About Kelli LaFram

Kelli LaFram is actually Kelli LaFramboise, but no one can pronounce that, so with the permission of her hubby and four kids she writes under the shorter pen name. Kelli writes for Hello Mornings, has led Bible studies in her home, and serves in children's ministry at her local church. She is also an elementary school teacher and her hobbies include blogging, listening to audiobooks, drinking good coffee, and hand painting faith-based signs. You can connect with Kelli at www.kellilafram.com or on Facebook or Instagram @kellilafram.

The Simple Sweetness of Christmas

December 22, 2020 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

When I was a girl my grandmother made the most amazing fudge during the holidays. I could never get enough of it and I often ate more than my fair share. When I got older and had children of my own, I attempted to recreate her fudge. It didn’t go so well and, being the perfectionist that I was, I felt like a failure. I had failed. I never attempted Grandma’s fudge again.

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:21

It is easy to get caught up in the outward trappings of Christmas — the tinsel, the toys, the ornaments and trees, the things that are beautiful and pleasing to the eye. The desire to create a delicious Christmas feast and an awe-inspiring table setting can become the center of our focus.

I believe that many of us do this out of a desire to create wonderful Christmas memories for ourselves and our loved one, but for some there is another motive to our actions. It is our hope that we will be seen as perfectly polished and put-together. We want to be seen as capable, creative, and accomplished.

We don’t want to be seen as a human with limited skill — as a person unable to provide the flaw-free Christmas we dream of.

But we are human. We will disappoint ourselves and others. Life is not perfect and it won’t be until Jesus returns.

This drive to be seen as perfect can manifest itself beyond the holidays. It can easily show up in our everyday lives and in our walk with God. In a world where everyone posts their best moments to Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, it can be easy to look at others and think “I’ve got to be perfect too.”

But perfection is not our reality yet.

Christ sees our flaws, knows our shortcomings and understands our limits. He has a front row seat to our sin — our poor attitudes, our prideful desire to be seen better than we are, our tendencies to forget Him on Christmas — and He steps into the mess with us anyway.

On the day Jesus was born there was no tinsel or toys, not perfectly sweet fudge, no mother stressing about the Christmas feast. There was only a small family, the agony of childbirth, and a dirty feeding trough to use a crib.

The first Christmas was messy… but it was simple and sweet and perfect as well.

The first Christmas was the chapter in the redemption story that would eventually lead to the atonement for our sins. That atonement was made on the cross several years later.

Years after my first and only attempt at Grandma’s fudge, I opened a can of condensed milk by mistake. I didn’t want it to go to wasts, so I googled “condensed milk recipes” and came across a 3-ingredient fudge recipe that is made in the microwave.

In the microwave! Can you believe it!?!

The fudge was oh so yummy — not nearly as good as Grandma’s, but my family enjoyed it anyway and they asked to make it again the next day. And guess what? I did because of the simplicity of it.

What’s the point of my fudge story? Life doesn’t need to be our version of perfect to be sweet. Simple things like simple 3-ingredient fudge recipes can be tasty and pleasing.

And here is something else that is simple and sweet and does not require our perfection: the Gospel. It’s the truth that we are sinners who can not save ourselves. We are in need of a saviour who loves us and is willing to pay the penalty of our sin on our behalf. There is only one who can (and did!) do that for us — His name is Jesus.

Lord, please help us to keep our eyes focused on your Son and the reason for His birth. Helps us to always remember that He was born on Christmas day so that He could die for our sins and rise again to make us perfect and holy in your sight. Thank you for loving us. In your name. Amen.

3-Ingredient Fudge

INGREDIENTS

1 can Sweetened Condensed milk (14 ounces)
2 cups (1 12 ounce bag) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

Butter a square pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal of set fudge. Set aside.
In a microwave safe 2 quart bowl, heat chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk, on high for 1 minute. Remove from microwave. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir to combine. If needed, heat an additional 30 seconds. Stir until chips are completely melted and chocolate is smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract. Pour fudge into prepared pan. Let fudge cool completely before cutting into 1 inch squares. (you can place in the refrigerator for 1 hour to speed up the process.)
Store in an airtight container. Fudge does not need to be kept refrigerated.

For the complete set of directions and tips visit https://chocolatechocolateandmore.com/3-minute-fudge/.

Photos from Chocolate, Chocolate, and More.

Let the Word Dwell

November 24, 2020 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

We were all, at one point, dead in our sin — dead, lost, eternally doomed, spiritually separated from God the Father. But then, when we put our faith in Christ for salvation, we were made alive together with Him. Our sins were forgiven and the requirement for us to fulfill the law was erased (Colossians 2:13-14). We were made new! And as we walk with Christ, we continue to be renewed by His Spirit.

This month we have been studying Colossians 3:1-17 and what it means to be renewed — what it means to put on the new self. Today we will look closely at verses 16 and 17. We will think about what it means to let the word of Christ dwell in us. We will also discuss what it means to do all in the name of the Lord, but before we do that we need to look at what Christianity is not.

Following Christ, Not Rules

In Colossians 2:11-23, Paul writes that following Christ is not about legalism. Following Christ is not the same as following rules and laws.

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ~ Colossians 2:13-14

He goes on to say that when you worry about the food you eat, the drinks you consume, and holidays you celebrate, you are robbed of your true reward, which is Christ (vv 16-18). In other words, when your mind is consumed with how well you do or do not keep religious laws you miss out on true and intimate fellowship with Jesus.

Instead we are to seek Christ and set our mind on Him, hide ourselves in Him, and refuse to walk in sin (Colossians 3:1-9). We are to walk like the renewed creations that we are, displaying mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love (vv 12-14).

But let’s be honest. We can’t do these things, not on our own anyway. For a time we may be able to, but there is a limit to our goodness. And when our goodness runs out? Well, we find our old ways creeping back in — anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language (v 8) just to name a few.

So what do we do? We hold fast to Christ, who is “the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God” (Colossians 2:19) and we can do this in two ways: 1) by letting the word of Christ dwell in us and 2) doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ~ Colossians 3:16

Paul writes “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” The word dwell is also used when he reminds the Corinthians that they are the temple of God,

For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people’ ~2 Corinthians 6:16

In order to be renewed by God we must be indwelled by God. His words, His will, His power must inhabit our thoughts and influence our actions. And not just a little bit, but “richly in all wisdom.” This rich wisdom comes from spending dedicated time in prayer, reading and studying the Bible, and hiding His word in our hearts (aka memorizing Scripture). All of these things will lead to acts of worship and adoration — “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. ~Colossians 3:17

One question that we need to continually ask ourselves as Christians is why? Why am I doing this? Why am I choosing this? Why do I believe this? The answer should be I am doing it for the name of the Lord. One of my favorite commentators, David Guzik says that a renewed person “lives his life, all his life, for Jesus. He will only seek to do the things that he may do in the name of the Lord Jesus, and he will persevere in the difficulty of doing such things, knowing that he is doing them in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Doing all in the name of Jesus may seem overwhelming or impossible. On our own it is, but we are not on our own. We have been renewed so that Jesus can dwell inside us. He is with us. He makes it possible for us to live for Him. Jesus is the one whom we receive nourishment and strength from — no one or nothing else.

As we live our renewed lives may we never forget to hold fast to Christ.

Lord, I thank you that you have made us alive with you — that you have renewed us. I ask that your word would continue to dwell richly in us and that by your Spirit we would be able to do all things in your name. I praise you for who you are and all that you have done. In your name. Amen.

Handwriting Bible Study Methods

October 27, 2020 by Kelli LaFram 1 Comment

This month in our Life Long Learners series we have been giving you a glimpse of how we each study God’s Word. If you’ve been following along with the series, I’m sure you gleaned an awesome tip or two. You’ve probably noticed that our methods of study vary greatly from person to person. Today I’m going to share my favorite study methods and tools. You ready? All you need (other than your Bible) is a pen and a spiral notebook. Yep, that’s it — nothing fancy! Better yet, no WiFi required! Here’s how.

Handwriting the Word

One of my favorite ways to take in God’s is to write it out by hand. It is a slow process. I’ve been handwriting the Psalms for nearly two years, filled up multiple notebooks, and I’m still not done. That said, taking time to handwrite each verse helps me slowly savor and digest God’s message.

When I do nothing more than read a passage, I am likely to read too fast and even more likely to miss the intended message. However, when I handwrite God’s Word I am forced to think about each verse, word by word and letter by letter. As I slowly write, my mind has more time to consider the meaning of the verses and think about how God wants me to apply them to my life. It is even a slow enough process that I can pray as the pen moves across the paper. Handwriting God’s Word has become a ritual that I enjoy and look forward to each morning.

Double-entry Journal

I also like using a spiral notebook to keep a double-entry journal. Keeping this type of journal involves handwriting God’s Word, but it takes it a step further and allows me to record my thoughts, questions, and prayers; it gives space to record word study notes (see Lisa’s post from last week) and cross reference to other passages in the Bible.

I most often use this methods of journaling when I’m beginning to write a bible study or blog series. I also use the double-entry journal when I’m preparing to teach a group study or children’s church. I frequently use it for personal Bible study as well.

Here is how it works:

Want to give it a try? Here’s how:

At the top of a blank page write the passage and passage title you are studying. You may also want to include the date for future reference.
Without removing the page from the notebook, fold the page in half lengthwise. You can draw a line down the crease if you like. Now you have two columns on your page.
In the left column write out word-for-word the scriptures that jump out at you. There is no need to write the entire passage unless you just want to.
In the right hand column, next to the scripture, write out your thoughts, questions, other scripture references, song lyrics, word studies, or anything else you think is relevant to the scripture.

If you are not feelin’ the handwriting thing, you could always type a double entry journal. In your prefer word processing software (Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, etc) you would insert a two column table and then follow steps 3 and 4. You can also download this printable from a post I shared last year during our Bible Study Notebook series.

Like with handwriting God’s word, using a double-entry journal encourages you to slow down and meditate on God’s word. It also helps you to connect what you are currently reading to your prior knowledge of the Bible. Both study methods, handwriting the Word and double-entry journaling, help you to know, understand, and remember Scripture. They also help you to think about your thinking and refine what you believe about God and the Bible.

Like I said earlier, everyone studies in a different way. All this handwriting may not be for you. However, if you are looking for a simple, no fuss (and no WIFI needed) way to dig deeper into God’s Word, I encourage you to give one (or both!) of these methods a try.

Only by grace,

Kelli

Put on Your Gospel Hat

September 22, 2020 by Kelli LaFram 1 Comment

We all wear many hats and those hats usually change with the different places we go. The “work hat” is worn Monday through Friday. “Student hat” late at night as we complete another essay. “Friend hat” when we meet for a girls night. “Neighbor hat” when we walk the extra tomatoes from our garden to the folks next door. “Church hat” Sunday mornings and Wednesday evening for Bible study. We might also have a “wife hat,” “mom hat,” “chef hat,” etc., etc., etc. But what about our “Gospel hat”? Is it the same as our “church hat” or is it something different? More importantly, when do we put it on and when do we take it off?

The Great Commission

This month the Do Not Depart contributors are writing about missional living — living as disciples of Christ, striving to represent His kingdom well, and carrying out His mission on earth. When I think of this I think of the great commission.

Just before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus spoke to His disciples. He said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus assigned them a mission and, as disciples born of their obedience, we are assigned this mission as well.

To go and make disciples looks a little different for each of us depending on where God has situated us on this planet. However, no matter who we are, where we are, or what we do for a living we can start tackling this assignment right away. We can begin sharing the gospel with the people around us — with our families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

The Gospel is the Key to the Mission

The Gospel is the most wonderful news on the planet. The Gospel tells us that the one perfect, holy God stepped out of heaven to save us — people who are ugly rotten sinners deserving of death. He did this by living a perfect life but taking our punishment for sin. That punishment? A gruesome death on a Roman cross.

But the Gospel doesn’t stop there. Not only did Jesus take our punishment, He rose from the grave defeating eternal spiritual death. He also gives us His reward for living His perfect life. Those that put their faith in Him are forgiven of their sins, made holy and blameless, and are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3-7).

The Gospel is wonderful news and we need to live it.

Living the Gospel starts with remembering that we were once enemies of God. Before someone shared the Gospel with us, before the Holy Spirit got ahold of our hearts, before we confessed our sins and put our faith in Jesus we walked and talked how we wanted, we indulge our lusts, and fulfilled the desires of our flesh. We did all that and God still made a way for us to be alive together with Christ (read Ephesians 2:1-4). We cannot forget this as we go on a mission for Jesus sharing His gospel. By grace you have been saved! And it is by grace that others will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as well.

Sharing the Gospel with Your Actions

Many of us have heard that our actions speak louder than our words. This is because when we say one thing and do another, people notice. If we say that we have been saved by grace, but do not show grace to others we are hypocrites. Instead we need to treat others… no we need to love others the way God has loved us.

Sharing the Gospel with our actions means what we do and how we treat people reflects what God did for us and how He continues to treat us. Here are just a few examples of how that looks:

- Forgiving those who have hurt you. Jesus forgave while hanging on the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” — Luke 23:34
- Choosing not to judge. Jesus looked at the woman caught in adultery and said, “‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ She said, ‘ No one, Lord.’ And Jesus said, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.’” — John 8:10-11
- Returning a blessing for a curse. Peter wrote, “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing… For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God…” — 1 Peter 2:9, 18
- Speaking kindly of others and choosing not to gossip. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” I hear a lot of people say that if something is true then it’s not gossip. If what is “true” is not your information to share or sharing does not give grace to the person you are speaking about, then you are gossiping.
- Displaying contentment and joy in all circumstances. We live on Earth so this is difficult. However, meditating on what Jesus has done for us helps us to keep our eyes on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2).

When we display these types of behaviors to those around us, it glorifies God. It displays a way of life that is more appealing than anything this world has to offer. People become curious and start to ask why we are different.

Sharing the Gospel with Your Words

Many of us feel awkward or uncomfortable when it comes to talking about Jesus. Perhaps we fear making others feel awkward or uncomfortable as well, but it is a fear we need to get over and get over quickly. We wouldn’t feel this way when it comes to talking about other people that we love or care for, such as our friends and family members. If they have done something remarkable we share it. We don’t shy away from talking about these people and we shouldn’t shy away from speaking about Jesus and what He has done for us either.

When it comes to sharing the Gospel verbally it’s important to speak the truth, be specific not vague, and speak about eternity frequently. There is a lot of misinformation about Christianity and what it means to be saved. We must be clear that Christianity is about being in a relationship with Christ and that salvation is received through Christ alone. It cannot be found through anyone or anything else.

We must also speak of our eternity frequently. Earth is not our eternal home. Our eternal home will be heaven or hell depending on whether or not we put our faith in Jesus. For nonbelievers earth is the best their lives will ever be; for believers the best is yet to come. Speaking about eternity is not meant to scare others into being a Christian. Rather it is meant to highlight the fact our full satisfaction and joy will be found in the presence of our Saviour.

Let the Holy Spirit Do His Work

Here is one last thought about sharing the Gospel: it’s not our job to change the hearts of nonbelievers. That job belongs to the Holy Spirit. Jesus asks us to share His good news and then make disciples of those who choose to follow him.

“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces” — Matthew 7:6. In other words, don’t force the Gospel on someone who doesn’t want to hear it. Instead pray for them, asking the Holy Spirit to prepare their hearts to receive the truth of Jesus.

I mentioned at the beginning of the post that we wear many hats throughout the week. We put them on and take them off as we go about our business, but our “Gospel hat” needs to stay put, day in and day out, no matter what we are doing. I guess this isn’t a great metaphor if you are picturing yourself wearing two baseball caps at the same time . But if you realise that your life, every aspect of it, is an avenue to share the gospel with your family, friends and co-workers, then you also realize that your “Gospel hat” replaces all the others. Your “Gospel hat” stays put because it is essential to missional living.

Hope for Overcoming Sin

August 25, 2020 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

Fed up, tired, ashamed, hopeless — these are just a few of the emotions I experience when I’m dealing with this one nagging sin that I can’t seem to kick to the curb. We all have one, right? One sin (maybe more than one if we’re honest) that we just can’t seem to get a handle on. A sin that rears its ugly head every time we think things are going well. A sin that reminds us how weak and inadequate we are.

For me, one of these sins is gluttony. My particular “lust of the flesh” comes in the form of my desire to over indulge my taste buds — to completely refuse to exercise any self-control and eat until my belly hurts and my head is hanging in regret. Food: it’s the addiction I don’t know how to quit.

Now, before you start to think this post is about my sinful relationship with calories, let me make it clear that it is not. This post is about our struggle with sin and the hope that we have to overcome it. And let me give you a little hint in how we overcome it: the hope is not found in ourselves, it’s found in Jesus.

We are Death-bound Sinners

Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. We also know that we can’t keep God’s law, because “whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it” (James 2:10). On our own, we are down-right, good-for-nothing sinners. It’s been part of our human-nature ever since Adam and Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit. We can’t help it. Apart from Jesus, we are each a slave to our sins (John 8:34).

And because we are sinners we deserve punishment. Not just a small punishment either. The Bible tells us that “the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23a). According to BlueLetterBible.org, the original Greek word for death can be defined as “death comprising all the miseries arising from sin, as well physical death as the loss of a life consecrated to God and blessed in him on earth, to be followed by wretchedness in hell.” In other words, death is eternal, everlasting separation from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Good, Good News

But that isn’t the end of the story. Did you notice the ellipses, the three little periods at the end of the verse I just quoted? The entire verse says “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, emphasis added). Yes, we filthy sinners deserve death, but God offers us eternal life through — and only through — His son Jesus.

But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~Romans 5:8

Here is the good, good news: even though each and every one of us deserve hell we don’t have to end up there. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves from sin, but God has provided us with the free gift of salvation — His son living a perfect life, dying our death, and rising again to justify us. All because He chooses to love us.

But We Still Sin

But we still sin, don’t we? Yes, we are forgiven and justified, but we still sin! Struggling with sin is nothing new. Paul wrote about it extensively in Romans 7. He says “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do” (v 15). In other words, Paul is saying no matter how hard he wants to stop sinning he can’t. Even though he knows the law of God, he can not keep it. And because he can not keep it, he sins time and time again.

Oh, I can relate! Can’t you?

Hope in His Faithfulness

But there is hope! If you take the time to read Romans 7 you might notice that Paul continually uses the pronoun I. The focus of that chapter is himself and his ability (or inability) to keep the law. It is through this focus on self that Paul teaches us that when we rely on our ability to overcome sin we will fail every single time.

Every. Single. Time.

Instead we need to focus, rely, and trust in Jesus.

After Paul confesses that he can not keep from sinning he writes:

“For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-5)

Paul is making it clear that we have a choice to make. We can either 1) focus on ourselves and our sin (setting our minds on things of the flesh) or 2) focus on Jesus and all that He has done on our behalf (setting our minds on things of the Spirit).

Let me explain it another way. I’m a food glutton and when I think about all the food I should not be eating, guess what? My craving for those earthly things increases. When I repeatedly rely on my own ability to exercise self-control and deny my cravings, my cravings grow stronger and my self-control buckles under the weight of my desire. This is me setting my mind on things of the flesh.

However, if I choose to set my mind on things of the Spirit it’s a different story. When I focus on Jesus I find strength and satisfaction in Him, not in food. My desire to be a glutton diminishes and my desire to be like Christ flourishes.

There is one verse that I am constantly repeating to myself. It reminds me that the struggle with sin will not last forever. The verse is 1 John 1:9. It says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

What a promise!

Yes, we will sin, but if we confess our sin we can rest and take hope in the promise that Jesus will forgive and cleanse us completely.

Lord in Heaven, you are more good than I can fathom. Your promises are more hope giving than anything I can find on this earth. Thank you for not expecting me to take care of my own sin. Thank you for meeting me in my struggle, forgiving me, and promising to make me clean. Help me to rest and trust in all that you have done and continue to do. Amen.

In His Image: Created to Rest

July 28, 2020 by Kelli LaFram 1 Comment

I’m a teacher and I work with several wonderful women, but given the nature of the job — the constant busyness of educating young people — it’s hard to get to know any of my coworkers well during the normal school day. Each of us are continually serving or preparing to serve our students. Each minute is given to the work at hand. There is little time for rest between 7:45 and 3:45, Monday through Friday, so it wasn’t until a handful of us decided to start a book club that we began to become more than just co-workers. When we deliberately chose to set aside time to rest, relax, and enjoy one-another’s company we became friends.

Created to Rest

This month on the Do Not Depart blog we are looking at how we, mankind, are created in the image of God. We are created to reflect His image in many ways, including (but not limited to) how we speak, love, are creative, and seek justice. We are also created to complete good works— just like He does. But along with this work, we are created to rest.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. ~ Genesis 2:1-3

Jesus Shows Us How to Rest

God worked, created, and gave life to the whole world in six days. On the seventh He rested. Genesis is not the only place we can see that God rests and has created us to rest as well. We can also look at Jesus, because if we see Jesus we also see the Father.

“I and the Father are one” ~ John 10:30

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ~ John 14:9

Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and praying. In other words, for 40 days He rested in the company and provision of His Father. This rest gave Jesus the strength to resist the devil’s temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). It also prepared Him to begin His earthly ministry (vv 12-17).

There are other accounts throughout the Gospels in which Jesus frequently sought time for both physical and spiritual rest. He made rest a priority. For example, He slept when the storms raged around Him at sea (Matthew 8:23-27). He sought solitude to pray and rest even when multitudes wanted to hear Him preach (Matthew 14:23). He rested in fellowship and communion with His friends and disciples (Matthew 26:19-30). When faced with great suffering, He prioritized prayer and resting in the will of His Father (Matthew 26: 36-46).

Jesus had a mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). This good work took great effort, but He did not neglect rest in the process. We should not either.

We Need Rest

The Hebrew word for rest, which appears in Genesis 2:2, is shabath and it means to cease, desist, or rest from labor. Shabath appears again in the passage describing the Sabbath Law.

It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed. ~ Exodus 31:17

Here the word rested is used with the word refreshed. Rest and refreshment go together. We need rest, but not for the sake of simply obeying the law. We need rest to be refreshed — to be given new strength and energy, to be reinvigorated.

How does rest refresh us? Rest only truly refreshes us, body and soul, when we spend time with Jesus — just being with and enjoying Him, worshipping Him, and getting to know Him.

This sounds wonderful, right? But how do we rest?

How to Rest

The struggle to rest is real. It takes a conscious effort to break the habit of busyness. As we begin to break this habit and form new habits of rest, we need to remember we are no longer under the law. We do not rest in order to fulfill religious obligations or to make God happy. We rest because we are created to do so. So as you struggle to rest, give yourself grace just as Jesus does.

Here are some practical ways to literally rest:

Enjoy an actual lunch break (not a working lunch)
Go for a walk
Read your bible
Sing worship songs
Memorize scripture
Spend time in prayer and meditation
Keep a journal

We have many ways to rest. Let the purpose of our rest be this: to be refreshed in Christ.

Rest is Not a Waste

Many of us, myself included, often look at rest as a waste of time. When our to-do lists seem to be ever growing, we often rationalize skipping rest. We tell ourselves, “when items X, Y, and Z are done, then I can take a break.”

But let me ask you this: what happens when our work leaves us beyond exhausted? What, or rather who, suffers? The people around us suffer. Our relationships get neglected and those we claim to love may not actually be receiving our love.

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that my co-workers and I started to become friends when we intentionally made time for one another — when we rested together. The same is true for our relationship with God. As we spend time resting with and in Him we will become more familiar with who He is and His love for us.

Rest is something we are created for. Let’s not neglect it.

Lord in heaven, thank you for creating us to rest. Thank you for the example of rest that you have provided for us in your son Jesus. Just as He prioritized rest, please teach us to do the same. Give us the desire to spend time resting with you and with others. Help us to trust that the time will be well spent and that it will provide the refreshment we need to accomplish the good work you have tasked us to do. In the name of your Son I pray. Amen.

Let the purpose of our rest be this: to be refreshed in Christ. #InHisImage

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Blessed Assurance is Knowing that Jesus is Ours

June 25, 2020 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

Today’s post is part of the The HIStories Behind the Hymns series. It focuses on the song “Blessed Assurance” and the amazing woman who wrote it Fanny Crosby.

The Gift of Blindness

Fanny Crosby was born in Putnam County, New York in 1820. At six weeks old she was mistreated for an eye infection — the treatment burned her corneas and left her permanently blind. One year later, her father died leaving her mother a widower and the financial provider of the family.

One would think these two events would lead to a life of bitterness and self-pity, but this was not the case for Fanny. She viewed her blindness as a gift not a burden. At age 8 she wrote the following poem:

Oh, what a happy soul I am,

although I cannot see!

I am resolved that in this world

Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy

That other people don’t,

To weep and sigh because I’m blind

I cannot, and I won’t!

Fanny was not only a lover of poetry, she was also a lover of God’s word. Under the guidance of her mother and family members, Fanny memorized all four gospels, the first 5 books of the Old Testament, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, and many Psalms.

At age 15, Fanny enrolled at the New York Institute for the Blind. There she learned to play several instruments and received vocal lessons. She also continued to write poetry and had many opportunities to recite for several prominent people, including President James K. Polk, Henry Clay, William Cullen Bryant.

Sharing the Blessed Assurance of the Gospel

In addition to poetry, Fanny wrote hymns. Her goal was to share the Gospel. She knew that there were many people in the world who would not ordinarily go to church and her hope was that they would hear the Gospel through her lyrics. You can hear the Gospel preached through this beautiful hymn Blessed Assurance.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

Refrain:

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long;

This is my story, this is my song,

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels, descending, bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

What is Blessed Assurance?

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

As believers who put their faith in the saving work of the Cross, we can have the blessed assurance that our eternity will be spent in the presence of our Saviour. In other words, we know with certainty that we are heirs with Christ because we have been washed by His blood. The lyrics of “Blessed Assurance” give us a glimpse of what this will look like.

Though we fail at perfect submission now, one day we will not. Though sometimes we doubt His love and mercy, it will be continually echoed and whispered to us in Heaven. Today we struggle to rest, we struggle to be lost in His love, but one day in the near future we will sing “I in my Savior am happy and blest…Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.”

Blessed assurance is knowing that Jesus ours!

For God’s Glory Alone

Fanny wrote more than 9,000 hymns, including “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” “Rescue the Perishing,” “The Bright Forever,” “Savior, More Than Life to Me,” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.” One would think that she should have gained much notoriety and wealth for her talents, but this was not the case. Fanny penned several hymns under many different pseudonyms. Some historians believe this was her way of humbly keeping the name of Jesus, not her own, at the forefront of her musical ministry. She also donated much of her monetary earnings for these hymns to the various missions she supported

Later in life someone remarked to Fanny how sad it was that she had lived her entire life blind. Her response was remarkable. She told him that she wouldn’t have it any other way “because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” How beautiful to live in anticipation of seeing the face of Jesus!

Fanny died in 1915, but she had lived for God. She gave Him her life and He used her blindness and her talents for His everlasting glory.

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:2

Sources Referenced:

Prepare for Attack: Take the Helmet of Salvation

September 19, 2019 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

“If we are walking worthy of our calling…then we can be absolutely certain that we will have opposition and conflict” (John MacArthur, Ephesians: Our Immeasurable Blessings in Christ).

This month we are talking about the armor of God and our need for it as we stand firm against Satan and his host of demons. The truth is that Satan does exist and he wants to do all that he can to make your Christian walk miserable. Not just miserable; he wants you to fail.

Praise the Lord we are not left to battle these evil forces on our own. We have the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the support of the Church, and we have the armor of God.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints… (Ephesians 6:11-18)

The Purpose of the Helmet of Salvation

In verse 17, Paul tells believers to “take the helmet of salvation.” A helmet is designed to protect the head from injury. We see them on cyclists, those in boxing rings, astronauts, construction workers and many athletes. Helmets are designed to protect the physical structure of our cranium and brain. The Helmet of Salvation, however, is designed for much more than that.

Salvation refers to our deliverance from the consequences of our sin — the fact that we deserve eternal separation from God. Salvation is not something that a person can earn. God’s salvation is freely given to us the moment we place our faith in the truth that Jesus took on our sin and paid our debt when He let sinners hang Him on a Roman cross. Just before Jesus took His last breath, He said, “It is finished.” This forever signified that the finally sacrifice had been made and work would no longer need to be done to please God the Father.

Satan, however, doesn’t want us to believe this truth.

He attacks with weapons of doubt, so God gives us the helmet of salvation.

The purpose of this helmet is to guard our thoughts from the enemy’s attack. Satan would love nothing more than to get us to doubt our salvation and God’s for us. He wants us to believe that maybe we haven’t actually been saved. He wants us pondering whether or not we have to earn God’s favor or take on some responsibility in our salvation.

If Satan can get into our heads he can do all sorts of damage.

Doubt in the Lord’s salvation may manifest itself in different ways. A believer may:

live outside her calling and take on more responsibility than she was designed for in an effort to earn her salvation,
ignore her doubt, never confess it to Jesus, and miss the opportunity for her faith to grow, or
walk away from Christ all together.

How to Take The Helmet of Salvation

Paul says “take the helmet of salvation.” Take is a verb. It is something we must do. No, not something we must do to earn salvation. Rather, we must do it to remember our salvation. Perhaps to take the helmet simply means to take the time to remember that our salvation has already been accomplished. It doesn’t take much for us to start taking for granted all that Jesus went through in order to secure our salvation, so it’s important practice meditating on the Cross.

Here are a few simple ways to “take the helmet of salvation” and prepare us for the enemy’s attacks:

When reading the Bible, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how the passage is connected to God’s salvation for mankind.
Take the time daily to thank Jesus for the Cross.
Partake in communion with your local church.
Spend time worshiping God for His sacrifice on your behalf.

These are effective ways to prepare yourself for the attack of the enemy. However, they will not stop the attacks.

When Doubt Hits

Satan will do all he can to make you doubt. And sometimes, you will doubt. When that happens do this:

Confess “I believe, but help my unbelief!”

In Mark 9 the father of a sick boy has a mixture of belief and doubt that Jesus could heal his son. The father doesn’t let the doubt take over. He doesn’t pretend he has only faith. Instead he confesses the truth — that he believed, but still possessed some doubt. Its the most amazing thing! He gave his mixture of faith and doubt to Jesus. It was the best thing for the man to do. It is the best thing for us to do.

When we are attacked by Satan’s weapons of doubt we can let the doubt take over, we can try to pretend it doesn’t exist, or we can confess it to Jesus.

To take the helmet of salvation means to put into place the simple practice of remembering what Jesus has done for us. And when we doubt does creep in, it also means trusting Him enough to cry out for help.

Lord, I know that You have provided my salvation. You have saved me from my sins. I trust that You are enough. But sometimes I don’t. Sometimes my daily practice of remembering the cross is forgotten. Sometimes I am lazy and take for granted all that you have done for me. I take off my helmet rather than take it up. Forgive me. Help me to prepare for the enemy’s attack. And when his weapons do find their target, help me to remember to cry out to You. You are my only help! You are my only strength and my defense. I need you. I believe, but help my unbelief! Amen.

Bible Study Notebook: Double-Entry Journal Sheets

August 22, 2019 by Kelli LaFram 1 Comment

There are a number of wonderful Bible studies available that have been written and published by great Bible teachers. There are some amazing online tools available for word study and reading or listening to Bible commentary. However, there are times in our lives when we just want to open our Bibles and listen to what the Lord wants to say directly to us. Enter the double-entry journal.

Today’s printable is a double-entry journal page and is a great tool for building a Bible study notebook. It will help us record and meditate on all that comes to our minds as we enjoy God’s word.

I can’t take credit for this simple study tool. I’m not sure who originally came up with the double-entry journal, but I started using it years ago during my personal Bible study. I enjoy it because it is simple and flexible.

How to Use a Double-Entry Journal

Here’s how it works:

Print out several double entry journal pages (or see this post on how to convert a spiral notebook to a double-entry journal).
Fill in the passage and the passage title at the top of the page.
In the left column, write out word-for-word the any verses that grab your attention. (NOTE: You could also opt to write out the entire passage you are studying. This requires more printed journal pages, but also promotes greater concentration on God’s words.)
As ideas, questions, other verses, song lyrics, prayers or praises come to mind write them in the right column next to verse that triggered your thought.

Benefits of a Double-Entry Journal

Using a double entry journal can encourage you to slow down and truly meditate on Gods word. This simple technique helps you to:

know, understand, and remember Scripture;
connect what you are reading to your prior knowledge of the Bible;
express the feeling, thoughts, and/or questions you have;
think critically about and refine what you believe about God and His word;
respond in prayer or praise to God’s heart for; and
recognize sin and repent.

A double-entry journal section will be a great addition to your Bible study notebook. Regularly recording your time with God in such a way can become a habit that is rich and rewarding. Give it a try for a week or two. Then come back and leave a comment letting us all know what you think.

Only by grace,

Kelli

Download the double-entry journal page.

Get all the Bible Study Notebook printable here.

Here’s a simple & flexible way to meditate on God’s word. Free printables! #BuildaBiblenotebook

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New Covenant, New Transformation, & Remission of Sin

July 25, 2019 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog, we’ve been exploring the #onceforall theme found in Hebrews 10. Check out previous posts in this series.

At one time in my life I had this horribly wrong idea about God and His plan for the Cross. In my misinformed mind I believed that God sent Jesus to the Cross in order to say “there you go, now you owe Me one.”

Can you imagine!? Our loving Father sending His beloved Son, not to pay for our sins permanently but only to temporarily give us time to pay Him back!? How awful!

I am thankful my ideas were so, so, so wrong. And these verses in Hebrews are just a few of many that tell us that Jesus didn’t do us a favor. No, instead He paid our debt in full FOREVER!

And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “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,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. ~ Hebrews 10:15-18

The author of Hebrews quotes the prophet Jeremiah, who quoted Yahweh when he wrote “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them…Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” The phrase “I will write” implies that the laws would be permanently affixed to the hearts and minds of God’s people. It gives the impression that God would etch His divine will into them, just as He did when He wrote the the ten commandments on to the stone tablets with His finger (Deuteronomy 9:10). When God spoke through Jeremiah, He was promising a new covenant in which transformation would take place within His people. He would forget their sin forever and they would have the privilege to draw near to God by faith, not works — faith in Jesus, not works of the law (see Hebrews 10:22).

What a gift! What grace!

(On a not-so-little side note, the way the author words verse 15 and 16 has great significance. They clearly show us that the Holy Spirit is Yahweh. He is just as much God as the Father and the Son. “But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD…’” [emphasis mine])

The author of Hebrews goes on to say, “Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” The Greek word for remission means forgiveness or pardon of sins, as in letting them go as if they had never been committed. We should owe for our sin. There is a penalty for breaking God’s perfect law. We deserve to die, not just a physical death, but an eternal spiritual separation from God, for the sins we have committed. But we don’t have to die because, like Cheli said in the last post, Jesus’ mission is complete. He took our penalty and in doing so offered a perfect and final sacrifice for our sin. On the Cross He died our death. Then He rose again and sat down at the right hand of God.

God is perfect and holy and has every right to require us to pay the penalty due for our sin. He could have said, “There you go, now you owe Me one,” but God’s divine will is not to punish us. His will is that we draw near (Patti will write more on this next week in her post covering verses 19-22). Scripture illuminates this time and time again.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ~Matthew 11:28

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ~ John 3:16

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ~ 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ 1 John 1:9

Thank You, Lord, for this new covenant You have established with us. Thank You for Your Son, the Cross, and the forgiveness of sin. We know it was our debt that You paid. We know that it is by Your mercy and grace we are forgiven and our sins is forgotten. O, how great is You love and compassion. May we never take it for granted. Please continue to transform us from the inside out. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Unity in Marriage Points to Jesus

June 20, 2019 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

All this month on the blog, we’ll be exploring the marriage metaphor found in Scripture. Check out previous posts in this series.

Lighting a unity candle is a relatively new tradition in Christian weddings. It symbolizes two individuals joining together in one relationship. The bride and the groom each take their own tapers and together light a third candle, usually a pillar. Once their flames have been united and the pillar is lit, they each extinguish their individual tapers. They are no longer two, but united as one.

Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. ~Genesis 2:24.

The unity a man and wife share in one flesh is a reflection — albeit a dim reflection — of the unity we have with Jesus. According to the Apostle Paul, because the marriage is a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church, wives are to submit to their husband and husbands are to love their wives as they love themselves.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. ~Ephesians 5:22-30

Could you imagine the trust your husband would have in you if you submitted to and trusted him the way the Church is to submit to and trust Jesus? Could you imagine how fearlessly you would live if you knew that your husband loved you and would protect you the way Jesus does for his Bride? I try but I don’t think my mind can fully grasp how freeing this would be for both me and my husband. I can only begin to imagine what we could accomplish together in this life if we fully loved, submitted to, and trust each other the way God intends us to.

Now, remember that a Christian marriage is a picture for Christ and his bride the Church. What do you think He wants to accomplish through His relationship with His bride? What do you think could happen if she fully submitted to Him? What do you think could happen if she fully understood His love for her? When she fully respected His authority? When she knew that she was utterly cherished and completely protected?

I’ll tell you! Amazing things, that’s what! Christ’s Bride would reflect his glory, people would be drawn to the remarkable power of the gospel, and old, dead lives would be made knew.

When we see couples that are truly united, when they have let go of being individuals and are fully committed to being “one flesh” we notice. There is something special about their marriage that is intriguing. We recognize her respect for him and his love for her and we go, “I want that, too!” That is also the purpose of the oneness of Christ and His Bride.

Jesus is sanctifying her and cleansing her with the washing of water with the word. He is making His Bride glorious — without spot, wrinkle, or blemish — so that others notice. Her beauty is a reflection of His love her and is intended to make others say “I want that, too! I want to know that love. I want to be cherished the way you are. I want to know your Jesus. Please tell me the Gospel.”

The Gospel.

That is it.

When it’s all boiled down, our unity in marriage is meant to point others to Jesus and the Gospel — the good news that we sinner, who deserve eternal separation from God, are loved with His great love and can enjoy life in Christ for eternity.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ~Ephesians 2:4-7

Whether or not a Christian couple lights a unity candle together during their wedding they are beginning a beautiful relationship that reflects the stunning love that Jesus has for us. Though husband and wife will make mistakes and continue to sin as they walk this earth together, they can rest in the knowledge that they are cherished by Jesus and he loves them as He loves Himself.

He Poured Water into a Basin

June 20, 2017 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (John 13:3-5)

Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He was just hours away from His crucifixion. He knew He was about give all He had — His very life — to save and serve those His Father had given to Him.

Yet He gave more.

Jesus took water. He took a towel. He lowered Himself. He washed feet. He dried them. Then He instructed these men to do the same.

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. (John 13:14-15)

Jesus, knowing who He was sent by and where He was headed, had no problem completing the most humbling of tasks. He expects the same out of His disciples.

If you call on the name of Jesus for salvation, then you, too, are one of His disciples. He has called you and is sending you to serve humbly. To stoop. To kneel. To do the dirty work that no one else wants to do.

Some ministries appear to be glitzy and glamorous. But washing feet isn’t. Neither is hanging on the cross. Jesus did it anyway.

Water isn’t fancy. It’s common. It’s ordinary. Boring even. But it is also necessary for life.

Do you know what else is necessary? Humble service.

The next time you fill a glass for drinking, or a pot for cooking, or a tub for bathing let it remind you of the Lord’s willingness to serve humbly. Let the water encourage and motivate you to take on the tasks that no one else wants. Let it remind you of Who is sending you and where you are headed.

What ministries are necessary but require humility from the one serving? How can we pray for the people serving in these roles? Have you been called to such a ministry? How does the story of Jesus washing feet help you take on the task?

Only by grace,

Kelli

John, the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

May 16, 2017 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

Today in our series on the New Testament writers we focus on the Apostle John, the man who referred to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” The truth is that anyone of the disciples could have said this about themselves. Jesus did (and does) love all of them, but I think this statement tells a little bit about John’s relationship with Jesus. John knew He was loved. And when we know we are loved by someone, doesn’t that make us want to love that person back?

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

John’s keen awareness of Christ’s love may have been the reason John stood by Him at the Cross. John was the only apostle, by the way, who did not run when Jesus was arrested. He was the only one standing at the foot of the cross when Jesus died. It really is no wonder that John wrote so extensively about the love of God in his epistles.

Not every detail we believe to be fact about John comes from the Bible. Yes, we do get clues from the writings of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but much of our general knowledge about John comes from church tradition. Here are some things worth remembering when you read books written by John’s.

He wrote:

The Gospel According to John
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Epistles of John
The Book of Revelation

Details & Events of John’s Life:

Not the same person as John the Baptist
Son of Zebedee, a Galilean fisherman, and Salome
- Salome may have been Mary’s sister, which would make John a cousin of Jesus
Only apostle who did not forsake or deny Jesus before He was crucified.
At the cross Jesus charged John with the care of His mother Mary (John 19:26-27).
John referred to himself as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23, 19:26)
Pastored the church at Ephesus and had influence on other churches in the area
Was banished by the Romans to the Greek Island Patmos, where he wrote the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9)
Believed to have been boiled in oil by Roman authorities, yet remained unharmed
Oldest living apostle and only one to die of old age (the rest died violent deaths)

Themes in His Writing

The Deity of Jesus – the “I Am” statements (John 6:35, 48; 8:12; 9:5; 10:7-14; 11:25; 14:6, 15:1)
Jesus is the Word who became flesh (John 1:1-5; 1 John 1:1-2)
Jesus is the Light (John 1:5-13, 12:42-50 1 John 1:1-2)
Abiding in Christ (John 8:31, 15:1-11)
Fellowship with the Father, the Son, and Other Believers (1 John 1:5-2:2)
Light and darkness cannot mix (1John 1:5-10)
Beware of false teachers (1 John 2:18-23, 3:24-4:6; 2 John 1:7-11)
God is Love (John 13:34-35, 15:12-17; 1 John 3)

John, the disciple whom Jesus loved. Read about this #NewTestamentWriters

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John knew He was loved. And when we know we are loved by someone… #NewTestamentWriters

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Good Friends Don’t Fake It

April 18, 2017 by Kelli LaFram 1 Comment

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7, emphasis added)

If you look up the definition of the Greek word for fellowship you won’t find the word friendship. You will, however, find several words that describe what friends share — association, community, communion, joint participation, intimacy.

You can’t be a true friend to your sister in Christ without fellowship.

How do we have fellowship? By walking in the light.

Huh? Yes, I know, our Christianese can be a little vague and confusing sometimes, so let’s pause for a moment and explore what walking in the light means.

1 John 1 says this:

5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

In other words, walking in the light means we we are open and transparent with God about our sins (He knows about them already anyway) and we trust that He has cleansed us of our sins. Walking in the light also means we are open and transparent about our sins with our friends.

If we are not willing to walking the light, well, then we are walking in darkness. What does this mean? That we are continually trying to hide our sin from God and from others. We are forever faking a perfect sinless life; pretending we have no sin that needs confessing and driving a huge wedge between ourselves and those we are intended to have intimate relationships with.

Now, I’m not suggesting that we keep a running list of all our sins and then share the list with every person we know. What I am saying, however, is that we are to be willing to talk openly about our sins to our close and trusted Christian friends.

This walking in the light business is probably a lot simpler than you might think. For example, if you get in a big blow up with your husband on the way to church, you shouldn’t fake a perfect glorious marriage by grabbing his hand, slapping on a huge smile, and cross your fingers that he’ll play along too. Instead, you should quietly find your bestie and ask her for prayer. You don’t need to tell her all the details, but openly confess that you are having a hard time loving and forgiving the way Christ has done for you. Ask her for prayer right then and there.

Why be so vulnerable with your friends? Why share your junk? Why be so honest when it reveals the fact that you are still a sinner? Because if we don’t we left alone in the dark, cut off from God’s people. And by the way, this is exactly where the enemy wants us. Isolated and insecure.

When we choose to be honest with our friends about our struggles and our sinful hearts, even though it is risking, frightening, and downright intimidating, it opens the door for true and intimate friendship. It lets our friends know that they can be open with us. And this dear believer, will lead to the relationships we were created for; the relationships that we can only experience with God and His people.

Only by grace,

Kelli

You can’t be a true friend to your sister in Christ without fellowship.

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How do we have fellowship and friendship? By walking in the light.

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Why be so vulnerable with your friends? Why share your junk? Why be so honest when it reveals the fact that you are still a sinner?

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Love the Children of God

March 21, 2017 by Kelli LaFram Leave a Comment

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:1-5, NKJV)

Here is an awesome truth about love: love for God leads to love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let me say that another way. If we love God, then we will love our Christian family.

This is stated several times in 1 John. There is no denying that we are expected to love God’s children.

He who loves his brother abides in the light. (1 John 2:10a)
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (1 John 3:11)
We know that we have passed from death to live, because we love the brethren. (1 John 3:14a)
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1 John 4:11)

And if those seven verse didn’t make it clear, this one should:

And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. (1 John 4:21)

We must love. Must. Period.

But here’s the thing, loving others doesn’t always come naturally. Why? Because our natural state, apart from Christ, is bent toward selfish sin, not selfless love. On our own, left to our efforts and will, we can not love our spiritual siblings the way we are expected to.

Take a minute and read Romans 7:13-25. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

What did you notice? Did you notice the repeated use the of the pronoun I? I… I… I… Paul made it clear that on his own he could not do what he knew was right. Neither can we. We can not love the way we know we should. At least not on our own. Not until we do one very specific thing — Believe that Jesus is the Christ (1 John 5:1).

When we put our faith in Christ we become overcomers. We have victory over this world and our sinful nature. We are enabled to love, not just in word and tongue, but in deed and in truth. No, we won’t love perfectly. We are still being sanctified, but we can begin to practice righteousness and trust that the Lord will a grow a love for His people deep inside each of us.

Take it further:

Read 1 John 4:20 – 5:21.
Handwrite 1 John 5:1-5. What, if anything, do you believe the Spirit is trying to convey to you personally?
Consider how you show love for God’s people. Do these verses lead you to confess anything in prayer?
Study the original Greek for the words believe and Christ in 1 John 5:1. What do you notice?
What is one practical way that you can love a brother or sister today? Spend sometime in prayer seeking direction.

If we love God, then we will love our Christian family. #TruthandLove

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There is no denying that we are expected to love God’s children. #TruthandLove

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And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1John 4:21

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5 Ways The Holy Spirit Empowers

February 21, 2017 by Kelli LaFram 2 Comments

“Repent, let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

These were the words Peter boldly proclaimed as He finished his first Holy Spirit powered sermon.

Repent. Be baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.

All this month we have been attempting to answer this question: Who is the Holy Spirit? Though we finite humans could not possibly write a blog series to fully encompass a infinite God, we have selttled on a few things so far.

The Holy Spirit’s deity is equal to that of God the Father and God the Son; being all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present.

The Holy Spirit is our Helper.

The Holy Spirit bears witness to the true-truth.

The Holy Spirit also empowers us to do many miraculous things for our good and His glory. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can:

boldly proclaim the gospel;

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Jesus to His disciples before he ascended to Heaven, Acts 1:8)

pray when we do not know how;

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

appreciate the mystery of the gospel;

that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19)

deny our flesh and live rightly;

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Romans 8:10-11)

abound in hope and be filled with joy and peace.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

I’m sure I’ve missed some, if not many, of the works that the Holy spirit empowers us to do (as I’ve said, I’m a finite human trying to write about an infinite God). But despite the short length of this list, we need to remember that these things can only be done by His power, not our own.

If you are not seeing this type of power in your life ask yourself these questions:

Have I repented of my sin?

Have I been baptized in the name of Jesus?

Have I received (taken hold of) the gift of the Holy Spirit?

If your answer is no, then simply follow the instructions that Paul gave in Acts 2:38 and patiently wait for the Holy Spirit to manifest His power in your life.

If you can honestly answer yes to these questions, then begin praying the above scriptures back to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live courageously for His kingdom. These prayers are inline with the will of God the Father and they will be answered. While you wait for Him to respond, continue to abide in Jesus and trust that He is preparing you for the work He will empower you to do.

Let’s pray.

Father in Heaven, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to empower us to do your will. Please forgive us if we have ever attempted to do any of it by our own strength. Help us to rely on and trust in your power. Empower us to boldly proclaim the good news. Give us the power to pray as we should. Empower us to know, understand and appreciate the mystery of the gospel. Help us to deny our flesh and live rightly for you. By your power, may we abound in hope, joy and peace. In the name of your Son we pray, amen.

5 Ways The Holy Spirit Empowers #whoistheHolySpirit

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Repent. Be baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit. #whoistheHolySpirit

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The Holy Spirit also empowers us to do many miraculous things for our good and His glory. #whoistheHolySpirit

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