life priorities have impacted my usage including the growing list of excuses I can come up with. As our earthly bodies gets older our physical strength we have tends to take a hit unless you really have time to stay on it. Either way, the story of Haggai helps remind me of where I get my true strength from and serves as a reflection on my priorities. Where do you get your strength? How is the priority list going this time of year?

A brief summary about the book of Haggai the prophet tells about him coming back from exile with other Jews to rebuild God’s temple in Jerusalem their hometown. Years later the temple still had not been completed. The work had been started but priorities had shifted and the temple wasn’t done. Expectations, pressures, work, events, and demands took a toll on their schedules. Family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances influenced their days which turned into years. The plan was for them to come straight back and start rebuilding God’s temple but their own agendas got in the way. We have been asked to continue to build this kingdom. How’s our kingdom building going? How have our priorities got in the way compared to His? How true is this in our lives?

Sometimes do you wonder where the hours, days, or years go?

The strength we have slowly can be worn away by the physical and mental exhaustion we accumulate by going, going, and going…trying to meet the demands of others.

Haggai became a catalyst for the strength of God. He called the people back to God’s values, will, and work. Helping them to reorder their priorities according to God’s plan. In reading this chapter it reminds me of where my strength comes from and Who’s Will we should live for. I reflect on my priorities and where am I putting my energy? What demands and expectations am I making my focus? Can I make it better? What am I rushing through, do I lose track of God? Where does my strength comes from? A timely message from Haggai helps reminds me of God’s claim for our lives and priorities. Its a reminder about who gives us our strength. Just ask and have faith, He will give it to you!

Today as your waking up or wherever you are in your day ask God for strength.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Reflect on your priorities and pray to align them with His.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Dear God,

Thanks for this group of readers. We pray that as we read we are using your words to impact our lives and others. God, as we read through your words we are given strength and guidance of your will for our lives. We pray that during this Christmas season we are open to your will and sharing your love with others. Help us to align your priorities to our lives. Amen

Imagine – God’s Promises

Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 6:12–42; 1 John 5; Habakkuk 1; Luke 20

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 1 John 5: 13-14

This past weekend so many people were blessed by an amazing day that included spending time together and sharing life stories as they shopped together for Christmas. It wasn’t only the shopping, wrapping, and food baskets provided. It was the opportunity to be in the house of the Lord with so many believers and hear God’s words shared. God moved many hearts this day and in addition, we were blessed by four baptisms. This event called Imagine, hosted by Eastview, truly fills the hearts of all involved. Which are many!

For myself, the opportunity to listen, encourage, share, love on, and talk about God’s promises is priceless. Our stories of pain can often be surrounded by loss, rejection, anger, abuse, lying, insecurity, selfishness, and a feeling of being alone. These were just some shared and some of my own. As I heard these stories I listened and truly felt empathy, not just sympathy, because I could relate based on those same feelings at many points in my personal life. After some tears, hugs, laughs, moments of silence, and gestures of affirmation between us we were able to talk about God’s eternal promises for us. That in the midst of all that goes on during our earthly lives God has a plan and He loves us. That in our pain and moments of feeling alone, He is always with us. One friend of mine I shared the morning with recalled a time where her mother was in the hospital. While sitting next to her ailing mothers bed she cried out to God because she had the fear of losing her mother. In this moment Darla said she heard a voice saying, “I’m here”. After hearing this, she had felt a sense of relief as her mom passed away that evening. We agreed that when and if we listen hard enough and believe, God is saying, “I’m Here” to all of us whenever we call.

A few scriptures that we shared this day and I carry around with me as reminders of this promise are listed below. These verses help me in time of need when I’m struggling with how to handle my past, current challenges, and future worries. Sharing God’s word is hard sometimes, I’m not sure why? Maybe, I let my own insecurities get in the way? But, when you share His words and promises they are affirming and possibly life changing for those you share it with. They change your own life as well. Here are a few of the verses we shared;

Past – I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Obstacles – Count it all Joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfected and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

Hope – the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:11

Future– For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

During this time of the year this is so much Joy in giving, time together, and the remembrance of the birth of Jesus. There can also be so much pain in loss, family struggles, and feeling like you don’t measure up. In our moments of pain and struggle we can’t allow these earthy worries take us over. We need to call out to God and ask for his strength and love. When you feel like you can’t call anyone else you can always call to God.

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12

Make Every Effort

Make Every Effort

(5)For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7 )and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. (8) For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (9) For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. (10) Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. (11 )For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-11

Have you ever heard the idiom, ” Make every effort?” This phrase means: To try hard to accomplish something. Peter was making every effort to share with Christians the importance of growing in our faith. Peter knew his time on earth was limited (2 Peter 1:13-14) so he shares attributes to add to their faith and ours. I know it may seem like adding to a full plate already but the eternal reward is the entrance into a kingdom with our Lord. Our spiritual maturity will help us grow in moral discipline. It will also show in our grace and love to others.

Lets review these attributes Peter shares with us together and with prayer we can continue to grow. (Philippians 3:13)

Virtue – showing moral excellence, goodness. Doing what is right even when no one is looking. Having spiritual courage to stand up for and display (John 8:3-11)

Knowledge – reading through the bible and many other resources we are given His words/instructions on ways to live and attributes to apply to our life.

Self-control – said many times to me now echoed in our houses to our children. The ability to control ( discipline) our physical and cognitive impulses that don’t align with the goal of His kingdom. Titus 2:11

Steadfastness– Continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition or previous failure. In our quick fix, instant gratification society it can be easy to take short cuts or give up. Persevere 1 Corinthians 1:8

Godliness– living a Godly life is not easy, we fall short and make mistakes. We can make every effort need to strive to “try” and be better. God like-ness – trying to be observant of all teachings and avoiding sin. ( Paul messages in new testament)

Brotherly Affection– A kindly and lenient attitude towards others. Romans 12:9-10

Love– strong affection. the highest form of love, charity; the love of God for man and of man for God. Agape embraces a universal, unconditional love that transcends, that serves regardless of circumstances.

So as we walk through our spiritual journey stay the course – Peter wants us to add this to our faith even though it will be hard because of the direction our society can take us. Philippians 1:6 Along the path check out the fruit are you bearing fruit or lacking? (v.8) Spiritual fruit will change your character, life, and outlook for future. Unfortunately, the same is true for bad fruit. Luke 8:4-15 How is your sight when you go through this journey are you seeing everything? Near & Far Sighted – As we grow we need to see both the here and now, but also in the distance seeing our eternity we will have in heaven. Looking back Jesus paid for our sins to one day live eternally with Him. This short life we have on earth prepares us for another place for eternity. Peter’s wise words helps us along this journey because there is no way we do any of this on our own no matter how hard we try. Eternal Kingdom – Making every effort to add to our faith with have an impact on this life and the life to come. Stay the course of this Christian life and grow not giving into complacency. Be intentional and diligent in “supplementing” our faith because the rich reward provided by our God.

I encourage you as you go through biblejournal.net daily to continue to lead Godly lives and grow in the knowledge of God our Lord.

Have a blessed Tuesday!

Today’s Readings: 1 Chronicles 26–27; 2 Peter 1; Micah 4; Luke 13

Desire for You

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 17; James 4; Jonah 1; Luke 6

yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you out to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:14-15

This earthly life is short, no matter how many years you’ve been here. How we spend them makes a difference. What is your life? I read a devotion today about how everyone has a story. How true. What’s yours? Take a few minutes to read this story from Proverbs 31 Ministry called Everyone Has a Story.

Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4

This story reminds me of parts of today’s readings in James 4 and Luke 6. What gems to hold tightly to as we navigate our ways through this mist of a life praying that our desires are aligned with God’s will. God’s plan includes us living for him until the day he decides to take us home with him.

As you prepare for this Thanksgiving remember some lessons shared by James to teach us loving Christian behaviors. At a time when you are spending time with family, friends, and strangers our example of living for Christ goes a long way. Our words, responses, prayers, and actions will model who’s will we are following. Will it be our worldly desires or His great plan for us? James 4:4 says Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.

During this time of Thanksgiving be grateful for God’s grace poured out for us. Pour this same grace out to others without being blinded by assumptions or judgement. God’s Law expects us to love others unconditionally. Examine your heart, words, and thoughts towards others. Don’t let others current situation blind you from the love they need.

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. James 4:11

So even if your Thanksgiving isn’t all songs of love and pumpkin pie; remember, as you wish what others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 Are our words, thoughts, and actions building others up or tearing them down?

Dear God,

In a couple of days we will celebrate Thanksgiving around family, friends, and others. God I pray that our love for you and our faith in your will for our lives will be evident in our words and actions. Let us be grateful for the time you give us to love others. Help us to see others through your eyes and come along side them with encouragement that only comes from you. Amen

To Live Is Christ – Sidewalk Prophets

For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.

Daily Washing

Today’s Readings: 1 Chronicles 5–6; Hebrews 10; Amos 4; Psalms 148-150

This past week I wrestled with the daily events between home, work, school and other commitments sprinkled in and out. In the midst of my yearning for putting the “No” in November I was juggling many things. In the middle of this circus I was losing sight of God and His will for how I should be handling everything. In hind site, much of what I was trying to accomplish was on my own. This selfish attitude lead to a shortness of patience, love, and understanding for those around me. I sinned and fell short by my own selfish desires to control a situation. Unfortunately, my lack of faith had succeeded once again.

After many prayers and apologies I still felt this guilt over letting my family and God down. I turned to God’s word and asked for direction. Prayerfully, there is only one way out of this situation and it was through Him. I needed to surrender it all to Him and hear His voice instead of my own. In Hebrews 10 I’m reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Back in Hebrews 10:3 as people gathered for sacrifice on the Day of Atonement , people would be reminded of their sins and felt that guilt all over again. But by His grace, Christ has provided us with permanent forgiveness that once we have confessed this we need not think of continue to cause pain. We are all broken and yet cleansed by an amazing God who sent his only son to die for all of our sins. Encourage growth in our daily lives by applying and living out God’s scripture in all areas of our lives.

“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” ¹⁷then he adds,“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”

As we face these struggles its important to continue to encourage and meet with other Christians sharing our faith and love. We can help provide the strength we need to make it through each day. I’m grateful for this daily group of writers, our weekly small groups, and the messages we hear each Sunday that deepen our relationship with God. Yesterday, I was talking with Micheal Summers about this scenario and he reminded me of the conversation Jesus had with Peter in John 13. What a timely reminder. In Humility of Love by Grace to You, the authors remind us how Jesus provides us with spiritual washing when we confess and submit to Him. Thanks Mike!

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Thank you for reading and being in the scripture together daily. Psalm 150 reminds us to, Praise Him for Everything!

Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Psalm 150:2

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6

So what spiritual cleaning do you need?

Any dust collected on your feet?

We need our feet washed every day. As we walk through this world with our earthly desires we can get our feet dirty. 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us [literally, keep on cleansing us] from all unrighteousness.”

Thank you Jesus for washing our sins away. Amen

Because He Lives – Matt Maher

Read Humility of Love by Grace to You.

Election Day

November 8, 2016

Happy Tuesday, today’s post is written by good friend Kris Walker who has written for biblejournal.net a few times. Enjoy!

Who are you voting for?

Well? What’s it gonna be?!? Trump? Hillary? Johnson? Where do you stand? Democrat? Republican?! Third Party? Who is gonna be in control?! To some, these are the most important questions going on right now.. and with the election today, how could it not be.. but the reading in 2 Kings makes me think of a couple things.. it really has some horrible characteristics listed about these wicked rulers… it makes me think about the commercials we see these day… What if there were elections back in these times of the kings??

“My opponent Manasseh.. he has been responsible for.. rebuilding the alters his father took down. He erected alters to Baal, he led God’s people away!”

It says he ruled for 55 years… that would be a long time to be under a horrible ruler..

His son ruled for 2 years.. and then was assassinated.. crazy…

I feel this reading was perfectly timed for this week.. no matter what happens, we are going to have a ton of people NOT happy with the results.. for 4, or possibly 8 years.. but can you imagine 55 years under a horrible Ruler? I can’t… a ton of the people I know blown my FB feed up filled of “impeach him” posts to this day.. and that is just from the recent 8 year rule.. kind of mind blowing that it could have been 55… that is my first thought.. I guess it just makes me think that I am happy that we have a relatively short ruler time..

What makes me even happier.. is that.. we can think about this spiritually.. we know who really holds the power.. it’s not in the reading.. but …the Most High has power over human kingdoms. He gives them to whomever he wishes.

Daniel 4:17

I really think that’s important to remember.. we have to know God is going to take care of his people.. in this insane election.. it is a really good point to remember.. I also like how God made his promise to punish the kingdom for what was done.. what the leader and what the people have done… God kept his promise. We all know he is our God who keeps his word.. I am so thankful for both of these thoughts..

Politics is not the only thing we can take away from today’s scriptures.. some amazing psalms are in today’s scriptures..

I think it’s amazing to think about how well our Father knows us all..

Psalm 139:13-14 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

I find this so comforting. Our father knows us, and understands us. He has always been there. He always will be there. I think we are so lucky to have that.. and know that.. there are those that don’t. I think it’s important to know and realize that.. when we feel alone, or when we are upset, or when we need someone to talk to.. our father is there.. that’s where I think I’m gonna leave this. I hope everyone gets a chance to vote and make their voice heard.. say a prayer, and ask for God’s hand on our future.. no matter which way it goes.. God is with us.. he knows us.. he will take care of us.

Have a great Tuesday everybody!

Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 21; Hebrews 3; Hosea 14; Psalm 139

Finders, keepers

Finders, keepers

Today’s readings: 2 Kings 14; 2 Timothy 4; Hosea 7; Psalms 120–122

My son found a dime on the floor the other morning in the garage. With a big smile he said the phrase “finders keepers” to me and went to put it in his pocket. He soon realized he was still in his pajamas and didn’t have any. The coin was then placed in my pocket. Today, as I read Psalm 121 I’m reminded of how just like that coin we are all lost at some time. This lostness is preceded by me with smile that you can’t hide. It is the joy in knowing you are found. Similar to The Parable of The Lost Coin in Luke 15:8-10. This joy is the begining of a promise made and kept to keep us safe always.

Psalm 121:7 The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.⁸The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for evermore.

Knowing how the Lord keeps us is reassuring as we struggle with our earthly desires that can overwhelm and consume us at any moment of any day. Our household can relate to Jillian as we are currently dealing with the same sickness and sleepless nights she mentioned in Qoph from yesterday. Our God promises to keep us thoughout our earthly lives and eternity.

So, no matter your current age, history, or situation God promises to keep us under his protection. Protection keeps us from being harmed or lost. Protection gives you the faith to handle hardships and challenges. We are told to put on the armor of God so He can keep us. Ephesians 6:10. Don’t let our selfish minds feel like we can do it all alone and allow yourself to get into stress mode. Lift your eyes and heart to Him and God will provide you with everything you need.

So as you read through the beautiful song of Psalm 121 face the day in a assurance that He will protect you. We are safe.

Enter into the day knowing God is our great protector who will keep us.

2 Timothy 4:18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I Lift My Eyes Up Brian Doerksen

Counting Steps

Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 6; 1 Timothy 3; Daniel 10; Psalm 119:1–24

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119:1

Good Morning Everyone, let’s put on our Fitbit for God and look at our daily steps. These devices can count our steps and can also check our heart-rate. It can tell us where we have gone and guide us to where we want to go. With the touch of a button this information is shared with you and others if you would like. As Christians, having God’s word available is like a press of a button allowing you to navigate every step towards an eternity with Him. This Fitbit helps us stay on track with our faith and training for growth. So let’s push the button in the start of Psalm 119 and see where we are at as we count our steps.

Step: Psalm 119:1 Blameless and Walking in the Law of the Lord – stay righteous Proverbs 11:20

Step: Psalm 119:2 Keep His testimonies – love and serve Deuteronomy 11:13

Step: Seek with a Whole Heart – 100% all the time Psalm 139:23

Step: Psalm 119:4 Precepts keep diligently – focus and be intentional about his commandments Deuteronomy 4:13

Step: Psalm 119:6 Eyes fixed on Commandments – Ephesians 1:18

Step: Psalm 119:7 Praise Him – He deserves it all for all he has done and will do Psalm 33:1

So as you take steps today push the button to take a pulse on each step, each interaction, each hour spent, each conversation, each thought, each prayer. Allow God through His word guard you, teach you, focus your heart, and open your eyes to all that he has in store for us. Go ahead take the next step. God is with you always!

Distress Call

Tuesday 10/18/2016

Every day the power of God’s word is priceless when you listen and apply. At times, these words can be a reminder when we start to rely on ourselves or other times His word can be a resurrection when you have tried to live life without Him. I can validate both because I have lived life in both arenas. In our moments of fear, joy, loneliness, and happiness God is with us always. Stories shared through the biblejournal.net connect real stories back to the real word of the Lord. These stories connect us with each other and ultimately back to God. In our conversations, actions, time, and prayers we serve in the name of Jesus who holds it all. This week I have read multiple verses in our scripture that connected with my heart in different moments. Psalm 107 repeats a verse that I’m reminded of as I share the joy I find in the Lord with some loving relatives and faith that He has a divine plan for us.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. Psalm 107:6

I plan to share this link with my two special uncles this morning who I have both talked about God with. My prayer is God touches their hearts and a relationship is established. Enjoy Uncle Carl & Fred!

Our God will and does make a difference in all you do. He is also called the Great Comforter. ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-5). In Psalm 107:6, 107:13, 107:19, 107:28 these words are repeated by various people including those who were lost Psalm 107:4-9, those in the dark Psalm 107:10-16, those who are sick Psalm 107:17-19, and those who are in a storm at sea. Psalm 107:23-27. No matter where you are at spiritually now, God is able to help. He loves us and has grace and kindness for those in distress. God has done it all and we have so much to thank him for. When you live in His presence things are different and you want to tell others. Share the amazing ways he has changed your life.

So if you are lost, confused, hurt, tired, or searching for God He will answer. Anyone can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy your pain. Jesus is the answer when its hard to get any sleep. The answer when there is loneliness in your heart. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6), the Bread of Life (John 6:35) , and the Giver of rest (Matthew 11:28-30). You can call on him at any moment and receive this life-giving offer.

Dear God,

Thanks for all you do. Thank you for the words that point us to Christ. We come to you in need of rest and renewing of our heart and mind. Help us to trust and be confident in your love for us. We love you! Amen

Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 21; 1 Thessalonians 4; Daniel 3; Psalm 107

Faithful Prayers

Today’s Readings: 1 Kings 14; Colossians 1; Ezekiel 44; Psalms 97–98

As Paul faithfully writes his letter to the church of Colosse I’m reminded of the power of prayer. The impact Christians can have on your neighborhood, community and around the world through prayer is limitless. Our love for God should be mirrored for other Christians so we can lift up others everywhere. Paul’s timely prayer was meant to influence the Colossians to be wise and remind them to use their knowledge to learn more about Him and put what they learned into action by helping others. These words of love can influence us into action today.

I can often pray for the day, family, small group requests, and other situations that influence my heart or thoughts throughout the day. Paul teaches us how to pray for other Christians. This intentional letter and prayer is important as we pray for missionaries, pastors, and leaders around the world who influence hearts through the Holy Spirit. There is much pain around the US and around the world and our prayers to God are necessary to give thanks, wisdom,and love to others.The Tyndale Life Application Study Bible shares a study pattern by Paul for prayers to other Christians that I thought was simple and God filled.

Be thankful for their faith and changed lives (Col. 1:3).
Ask God to help them know his will (Col. 1:9).
Ask God to give them spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9).
Ask God to help them live to honor and please him (Col. 1:10).
Ask God to give them more knowledge of himself (Col. 1:10).
Ask God to give them strength for endurance and patience (Col. 1:11).
Ask God to fill them with joy and thankfulness (Col. 1:12).

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Col. 1:9-10)

As believers we all have these same basic needs. These seven steps can help other Christians grow spiritually in order to make a difference in those they influence.

How many people in your life could be touched if you prayed in this way?

Dear God, Thank you for who you are, and the grace you have given us in order to continue to go out into the world and share your love. We pray for all Christians here and around the world to keep you Lord at the center of all we do. Give our leaders, missionaries, and pastors the wisdom to be able to share your story with others. Give them the patience and endurance to withstand the enemy and continue to build your kingdom until you return. Thank you for the joy we have because of who you are. Amen