Author: David LaFrance

Past, Present, and Future

This week we were asked to reflect on our:

I was________.

I am__________.

Today’s Reading Link:Exodus 40; John 19; Proverbs 16; Philippians 3

I do not consider that I have made it on my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining toward 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

I know something about each and everyone one of us. Guess? We are all different. You are a masterpiece! There is no one in the world like you. We all have a different set of fingerprints. This unique and humbling information is also accurate for our lives. For myself,  I truly wished I would’ve been in the word more earlier in my life, but I wasn’t.  I also understand now that God has a divine plan for everyone and everything.  As we recently come off the official celebration of Jesus’s resurrection I reflect also on our past, present, and future in Him. I love thinking of what Jillian said yesterday as starting my New Year in Christ.  I’m excited for it! I love this opportunity to be in the Word with others daily. God knows our past and He plans our future.

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

Past: Often we can catch ourselves trying to compare, copy, or just want things that others have.  This can include a certain lifestyle, relationship, and of course physical or material things.  This was definitely evident for me growing up. An upbringing that included much adversity in home dynamics and living in poverty to our American standards.  I would do anything to get or make others believe that I had some kind of perfect life.  Acting in one way where on the inside there was an insecure kid who would try to impress others through lies. I was truly selfish in all things doing whatever to look and act a certain way no matter who was hurt. It was all about me.  This was all the center of my world and God wasn’t visible in any of it, and it showed.  We tend to want what someone else has or the next best thing. Not until some rock bottom experiences did I realize I needed to have a closer relationship with God.  I wasn’t able to do any of it.

God grabbed a hold of my heart and put some brothers and sisters in Christ in my life. I started to give more of my own life and desires to Him. So we press on knowing that Christ has made us his own and that is his desire for us.In order to receive this life you need to repent and open your eyes, answer the door, let Him into your heart. Repentance can be a momentary confession but is a lifelong process.

  • The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, Acts 17:30 (We could dwell on the past and point fingers but we realize that isn’t the answer, Jesus is.)
  •  If anyone would come after me , let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but lose his life for my life, will save it. Luke 9:23-24

Present: We live in tension between who we have been and who we want to be. Faith in God allows us to let go and look forward to what he wants us to become. Not to hang onto our past, but grow in the knowing of God and a building of your relationship with Him. We have been forgiven, so we can look forward to a more purpose guided life with God. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us

Future: God knows our final plans but in doing God’s will along the way our efforts in this partnership need to center on Him and not ourselves. We need to use our minds and heart. As we live for him, pray for guidance as you plan, and act in faith when working your plan.

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9

What’s your:

I was________?    

I am_________? 

Dear God,

I was selfish now I am changed while still a work in progress.  Thank you for the change in my life. Please continue encourage us to  put our Faith in you and not ourselves. Release us from the weight of our past and allow us to focus on our eternity with you.  We don’t deserve the sacrifice you made for us but we know you are a loving God who gives grace.  You know our past, you know or future.  I pray you keep us attentive to your lifeline in your Word that  you have provided and remembering the perfect example of your son Jesus. We lift this day up to you.  Let Your will be done.

Everlasting Light

Today’s Reading Link: Exodus 33; John 12; Proverbs 9; Ephesians 2

Weekly one of the great opportunities I cherish is meditating and praying for some additional meaning about our daily scripture readings. One dedicated time comes while I wait in the car to enter church with our son naps in the back seat. Today I landed on John 12:36 where Jesus let’s us know we can be “children of light”.  Where I previously just underlined this verse. It has taken new meaning.

While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of the light. John 12:36

I’m mesmerized by the physical light of the sun when I run in the morning and get to watch the sunrise. I praise God for this beauty and adore this majestic sight as a reminder of the importance of His spiritual light. I have previously shared the essential light of the Lord in our lives. Knowing who the light is and allowing him to take control of your life in order to spend eternal life with God is necessary. Jesus told us while we have this light available we need to believe. As our daylight hours get longer starting Spring our physical days are growing shorter. There are many who don’t believe who’s spiritual days grow shorter or can be non-existent based on those willing to share the “good news” or “light” of Jesus with them.  As Christians we are to be Christ’s light bearers, letting his light shine through us.  I have plenty of weak excuses as to the “almost” syndrome that can plague us. I almost said something to him. I almost turned around to give some money to that homeless person. I almost signed up for that mission trip.  I almost shared my love for our Lord, but I ran out of time.  It’s hard for selfish reasons in our daily lives to remember God’s  purpose for us when we don’t know when He is coming back or when God has determined our physical life to end. What if next week I’m not sitting here in the parking lot looking at Eastview? Did I truly believe the light? Am I a son of the Light? My prayer is yes, but I know its all by his will. God wants us to share his light to those whose days are growing darker. Am I sharing? Am I serving? Am I loving?

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19

Mary is wiping Jesus’s feet with expensive ointment with her hair.  Serving and loving Jesus, preparing him for what is to come. Judas questions this act and mentions how much money they could get for the sale of this ointment.  Jesus reminds him in (v.8) that the poor we will always have, but we won’t have him. Our seconds turn to minutes, hours to days, how do we spend our time? I’m convicted on the use of my time and sharing God’s light with others.  Whatever I do is Jesus my focus? Through whatever our calling do we glorify Him? During our fleeting life Jesus shows us the ways to count our days. James 4:14-15 says Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” (v. 46) That no matter the hour of day, year of age, or season of life Jesus says I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. My life was dark for many days with moments of light I couldn’t sustain.  Days I can never get back that were a negative influence myself and on others.  I was a stranger to the truth of God and his light.   I pray for the influential people who shared his word, placed biblical truths in my hands, and spiritual truths on my heart revealing the truth and pointing us to GOD.  Jesus will give you an everlasting light that will never go away. Now that we have seen this light its important for us to share this light with others so no one remains in darkness. So all can be saved from just wandering.  Seize the moment today, serve the Lord and glorify His name. You got this! Don’t worry about how or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you n that very hour what you ought to say (Luke 12:11-13)

In Ephesians Paul says we were all dead in trespasses and sin, but God being rich in mercy and the great love he has for us. has saved us. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We don’t know the day or time the Lord has determined to return or take us to be with him. Are we sharing his love with others like it had been shared with you? This Word of Light that redeems us through his blood and forgives our trespasses according to the riches of his grace. This grace was given and proves to others the riches of Christ, bringing the light that shines form the inside out.But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children[ of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. How brightly is our light shining? 

Dear Lord,

We stumble in the darkness, you provide us with the light necessary to conquer the darkness.  Your spiritual light has allowed us to repent for our sins and shines a light on our daily paths.  God I pray this light continues to shine bright and I stay focused on your light.  Thank you God

 

I am Working

Today’s Reading: Exodus 26; John 5; Proverbs 2; Galatians 1

I’ve heard the idiom that “a mother’s work is never done.” I see this idiom lived out daily in our lives as our two energetic, imaginative, loving boys  play from sun up to sun down and then some.  Thank you to my wife, Jennifer, for being such a wonderful mother and a blessing to our children. I can also say this phrase is true when you have to raise a son like myself.(Sorry mom) The phrase, a parents work is never done, is also true. I’m sure all parents will agree with me. So when I read through today’s reading I paused on John 5:17 When Jesus says to the Jews after healing a paralyzed man, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” To me, I think how Jesus is always working in us and he commands us to do the same.  Colossians 3:23  Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Recently I was listening to a series on Effective Parenting in a Defective World by Chip Ingram and heard about the parenting phases we can go through.  I talked with some parents about these working stages of parenting and the different roles parents play throughout our children’s lives.  In the beginning years we can identify with being the commander of our children.  Parents have to physically provide, watch over every move,  protect, and help them learn what they should and shouldn’t do.  We are their lifeline of survival. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

As they get to around 4+ years we then transition into a teaching role where you are still telling and modeling what to do but often having to answer the “Why?” question.  As you teach 3 John verse 4 says I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. There are also moments when you need the verse Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. In either case God is still working in our children and us. 

As your children hit the middle school, high school, college years you turn into a coach who teaches specific skills and are able to call timeout when needed to focus on a skill, praise, or discipline. It’s an important time to influence their spiritual future. Provide them with experiences that help them see the reality of your faith and theirs. An important principle throughout parenting is to remember to only teach children what they are mentally and emotionally capable of learning. In addition to not habitually doing for your children what they can do for themselves. Allow our children to “fail forward” and turning their mistakes into stepping stones.

Our last phase of parenting falls into your children’s 20’s, 30’s, and beyond.  Your role as a parent becomes a “consultant”. This is when your children refer back to you and share their situations with you to gain your expertise. This continuum of parenting phases can vary based on our situation.   It is meaningful in the aspect of parenting as it is an opportunity to always be working in our children.  Like our spiritual Father, He has and will always be working in us.  God wants has told us to go and do work also.  Through our work we serve others. We are on Mission all the time to share the Good News. In our children, family, work, and with people we meet.  The opportunities are endless. God sent us a perfect example in Jesus and the Living Truth in the Bible. Philippians 2:13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Through our work we can show love to God. One of God’s love languages is obedience. I’m amazed in Exodus the detail that goes into the building of the tabernacle.  From the skillful making of a curtain to the placing of each acacia wood beam. I believe God is reminding us that we also need to pay attention to detail in our work.  2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

God continues to demonstrate His theme of work in us through Proverbs 2. Sharing the importance of spiritual work in us that helps gain wisdom of His Ways and understanding of His Word.  God wants us to treasure up His commandments and walk with integrity. Incline our hearts to righteousness. Our work we put into the understanding of His Word will guard you and deliver us from evil. Proverbs 2:6-7 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; (7)he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity

So in the start to your Tuesday morning, what are you working on?

Who are you working for?

Does our work show the love of the Lord or love of men?

Dear Father,

You are always working in us and through us. I pray that as we work in our own lives, our children’s, and in others, we make our work about You and building Your Kingdom.  Thank you for sending your own Son for us to have the perfect example.  Thank you for showing us how to work at being a parent and living for You. I pray that  in whatever calling you have put us in we work with integrity and have a genuine love for others. Lord I know I fall short many times in many areas. I’m grateful for the work you are always doing in me and pray for a consistent clear picture of a daily walk with You. Dear God I pray that the work I do focuses less on me and more about you. Thank you for being with us in our daily work in our family, homes, or other work places.God promises to never leave you.

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Complete Confidence

Today’s Reading: Exodus 19; Luke 22; Job 37; 2 Corinthians 7

The more I’m around kids the more I realize growing up is difficult. There are so many things you think you have control of that you really don’t.  Depending on your circumstances having confidence in God, yourself, or others can be slim or obsolete. Four years ago (while on vacation) I laid in a hospital bed with my wife sitting by my side and our 1 year old walking around the room touching everything possible that a baby probably shouldn’t be touching.  As the doctor came in, she stood next to me and proceeds to tell me that they are going to need to have surgery and that with any kind of big stomach surgery there is a chance that I won’t make it. (wow) As I swallow the knot currently in my throat, I think about my wife breaking down in tears as I struggle to catch my breath while wiping tears grasping for air.  I wished I never came in.  I lacked faith. I lacked faith in many things but mainly God. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

In this moment I wish I could tell you I gave it all to God but I know I didn’t. God’s grace that I didn’t deserve poured over me and provided the strength to make it through the surgery.  Another chance to live for Him and share His love with others. My stomach was healed but there was still more work for God to do. I  lacked confidence in God and myself.  In 2 Corinthians 7 Paul encourages the Corinthians to make room in their heart for him. He understood the importance of fellowship among believers.  This also holds true with us today. God has divine appointments planned all the time if we keep our eyes open.

While recovering from surgery in Florida we got a call that our house we had put up on a whim had sold and we would need to find a place.  Our frantic 2 day online search followed by a packed 1 day search around Bloomington landed us right across from a couple who were Christ followers and attended Eastview. They then invited us to small group one night.  We had been to Eastview before but never allowed ourselves to get connected.  Long story short this offer turned into us joining their group and getting to know some fellow believers that have helped change our lives. Thank you to the couples that open their hearts to us. They have helped build up our confidence in the Lord. Small group allows you to move from a surface level relationship into holding each other as accountability life partners. Living life together where we are in His Word, laughing, loving, have crucial conversations, holding each other accountable, raising children, and following Jesus together.  We are blessed by our small groups and by the amazing other Christ followers we have met through Eastview.  As I reflect on this weeks message I’m reminded how church has helped us to see His essential light, opened our ears, and shown us the path to “Follow Him”.  I thank this biblejournal group of believers that share their daily insights into the Word and help others build the confidence that Jesus is all we need. “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Like Paul who was sharing his joy with the Corinthians for opening their heart and repenting, I feel this same joy when as a group of believers we do the same repenting.  Often in our small groups we allow our vulnerability to come out. We share our true selves asking for repentance in addition to encouraging and praying  for each other to keep faith and confidence in God.   If you currently are not in one please contact me and no matter the distance we can look to start one. It will help with personal discovery, smaller communities can be more effective, deeper friendships, and maximum participation.

– Francis Chan How to Have Real Community

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,25 not 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. Hebrews 10:24-25

~ Thank from the bottom of my heart everyone has has shared scripture, love, and encouragement along the way. Without your genuine care I would not be here today. When your confidence comes from God, no matter how unstable things in the world may get, you will always remain rock solid and secure in faith.

I rejoice, because I have complete confidence in you.  2 Corinthians 7:16

 

Dear Father,

I pray for complete confidence in you and your will every moment of my life. I turn it all over to you.  Whenever I am at a loss and don’t understand why certain things happen let me close my eyes and turn it all over to God since I know that He knows everything and will guide my heart. Throughout my day fill me with your love and guidance so that when I start to rely on my own selfish ways I turn to you in prayer and repentance.  Help me build confidence and show ridiculous love and be a dangerous witness to others for your Kingdom.

Amen

Parables of Truths

Today’s Readings: Exodus 12:22–51; Luke 15; Job 30; 1 Corinthians 16

“He began to teach them many things in parables.” (Mark 4:2)

I love Jesus’s parables. Simple images and characters from everyday life to create a story and help illustrate His message to us. Parables were shared for those who would have “eyes to see” or “ears to hear” and in order for us to have a clearer understanding of His messages. There are three priceless parables in Luke 15. The Parable of the Lost Sheep, Parable of the Lost Coin, and Parable of the Prodigal Son. To me they are a reminder of being lost, searching, and rejoicing. Where I’ve personally been and a hope for many who are still lost. Whether you are the lost sheep, coin, or prodigal son; through Christ we are found.  (Amen) Three verses that I want to highlight in each of these parables helps me to understand who God is and what his kingdom is like.

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

” Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)

“And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32)

 

So as we enter into our day take hold of the moments of where you may have the opportunity to be the shepherd who finds a lost sheep, the woman who finds the silver coin you have been searching for, or forgiving father who’s son was dead but now alive.  The visual of a father holding his son after he repents is how God holds us. He wants us to respond to sinners in the same way.  For we have all sinned and fall short of God (Romans 3:23). Through God’s will He provides us with divine appointments in our day where you may plant a seed that lands on good ground and will begin to grow. (Mark 4:8)

By no means will this come easy for us. It will come with many submissions from our daily routines or job schedules and take extra moments to focus on others need instead of our own.  When others “mumble or grumble” because of our lack of focus on worldly things know that you are bearing the fruit of the Spirit.  Your love you show to others can provide the opportunity of rejoicing for one sheep that may have been lost but now found. We were all lost at one point – now found, blind- but now see, dead- but now alive. All things are possible through God. (Mark 10:27)

  • Are we trying to rescue like the shepherd?
  • Do we search for those lost throughout the day like the woman?
  • Do we forgive others like the father? 

“I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 13:35)

Dear God,

Thanks for sending your own Son for us. To teach everyone about your instructions for us.  These parables are instructions for our life.  You are a loving Father who gives hope to all.  I pray for you to help me to always be on guard, stand firm in your faith, be courageous about your truths, and to do everything in love.  God help us to open our eyes to others that are lost so we can share the glory of you and your kingdom.  Amen

Lose Yourself

Today’s Reading: Exodus 6; Luke 9; Job 23; 1 Corinthians 10

 
In today’s reading Jesus tells his disciples to take nothing with them but to go proclaim the word and heal.  Jesus assured them that he would provide at all times. This same assurance he has given to us today.  Sometimes in our own personal lives when the day has been long, stressful, and has you running all over the place its reassuring to take a breathe and know God will provide all we need.  God cares for us.

 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

In Luke 9 after a long day of speaking and healing Jesus was not ready to just send people away. He provided food to 5,000 people that were hungry. (There was even left-overs).  When the disciples were ready to call it a night, Jesus was focused on everyone else needs.  He is always focused on us in every aspect of our life the physical as well as the spiritual.

Matthew 20:28 the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

What an amazing example for us and how we can live our life.  The next verse is one of my pocket versus (literally).

Luke 9:23 If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?

I carry this verse around with me in my back pocket along with a few others because it is a reminder to submit my life to Him at all times. Putting aside my own selfish desires that I lived with for many years. I still struggle with selfishness but prayerfully look to God now as much as I can. I will continue to pray along this journey as we live our life for His purposes. In my own experiences when I’m doing things for myself and not for God’s kingdom I’m often hurting myself or others and ultimately hurting God when he has asked us to “follow me”. Our testimony’s are amazing examples of the divine plan he has for our lives when we submit to him. Am I willing to deny myself and my ambitions to take up my cross and follow him? Following Jesus is easy when life is going good; our true commitment to Him is revealed during trials. Here are a few questions to ponder.

  • Would I still follow Jesus if it meant losing friends?
  • Would I follow Jesus if I lost a family member?
  •  Would I still follow Jesus if it meant those uncomfortable conversations with family?
  •  Would I still follow Jesus if it meant the loss of my reputation?
  • Would I still follow Jesus if it meant losing my job?
  •  Would I still follow Jesus if it meant losing my life?

Luke 9:59 – 62 says “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 And Jesus[g] said to him, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Dear God, I know you love me where I’m at and I often have a “but let me” attitude when you want me to do something. I ask to give me a total dedication life to you God that you deserve. I know I’m not always dedicated like I know I should be please give me your courage, strength, and guidance to “take up my cross” and give my life to you daily. When facing various trials remind me that in Psalms 16:5 you say  Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is in your hands.  God, in Philippians 3:13 you remind us to keep our faith in you. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. 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”.

Amen

Foundation in Christ

Today’s Readings: Genesis 49; Luke 2; Job 15; 1 Corinthians 3

As children, we remember the story of the Three Little Pigs,  and in grade schools this story may come up now and then.  As we reflect on this fable the moral is about what we build our house with and whether or not it will stand based on “various trials”.  What we build our foundation on makes a difference.  I know someone who builds houses that could definitely go into more details, but the house I want to focus on today starts with one Cornerstone…Christ.

I Corinthians 3:11  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

Our foundation plays a factor in all life moments.  This includes our “highs and lows” (as we call them around our dinner table) and everything in-between of our daily lives.  Each day our foundation prayerfully shows characteristics of faith, prayer, wisdom, truth, humbleness, obedience, patience, giving, forgiving, and love.   When we have laid this foundation in ourselves we can depend on the Lord for everything. A daily foundation based in God’s truth, love, and grace will help us to keep a mind of Christ.  Just like our wisdom that comes from above, so does our foundation in life.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Luke 6:48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.

The foundation we create starts in our own lives based around God.  It starts with me.  If my foundation is made with the wrong materials or my blueprints are off it can be detrimental. This is something I experienced for many years of my life.

2 Timothy 2:19  But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

We then impact our families and everyone we interact with. Our Christ filled foundation impacts our heart, words, and actions. You will leave a legacy with your family. Often in education people will talk about the legacy they would like to leave with students and colleagues.  Our most important legacy will be with our family.  Your family always sees everything we say and do whether you want them to or not.  A daily walk with God as our foundation will build a foundation in your family. I pray daily that as a family we live more like Christ each day. I pray that God helps me to do this.  If there are any legacy’s I hope to leave it is that God has to be the center of everything. If you build your life on the foundations of God’s truth it can never be shaken.

Matthew 7:24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

On what have you built the foundation of your life?  Is it holding up?

What distractions in your life keeps you from fully building your foundation on the Bible?

Dear God, Let us always make your truth be our foundation. Let your perfect Word guide us daily and not let storms shake our foundation. Its about you and not me. Thank you for our foundation built on you Lord. Amen

 

Be on guard

Today’s Readings: Genesis 43; Mark 13; Job 9; Romans 13 

I’ve been knocked down more times than Glass Joe in the boxing game Mike Tyson Punch Out. Every time God would get me back to my feet before that final bell rung.  He provided me with support and love that I needed.  Unfortunately, I would go right back in the ring with my guard down trying to do things my own way again.

About 4 years ago I was delivered a hard blow that made me realize doing it on my own wasn’t working anymore and I’m losing the people closest to me in my corner. I cried out to God and he picked me up one more time and placed me in a church, small group, and in a relationship with Him that I gratefully accepted and really didn’t deserve.

Today’s reading in Mark & Romans reminds me of the listening we must do when in a relationship with God.  One thing I have grown to truly enjoy is being in the Word daily.  Everyday when I get to dig into the scripture I pick up something new that I hadn’t thought of before. Reading these journal entries has been inspiring and another daily reflection on His Word I love waking up to. If your not in the Word daily following along with these daily readings is a great way to start.

So what does the Word and Boxing have in common?  In Mark 13 we are told to “Be on your guard” 6 times in 36 versus.  In myself I find that without being in the Word its like walking into the ring with your arms behind your back.  The dance can only last so long.  God’s truth through the Word provides our way to “be on guard” while living in your present life.  Nobody would go into a title fight without training. Months of preparation is put into training and getting ready. Do we put the same preparation into the return of Jesus? Here are the 6 versus that are reminding us to “stay awake”.

Mark 13:9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness for them.  – Our mission to be a dangerous witness for God. This can put you in hard situations. We are here to share the Word with others. Mark 16:15 “And he said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Matthew 10:17-20 talks about this statement and to not be anxious about how you are to speak or what to say, because the Spirit of your Father will speak through you.

v. 23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. – The Bible has all the resources to live your life for Him. God has sent a perfect example for us in Jesus.

v. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. – We don’t know when it he will return.  Are you prepared? Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than we first believed.

v. 35 Therefore stay awake – for you do not know when the master of the house will come, – Follow God’s instructions, this preparation is for eternity.  1 Thessalonians 4:2 For you know what instructions we give you through the Lord Jesus.

v. 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. –  Also in 1 Thessalonians 5:6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.

v. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake – This is for all, we need to be confident in sharing the Word with others.Being on guard is for the present. Jesus foretells how we will be led astray.  Ephesians 6:11 Therefore put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the devils’s schemes. Through His Word we are provided a plan of how we should live. 

Romans 13 also reinforces the message to stay awake by reminding us to walk properly. Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Dear God, Thank you for picking me back up when I needed you most. Lord, I need you, every hour I need you.  When I am weak you are strong.  I surrender it all to you and understand my protection comes from you. I pray you tug on our hearts when we are falling asleep and to always keep our guard so someday we will spend eternity with you.  Amen

Choices of the Flesh

Today’s Readings:  Genesis 37; Mark 7; Job 3; Romans 7

There are many times when I catch myself saying something not Christ-like. I can act in a way that I know I shouldn’t, or have a thought that makes me wonder. Why God? I then reflect and proceed to pray and ask for forgiveness and wisdom to not repeat my shortcoming.  There has been many times where I make a bad decision and would point the blame somewhere else.  I now understand my insecurity a little more and try to just own it.  In today’s readings I’m reminded about my poor actions and thoughts.  I’m so grateful for our God who gives us Grace we don’t deserve. My desires to do right are always there, my mind and “flesh” have different plans sometimes.

Romans 7:18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.

I now try to pray throughout my day knowing any moment I could be led astray. I also try to pray in the moments before, during, and after my “flesh” is only thinking about myself and not around God.  Unfortunately, sometimes  my response is – “I’m sorry God, I failed again”. My wife Jennifer and I were baptized at Eastview in the last few years. It has dramatically changed our lives. Being born again through faith happens in seconds, becoming like Christ is a lifelong process.  I tell kids all the time, one of the hardest things we do in life is admit when we do something wrong.  We always want to be right and please yourself or others.  The truth is our actions and thoughts need to be more focused around God. The more we focus on Him, the less likely we will revert to our own ways.  He has given us a story that provides numerous examples of the way we should love others. We must depend on Christ to guide, support, and direct us in ours.

Romans 7:25 I serve the law with God in mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. In our weak earthly moments turn to God and give thanks to God for who He is.

In Mark 7:15 it reads There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him. 

This verse reminds me of the my choices I have in allowing what goes into my heart, mind, and body. But, it also reminds me what comes out is also from me. I pray in my responses and actions in our earthly life I act in a manner that was set by our greatest example Jesus.  It’s easy to say and can be encouraged when you start your day with the Word.  But our flesh doesn’t always allow this to happen.  The more you are reading and living in Christ your works will mirror your faith. Philippians 4:8 tells us whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything  worthy of praise, think about these things. Practice these things.

In Genesis 37 Joseph’s brothers sell him because of their “flesh” responses to his dreams. In Job 3, Job’s “flesh” response from the attack by Satan has Job question his own birth. In the unbelievable story of Job, he later goes on to confess and repent for his thoughts and actions.  We to need to do the same.

Job 42:2 I know you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.  

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 

Dear God, I am humbled, grateful, and broken.  You restore, comfort, and love us us like children.  Help us to be centered around you and not our own desires. Thank you for being the Father who picks us up when we are crying out. Thank you for being such a grace-filled  Father.  Amen

 

Preparing our Way

“Behold, I send a messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight”   Mark 1:2-3

“Behold”, the voice of one crying out! The word behold itself makes me look, wonder, who is he talking about?  Mark captures this image of John the Baptist proclaiming this message of Jesus to everyone over 2,000 years ago.  This same message is present for all of us today.  It’s such a blessing to hear and share the word with others knowing we are preparing each other for an eternity with him. The kingdom of God is at hand.  Jesus proclaimed the word and performed miracles with everyone providing support to their faith.  Jesus has performed miracles in my life.  I’m not worthy, but grateful. I pray to for our courageousness to share this good news with others and opening our eyes to witness the daily miracles around us. Helping us all to be prepared for him.

Mark 10:45 says  he came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many. (Thank You God)

To the eyes John wore camel hair and ate locust with honey. This image could possibly scare someone or start a new fad diet these days.  Either way, John’s faith and message of Jesus would change your life. “Behold!”At a time when some people were waiting for Jesus to come, John shared and prepared others for Jesus. John baptizes many telling those baptized, Jesus will baptize you  by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus wants us to repent for our sins asking for forgiveness. We need to build our relationship with him by faith and obey his word. (making our paths straight) In what ways are we preparing others for a relationship with God?

Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

Jesus has prepared our way and provided us with a way to live our lives. I recently heard, “We have been changed, and being changed“(Sanctified – Sanctification).  It’s an on-going process.

Jesus said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”. And immediately they left their nets and followed him(17-18). When we immediately do this we see the miracles he performs. When we do things at our time often our path goes off track and we need some spurring from God or fellow believers to get us back on.  I’m grateful for the spurring I receive from all of you.

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Paul reminds me in Romans 1:17 God is revealed from faith for faith. Having faith he has prepared a path just for you.  We strive to have our path that is righteous by faith. Apart from faith, we have no hope in life.  Thank you God for preparing our path to you.  What path are you on?