"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WORKING OUT OUR SALVATION"
Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”
Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 9/30/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Paul is exhorting the believers about growing in their walk with the Lord. He uses a phrase "work out your own salvation" to reference growth. This is a beautiful exhortation and encouragement, and much to be learned from it. May it be a blessing to you and help you to grow also. In Jesus’ name.
1. May we have the same great love in our churches as Paul and this church did.
Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”
Please notice how Paul refers to the believers, “My beloved”. Or as the NLT reads, "Dearest Friends”.
What a joy to have this kind of love among ourselves.
This love stems from, and flows from, our God through the Holy Spirit into our lives.
It's God great commandment to us, that we love one another.
Love builds us up.
Love covers a multitude of sins.
Love testifies to the world that we follow Jesus.
Love is a blessing indeed.
2. May we also seek to walk or live out our lives in obedience to Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”
Paul speaks of them as having been obedient to the Lord in the past.
They were that way when he was with them personally.
And he is now encouraging them to be obedient in his absence.
Obedience to Christ is accomplished by both His grace and power and our wills.
We not only can love our Lord, but we can obey Him as well.
Jesus not only loved us, but He obeyed His Father in coming to the earth and dying for our sins.
He wants us to emulate His example of love.
O the great love of God, how sweet it is to our souls.
3. We are encouraged to work out our salvation.
Philippians 2:12 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;”
It's important to note what is not being said here.
We are not being told to work for our salvation.
Rather we are being told to "work out" our salvation.
The idea here is that we are to put into action the saving work of God in our lives.
We are to live our lives with a deep reverence for God.
God has saved us, and He wants us to grow in our salvation.
He is calling us here to do our part in the growing process.
Trust and obey, as the old hymn says, there is no other way.
Have faith in God and walk in His ways, and we will grow.
4. God not only saved us, but is actively working in our lives to bring us to maturity in Christ.
Philippians 2:13 “for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Paul reframes the focus of his earlier point.
Now he directs us to what God is doing.
God is working in us, and the goal He has in working in us is two fold.
It's to will and to do of His good pleasure.
In other words, as the NLT put it, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him”.
God is giving us the desire to obey, it comes from Him.
God is also giving us the power to do what pleases Him.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever wonder, now that you are saved, what you ought to be doing?
2. These two verses help answer the question above.
3. Can you see from these verses that we have our part, and God has His part?
4. And, can you see that this not working for, but working out our salvation?
5. It's actually saying, bring your salvation to it’s logical, and God intended, end.
A Prayer:
Father, You started this work in us, and You have promised to finish it. You are the author and the finisher of our faith. All honor, and all glory and power belong to You. Thank You for the greatest gift possible to a human being. Eternal life. Praise Your Name, God most high.
How grateful we are for what You have done for us. Thank You that You are working in our lives to accomplish Your goals for us, and that You give us clear and plain instruction on what we are to do as Your children. One day Your work in us will be completed, and our work in Christ will also be completed. We will arrive safe and sound in heaven, and see You for the first time face to face, and hear Your voice in a new way. We will be in Your visible presence. What a glorious future we have. And, what a blessed life we can enjoy now here below. We bless Your name, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO PRAY FOR"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO PRAY FOR"
Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
Philippians 1:10 “that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,”
Philippians 1:11 “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/29/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
In this first chapter of this letter, often called the "Letter of Joy”, Paul is praying for those believers in the city of Philippi. Our Lord had sent him there to plant a church. What great love existed between Pastor Paul and the saints in that fellowship. In this letter, Paul is very personal with them, because they had a very deep and personal connection. These verses are some of the specific requests he made to God on their behalf. The benefit for us is that we can see several things that we can also pray for. May God hear you and may He answer your prayers, for yourself and for those you may be praying for. These things are in the will of God. He will hear, and He will answer.
1. You can pray that your love for each other will abound, or overflow more and more.
Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
Paul prayed. He interceded or talked to God on behalf of these people.
You and I can do the same for ourselves and for others.
He prayed this in particular, “that their love would abound yet more and more.”
What a beautiful and God honoring prayer to pray.
God's love can grow in our lives.
Prayer for it to grow is one way to bring about it's growth.
Let's pray like Paul did.
Lord, cause our love to grow.
2. You can pray that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
Paul also prayed along this line.
Not only that their love would grow, but that they would keep on growing in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is eternal and infinite.
There is no end to our understanding of who He is.
What greater knowledge to grow in than the knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we pray for that right now, this very day, bring this about in our lives, Lord, and in the lives of those in our own church body.
3. You can pray that God gives you understanding as to what really matters, so that you can live a pure and blameless life until Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:10 “that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,”
Some things really matter and some things don't.
Paul was praying that the believers would receive from God an understanding as to what really did matter.
Knowing what really matters would lead to living a life of sincerity and a life without offense.
Paul believed in the second coming of Jesus. He states it in this prayer.
His prayer was that God would work in the lives of His chidden all the way up to the return of Christ.
Lord, let this be our prayer also. Show us what really matters, and help us to be focused on those things, and to do so until we see You face to face.
4. You can pray to be continually filled with the fruit of righteousness, those are the good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ. These will cause your life to bring great honor and glory to God.
Philippians 1:11 “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
How interesting that God can fill us with the fruits of righteousness.
We can make the choice as to what we are filled with.
Let's choose what God wants.
What better thing can you think of, than to be filled with what is right.
When our lives are filled with the fruit of righteousness, our lives bring glory and praise to God.
Father, You created us for Your glory, and as You fill us with the fruits of righteousness, than our lives are truly accomplishing that which You created us for.
So Lord, we pray to be filled according to Your will.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever feel at a loss as to what to pray for? If so you are not alone.
2. Do you know that the Bible itself will provide you with a blueprint of things to pray for, just like in the verses we have looked at today.
3. Will you take just a few moments, please, to read slowly through Paul's prayer in these verses, and then make them your prayer to God your Father?
4. What happens when we pray according to God's will?
5. Are you encouraged right now, that you can see a little bit of how to pray with confidence and expectancy?
A Prayer:
Our Father, You are in heaven and we are still here on earth. There are many people we have known here on earth who are now with You in Heaven. One day we will all be together in Heaven. Lord, right now we can talk with You, and You promise to listen, and more than that You promise to answer us when we pray according to Your will. Thank You for giving us such great examples of specific ways in which to pray. The prayers in the Bible are a blessing to us. They lead, Lord, they show us how to pray. Help us to not only learn what to pray for but to actually take time in our lives to talk with You and make our requests known unto You. Father, it is truly a joy to know You, in fact there is no greater joy. We pray for those in our own church body who want to talk to You but don't really know how. Just as You are helping us to learn how to pray would You please do the same for them. May our lives bring glory, honor, and praise to You, Lord. In the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
Philippians 1:10 “that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,”
Philippians 1:11 “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/29/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
In this first chapter of this letter, often called the "Letter of Joy”, Paul is praying for those believers in the city of Philippi. Our Lord had sent him there to plant a church. What great love existed between Pastor Paul and the saints in that fellowship. In this letter, Paul is very personal with them, because they had a very deep and personal connection. These verses are some of the specific requests he made to God on their behalf. The benefit for us is that we can see several things that we can also pray for. May God hear you and may He answer your prayers, for yourself and for those you may be praying for. These things are in the will of God. He will hear, and He will answer.
1. You can pray that your love for each other will abound, or overflow more and more.
Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
Paul prayed. He interceded or talked to God on behalf of these people.
You and I can do the same for ourselves and for others.
He prayed this in particular, “that their love would abound yet more and more.”
What a beautiful and God honoring prayer to pray.
God's love can grow in our lives.
Prayer for it to grow is one way to bring about it's growth.
Let's pray like Paul did.
Lord, cause our love to grow.
2. You can pray that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,”
Paul also prayed along this line.
Not only that their love would grow, but that they would keep on growing in their knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.
Jesus is eternal and infinite.
There is no end to our understanding of who He is.
What greater knowledge to grow in than the knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ.
Lord, we pray for that right now, this very day, bring this about in our lives, Lord, and in the lives of those in our own church body.
3. You can pray that God gives you understanding as to what really matters, so that you can live a pure and blameless life until Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:10 “that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,”
Some things really matter and some things don't.
Paul was praying that the believers would receive from God an understanding as to what really did matter.
Knowing what really matters would lead to living a life of sincerity and a life without offense.
Paul believed in the second coming of Jesus. He states it in this prayer.
His prayer was that God would work in the lives of His chidden all the way up to the return of Christ.
Lord, let this be our prayer also. Show us what really matters, and help us to be focused on those things, and to do so until we see You face to face.
4. You can pray to be continually filled with the fruit of righteousness, those are the good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ. These will cause your life to bring great honor and glory to God.
Philippians 1:11 “being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
How interesting that God can fill us with the fruits of righteousness.
We can make the choice as to what we are filled with.
Let's choose what God wants.
What better thing can you think of, than to be filled with what is right.
When our lives are filled with the fruit of righteousness, our lives bring glory and praise to God.
Father, You created us for Your glory, and as You fill us with the fruits of righteousness, than our lives are truly accomplishing that which You created us for.
So Lord, we pray to be filled according to Your will.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever feel at a loss as to what to pray for? If so you are not alone.
2. Do you know that the Bible itself will provide you with a blueprint of things to pray for, just like in the verses we have looked at today.
3. Will you take just a few moments, please, to read slowly through Paul's prayer in these verses, and then make them your prayer to God your Father?
4. What happens when we pray according to God's will?
5. Are you encouraged right now, that you can see a little bit of how to pray with confidence and expectancy?
A Prayer:
Our Father, You are in heaven and we are still here on earth. There are many people we have known here on earth who are now with You in Heaven. One day we will all be together in Heaven. Lord, right now we can talk with You, and You promise to listen, and more than that You promise to answer us when we pray according to Your will. Thank You for giving us such great examples of specific ways in which to pray. The prayers in the Bible are a blessing to us. They lead, Lord, they show us how to pray. Help us to not only learn what to pray for but to actually take time in our lives to talk with You and make our requests known unto You. Father, it is truly a joy to know You, in fact there is no greater joy. We pray for those in our own church body who want to talk to You but don't really know how. Just as You are helping us to learn how to pray would You please do the same for them. May our lives bring glory, honor, and praise to You, Lord. In the name that is above all names, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, September 27, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD"
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
Psalm 69:33 “For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/27/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm, like so many, speaks of how God helps His people. Being one of God's people certainly does not mean that life will be easy, in fact, it's quite the opposite. We live in a world of spiritual warfare. We have two things an enemy and a Savior. In these verses we have some wonderful encouragement from our Savior. May it bless you and bring encouragement to you this day.
1. Humility means that you will see God at work in your life.
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
Humility means two things. One, it means we are depending on God, and secondly, it means we are putting others ahead of ourselves.
When you stop and think about it, this is simply a description of the way God wants us to live our lives.
Loving Him, and loving others.
When a person becomes what God wants them to become, then God can do for that person what He wants to do for them.
This verse shows us how we ought to live.
And it promises us that we will see God at work in our lives.
2. Seeing God at work in your life brings a blessing, a gladness.
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
There are many things we can see in this life.
Satan would like us to continually look at ourselves and the world around us.
He wants to divert our attention away from the Savior.
But, God says differently
His plans for us include our looking at Him, the author and finisher of our faith.
When we are looking at the Lord we see Him.
And when we see Him what blessings we have.
A Godly gladness fills our souls.
Let's keep looking where God wants us to look, and forget the other option.
3. Those who seek the Lord are promised that their hearts will live.
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
God cannot lie.
God makes many, many promises.
God makes this very foundational promise.
Here it is. For the person who seeks the Lord, their hearts (their very being) will live.
Living here means, that while living here we experience an abundant life, and that when we leave here we will enter into eternal living with our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Oh Happy Day. Now and in the future.
4. The Lord hears the poor, and He does not despise His people who are oppressed.
Psalm 69:33 “For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners.”
God knows, listens and hears.
He hears the poor.
We sometimes are poor in spirit and strength, hope and joy, and love.
People often despise or look down on a poor person.
But, our God does not do so.
No matter how poor you may be, He does not despise you.
He not only does not despise you, but He hears you loud and clear.
In fact, He promises blessing to the poor in spirit, for to them belongs the kingdom of God.
Some Questions:
1. Is humility something you have questions about?
2. Do you know that God will teach you and help you to walk in humility.
3. Humility opens the way for joy and gladness to fill our lives.
4. This is certainly why God encourages us to be humble.
5. Will you take a moment to thank God that He promises you life and that He hears you, and does not despise you. He loves you so much.
A Prayer:
Father, for any and all who have walked with you over the years we all have the same testimony. We learn little by little how much love you have for us. You are love. And, we only see through a glass darkly now, but one day, we will see You face to face. What a moment that will be. And it will be the first moment of moments that will extend into eternity. Thus shall we ever be with You Lord. How gracious loving, merciful and kind You have been to come and save us and to make us Your bride. We can't wait to be with You. And You, Lord, are waiting for us as well. As a bridegroom waits for His bride. We will meet you at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. You will serve us at that time.
My what a hope we have. We have the most glorious future available to any human being. Thank You for it's certainty. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
Psalm 69:33 “For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/27/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm, like so many, speaks of how God helps His people. Being one of God's people certainly does not mean that life will be easy, in fact, it's quite the opposite. We live in a world of spiritual warfare. We have two things an enemy and a Savior. In these verses we have some wonderful encouragement from our Savior. May it bless you and bring encouragement to you this day.
1. Humility means that you will see God at work in your life.
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
Humility means two things. One, it means we are depending on God, and secondly, it means we are putting others ahead of ourselves.
When you stop and think about it, this is simply a description of the way God wants us to live our lives.
Loving Him, and loving others.
When a person becomes what God wants them to become, then God can do for that person what He wants to do for them.
This verse shows us how we ought to live.
And it promises us that we will see God at work in our lives.
2. Seeing God at work in your life brings a blessing, a gladness.
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
There are many things we can see in this life.
Satan would like us to continually look at ourselves and the world around us.
He wants to divert our attention away from the Savior.
But, God says differently
His plans for us include our looking at Him, the author and finisher of our faith.
When we are looking at the Lord we see Him.
And when we see Him what blessings we have.
A Godly gladness fills our souls.
Let's keep looking where God wants us to look, and forget the other option.
3. Those who seek the Lord are promised that their hearts will live.
Psalm 69:32 “The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live.”
God cannot lie.
God makes many, many promises.
God makes this very foundational promise.
Here it is. For the person who seeks the Lord, their hearts (their very being) will live.
Living here means, that while living here we experience an abundant life, and that when we leave here we will enter into eternal living with our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
Oh Happy Day. Now and in the future.
4. The Lord hears the poor, and He does not despise His people who are oppressed.
Psalm 69:33 “For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners.”
God knows, listens and hears.
He hears the poor.
We sometimes are poor in spirit and strength, hope and joy, and love.
People often despise or look down on a poor person.
But, our God does not do so.
No matter how poor you may be, He does not despise you.
He not only does not despise you, but He hears you loud and clear.
In fact, He promises blessing to the poor in spirit, for to them belongs the kingdom of God.
Some Questions:
1. Is humility something you have questions about?
2. Do you know that God will teach you and help you to walk in humility.
3. Humility opens the way for joy and gladness to fill our lives.
4. This is certainly why God encourages us to be humble.
5. Will you take a moment to thank God that He promises you life and that He hears you, and does not despise you. He loves you so much.
A Prayer:
Father, for any and all who have walked with you over the years we all have the same testimony. We learn little by little how much love you have for us. You are love. And, we only see through a glass darkly now, but one day, we will see You face to face. What a moment that will be. And it will be the first moment of moments that will extend into eternity. Thus shall we ever be with You Lord. How gracious loving, merciful and kind You have been to come and save us and to make us Your bride. We can't wait to be with You. And You, Lord, are waiting for us as well. As a bridegroom waits for His bride. We will meet you at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. You will serve us at that time.
My what a hope we have. We have the most glorious future available to any human being. Thank You for it's certainty. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, September 26, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING A WISE MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING A WISE MAN OR WOMAN OF GOD"
Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”
(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 9/26/14)
This part of Proverbs 24 is telling several truths about being a wise person. There is the wisdom of man, and there is the wisdom of God.
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God, and He wants to give us Himself, and thus make us wise. Wisdom is a true blessing from the Lord, and here we have some simple instruction about it.
1. Wisdom gives us strength.
Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”
God's wisdom makes us mightier than a strong man.
In our own wisdom we are not strong, even though we may think we are.
But in God's wisdom, His Word promises us that we will indeed be strong.
Mightier than a strong man.
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God.
Jesus Christ will give Himself to any and all who want Him, and who will put their trust in Him.
God promises us in James 1 to give wisdom to those who ask Him.
2. A man of knowledge will increase in strength.
Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”
Besides being made strong we can increase in strength.
We can go from weakness to strength, and from strength to more strength.
The knowledge the Lord gives, again makes us more powerful than a strong man.
Who is wise and strong like the Lord?
No one.
But who can have the wisdom and strength from the Lord?
Anyone who trusts in Him.
He is ours for the trusting.
He delights to give us the kingdom of God.
It's our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom.
3. We can obtain wise counsel and wage war (the spiritual warfare we are in).
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”
How does God give us wisdom?
Here's one of the ways.
It's through what is called the multitude of counsel.
We can ask Godly people to pray for us and give us their thoughts about the situations we are facing.
You will find God's blessing and protection in your life if follow this wisdom from Proverbs.
And, having God's wisdom will enable you to fight and stand against your adversary the devil.
There is a real safety in gaining God's wisdom.
Your victory in life depends on it.
4. God provides us with wisdom through many of His people, and it keeps us safe.
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”
This is indeed a promise from our Lord.
You can, by having wise counsel, wage the war you may be in.
And if you seek and receive the wise counsel of others you will walk in safety and victory.
There is no reason to try and fight your battles without wisdom.
In fact God does not want you to go to war unless you are properly equipped with His wisdom.
He will give you wise guidance through His Word and through His wise followers.
Your victory depends on having wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you, from time to time, experience not knowing what to do?
2. And, have you ever sought the counsel of wise persons and benefited?
3. Do you know how much affection and concern Jesus Christ has for you?
4. Do you realize that at this very moment He is seated next to God in heaven, and He is praying for you?
A Prayer:
Our gracious and wise Father, who is above all in heaven and on earth, we praise You and give You honor and glory for You are worthy.
Jesus Christ, You are the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world. And You have taken away our sins when we came to You for salvation. Lord You are so interested in us today, that You want to give us wisdom so we can stand in the battles of life, and walk in, and be assured of victory over our adversary the devil. We know where we are going and we know where the devil is going. We are going in opposite directions, never to meet again. While we are here may we follow the example of Your Son Jesus Christ who relied on the Scriptures when being tempted. Over and over He said, "it is written”. He knew where the strength, power, wisdom, and knowledge of God resided. It's in Your Word. May we abide in the Word just like He did.
Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”
(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 9/26/14)
This part of Proverbs 24 is telling several truths about being a wise person. There is the wisdom of man, and there is the wisdom of God.
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God, and He wants to give us Himself, and thus make us wise. Wisdom is a true blessing from the Lord, and here we have some simple instruction about it.
1. Wisdom gives us strength.
Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”
God's wisdom makes us mightier than a strong man.
In our own wisdom we are not strong, even though we may think we are.
But in God's wisdom, His Word promises us that we will indeed be strong.
Mightier than a strong man.
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God.
Jesus Christ will give Himself to any and all who want Him, and who will put their trust in Him.
God promises us in James 1 to give wisdom to those who ask Him.
2. A man of knowledge will increase in strength.
Proverbs 24:5 “A wise man is strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength;”
Besides being made strong we can increase in strength.
We can go from weakness to strength, and from strength to more strength.
The knowledge the Lord gives, again makes us more powerful than a strong man.
Who is wise and strong like the Lord?
No one.
But who can have the wisdom and strength from the Lord?
Anyone who trusts in Him.
He is ours for the trusting.
He delights to give us the kingdom of God.
It's our Father's good pleasure to give us the kingdom.
3. We can obtain wise counsel and wage war (the spiritual warfare we are in).
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”
How does God give us wisdom?
Here's one of the ways.
It's through what is called the multitude of counsel.
We can ask Godly people to pray for us and give us their thoughts about the situations we are facing.
You will find God's blessing and protection in your life if follow this wisdom from Proverbs.
And, having God's wisdom will enable you to fight and stand against your adversary the devil.
There is a real safety in gaining God's wisdom.
Your victory in life depends on it.
4. God provides us with wisdom through many of His people, and it keeps us safe.
Proverbs 24:6 “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”
This is indeed a promise from our Lord.
You can, by having wise counsel, wage the war you may be in.
And if you seek and receive the wise counsel of others you will walk in safety and victory.
There is no reason to try and fight your battles without wisdom.
In fact God does not want you to go to war unless you are properly equipped with His wisdom.
He will give you wise guidance through His Word and through His wise followers.
Your victory depends on having wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you, from time to time, experience not knowing what to do?
2. And, have you ever sought the counsel of wise persons and benefited?
3. Do you know how much affection and concern Jesus Christ has for you?
4. Do you realize that at this very moment He is seated next to God in heaven, and He is praying for you?
A Prayer:
Our gracious and wise Father, who is above all in heaven and on earth, we praise You and give You honor and glory for You are worthy.
Jesus Christ, You are the Lamb of God who has taken away the sins of the world. And You have taken away our sins when we came to You for salvation. Lord You are so interested in us today, that You want to give us wisdom so we can stand in the battles of life, and walk in, and be assured of victory over our adversary the devil. We know where we are going and we know where the devil is going. We are going in opposite directions, never to meet again. While we are here may we follow the example of Your Son Jesus Christ who relied on the Scriptures when being tempted. Over and over He said, "it is written”. He knew where the strength, power, wisdom, and knowledge of God resided. It's in Your Word. May we abide in the Word just like He did.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, AND KNOWLEDGE"
Proverbs 23:3 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;”
Proverbs 23:4 “By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/25/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
As we have heard, read and been taught, this wonderful Book of Proverbs is God's Book of practical, everyday living, given to us from heaven. There is hardly a portion of life that is not dealt with in Proverbs. It's filled with Gods wisdom, God's warnings, God's promises, and God's call to walk in wisdom. The verses today are simple yet profound. They tell us how God build a life, using the home as a metaphor.
1. Your life can be built by God's wisdom.
Proverbs 23:3 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;”
The Bible uses the illustration of a house to speak of your life.
Houses need to be built.
God wants to build Your life.
He will do it if you let Him.
He will build your life by you taking His wisdom into your life.
And, He will build it by your responding and applying His wisdom as He shows you what to do.
He gives You wisdom, and you apply it, and the net result is a God is building your life.
I know of no better builder than God.
2. Your life can be established by God's understanding.
Proverbs 23:3 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;”
What kind of life can God build?
God can build a life that is established or becomes strong.
Lives can be built with different types of materials.
God wants to build Your life with quality material.
God will build your life with “good sense”.
God has understanding of good sense for you, it's found in His Word.
3. Your life can be filled with precious and pleasant (spiritual/material) riches by God's knowledge.
Proverbs 23:4 “By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”
A house, or life needs to be furnished.
God is the best interior decorator there is.
He can furnish Your life with His great plan if you let Him.
He has a plan for your life. It's up to you to let that plan take place in your life.
He wants to bless you.
The reason He wants to bless you is because He has an affection for you, He loves you.
How does the furnishing take place?
By God's knowledge.
We can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
That is how we become furnished with blessings by God.
It's through learning about Him, having the knowledge of God.
Some Questions:
1. Have you ever thought of your life as being God’s?
2. Do you know that your God wants to build your life?
3. Can you think of anyone else who can build your life the way God can and does?
4. What is your part? Just let Him do it. Learn of Him, and respond as He leads you, and He will build your life.
A Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven. You are the great creator, the only true creator. You have created us, and then through faith in Jesus, You have re-created us. You have saved us. And now as Your saved people, You want to build our lives, You want us to grow and be conformed into the image of Christ. You give wisdom, understanding and knowledge. We can receive these three blessings, and as we do and respond something transformational takes place in our lives. We are being changed by You. And changed according to Your plan, and into the very image of the Lord Jesus. Thank You for being the builder of our lives. We ask that You build on Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 23:3 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;”
Proverbs 23:4 “By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/25/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
As we have heard, read and been taught, this wonderful Book of Proverbs is God's Book of practical, everyday living, given to us from heaven. There is hardly a portion of life that is not dealt with in Proverbs. It's filled with Gods wisdom, God's warnings, God's promises, and God's call to walk in wisdom. The verses today are simple yet profound. They tell us how God build a life, using the home as a metaphor.
1. Your life can be built by God's wisdom.
Proverbs 23:3 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;”
The Bible uses the illustration of a house to speak of your life.
Houses need to be built.
God wants to build Your life.
He will do it if you let Him.
He will build your life by you taking His wisdom into your life.
And, He will build it by your responding and applying His wisdom as He shows you what to do.
He gives You wisdom, and you apply it, and the net result is a God is building your life.
I know of no better builder than God.
2. Your life can be established by God's understanding.
Proverbs 23:3 “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;”
What kind of life can God build?
God can build a life that is established or becomes strong.
Lives can be built with different types of materials.
God wants to build Your life with quality material.
God will build your life with “good sense”.
God has understanding of good sense for you, it's found in His Word.
3. Your life can be filled with precious and pleasant (spiritual/material) riches by God's knowledge.
Proverbs 23:4 “By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.”
A house, or life needs to be furnished.
God is the best interior decorator there is.
He can furnish Your life with His great plan if you let Him.
He has a plan for your life. It's up to you to let that plan take place in your life.
He wants to bless you.
The reason He wants to bless you is because He has an affection for you, He loves you.
How does the furnishing take place?
By God's knowledge.
We can grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
That is how we become furnished with blessings by God.
It's through learning about Him, having the knowledge of God.
Some Questions:
1. Have you ever thought of your life as being God’s?
2. Do you know that your God wants to build your life?
3. Can you think of anyone else who can build your life the way God can and does?
4. What is your part? Just let Him do it. Learn of Him, and respond as He leads you, and He will build your life.
A Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven. You are the great creator, the only true creator. You have created us, and then through faith in Jesus, You have re-created us. You have saved us. And now as Your saved people, You want to build our lives, You want us to grow and be conformed into the image of Christ. You give wisdom, understanding and knowledge. We can receive these three blessings, and as we do and respond something transformational takes place in our lives. We are being changed by You. And changed according to Your plan, and into the very image of the Lord Jesus. Thank You for being the builder of our lives. We ask that You build on Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD GIVING YOU STRENGTH IN THE INNER MAN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD GIVING YOU STRENGTH IN THE INNER MAN"
Ephesians 3:14 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Ephesians 3:15 “from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”
Ephesians 3:16 “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”
Ephesians 3:17 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
Ephesians 3:18 “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height,”
Ephesians 3:19 “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, 9/24/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Paul's wonderfully encouraging Christ centered letter to the believers in Ephesus includes a number of his prayers for them.
The scriptures above are one of those prayers. The content of this prayer is something that is applicable to all believers, not just the Ephesians. Please enjoy seeing what Paul was praying for (we know it's in the will of God, and can therefore know with certainty that God will hear and answer this prayer) and pray this for your life and the lives of others. May this prayer be answered, Lord, in the lives of all who read and pray what is listed above.
1. We can do as Paul did and bow ourselves before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:14 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Ephesians 3:15 “from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”
Paul sets an example for us of simply being a man who spoke to God. We can do the same.
His prayer is an example of what we can pray for and it happens to be something we need.
When we pray God hears.
When we pray according to God's will, He not only hears, but He responds and acts according to His will.
2. We can ask our Father to strengthen us with His might in our inner man through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16 “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”
Paul's prayer had to do with what God could, and would, and wants to do in the inner man of all of His children.
Paul asked God to give strength according to God's might in the inner man.
Paul knew as we do, that we can be strong on the outside, but weak on the inside.
Thus this prayer addresses an area of our lives we can relate to.
God can and will give you His strength on the inside of your life, in what the Bible calls the inner man.
3. We can ask that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:17 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;”
This prayer request is an interesting one.
It's actually asking that as the Holy Spirit gives strength to the believer in their inner man, that the net result would be a deepened relationship with Christ.
Dwelling in our hearts, carries the idea of Jesus being completely at home in our lives.
Free to move about as He pleases in our lives.
Our most welcome guest, as it were.
But not feeling like a guest, but rather that He belongs in our lives, and is at home within us.
It speaks of a believer and Jesus being at peace and walking together in harmony.
4. We can also ask to become rooted and grounded in love and able to comprehend and know the love of God, and be filled with the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
Ephesians 3:18 “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height,”
Ephesians 3:19 “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
This is dealing with the heart of who God is and the heart of what God wants to do in our lives.
God is love, and He want to root and ground us (making us mature and stable and unmoving as it were) in His love.
The fruit of Spirit is love.
God wants to fill us with His love, and let it overflow our lives to the needy and dark world around us.
Jesus wants to use our lives to tell others about His great love.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that you can pray this exact prayer for yourself and for others?
2. Do you know that God will answer this prayer without any hesitation?
3. Do you ever stop to think how wonderful it is that God actually listens to our prayers?
4. And, do you ever stop to think that He truly will answer prayers that are according to His will?
5. Will you take a moment to read these verses today and make them your prayer to Your Father in Heaven?
A Prayer:
Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name, and may Your will be done on earth, in our hearts, just as Your will is being done in heaven.
Thank You for listening to us, and thank You for answering our prayers. What a great God You are that would want us to know You, and to be filled with Your love. What better concept and truth can there be for a human being? I cannot think of one. Father, we desire to be as open receptacles for You, to do in us as You please, and we desire to be obedient children who love to do as their Father leads.
May our lives grow in knowing You and Your love, and may our lives overflow with Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Ephesians 3:14 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Ephesians 3:15 “from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”
Ephesians 3:16 “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”
Ephesians 3:17 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
Ephesians 3:18 “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height,”
Ephesians 3:19 “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, 9/24/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Paul's wonderfully encouraging Christ centered letter to the believers in Ephesus includes a number of his prayers for them.
The scriptures above are one of those prayers. The content of this prayer is something that is applicable to all believers, not just the Ephesians. Please enjoy seeing what Paul was praying for (we know it's in the will of God, and can therefore know with certainty that God will hear and answer this prayer) and pray this for your life and the lives of others. May this prayer be answered, Lord, in the lives of all who read and pray what is listed above.
1. We can do as Paul did and bow ourselves before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:14 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Ephesians 3:15 “from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,”
Paul sets an example for us of simply being a man who spoke to God. We can do the same.
His prayer is an example of what we can pray for and it happens to be something we need.
When we pray God hears.
When we pray according to God's will, He not only hears, but He responds and acts according to His will.
2. We can ask our Father to strengthen us with His might in our inner man through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16 “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,”
Paul's prayer had to do with what God could, and would, and wants to do in the inner man of all of His children.
Paul asked God to give strength according to God's might in the inner man.
Paul knew as we do, that we can be strong on the outside, but weak on the inside.
Thus this prayer addresses an area of our lives we can relate to.
God can and will give you His strength on the inside of your life, in what the Bible calls the inner man.
3. We can ask that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.
Ephesians 3:17 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;”
This prayer request is an interesting one.
It's actually asking that as the Holy Spirit gives strength to the believer in their inner man, that the net result would be a deepened relationship with Christ.
Dwelling in our hearts, carries the idea of Jesus being completely at home in our lives.
Free to move about as He pleases in our lives.
Our most welcome guest, as it were.
But not feeling like a guest, but rather that He belongs in our lives, and is at home within us.
It speaks of a believer and Jesus being at peace and walking together in harmony.
4. We can also ask to become rooted and grounded in love and able to comprehend and know the love of God, and be filled with the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:17 “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,”
Ephesians 3:18 “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height,”
Ephesians 3:19 “to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
This is dealing with the heart of who God is and the heart of what God wants to do in our lives.
God is love, and He want to root and ground us (making us mature and stable and unmoving as it were) in His love.
The fruit of Spirit is love.
God wants to fill us with His love, and let it overflow our lives to the needy and dark world around us.
Jesus wants to use our lives to tell others about His great love.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that you can pray this exact prayer for yourself and for others?
2. Do you know that God will answer this prayer without any hesitation?
3. Do you ever stop to think how wonderful it is that God actually listens to our prayers?
4. And, do you ever stop to think that He truly will answer prayers that are according to His will?
5. Will you take a moment to read these verses today and make them your prayer to Your Father in Heaven?
A Prayer:
Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be Your name, and may Your will be done on earth, in our hearts, just as Your will is being done in heaven.
Thank You for listening to us, and thank You for answering our prayers. What a great God You are that would want us to know You, and to be filled with Your love. What better concept and truth can there be for a human being? I cannot think of one. Father, we desire to be as open receptacles for You, to do in us as You please, and we desire to be obedient children who love to do as their Father leads.
May our lives grow in knowing You and Your love, and may our lives overflow with Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE PASSING THROUGH THE WATERS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE PASSING THROUGH THE WATERS"
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
(Taken from today's reading through the One Year Bible 9/23/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
God, the redeemer of His people, was expressing to them that when His people came out of captivity, though there would be obstacles, He would be with them, He would deliver them. His people were faced with the opposition coming from foreign nations, but God would be with His people to help them, just as He is today.
1. God has a word of promise for His people.
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Please notice how God speaks to and about His people. He created them. He formed them.
You, as a person, were created by God.
And You, as a saved person, by God have been re-created as it were.
You were formed by God.
He considers You His own.
In fact You are His own children.
2. God's word to His people is one comfort against fear.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
God knew that hard times were ahead.
He knew what His people would be facing from the heathen nations around Israel's land as the people returned from captivity.
He likened their troubles to passing through the waters.
But, He said, I will be with you.
And the waters would not overflow them.
And, when they went through the fire (the fiery trials of battling the enemies of God), He assured His people that they would not be burned, nor would the flame scorch them.
3. God specifically tells them how He would help them through the difficult times.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
His message to the people, "I will be with you”.
And that is His message to us today.
He is with us.
Nothing can separate us from His love.
Some Questions:
1. Are you passing through a difficult time right now?
2. You may want to look at these verses more closely, and find the comfort of God from them.
3. If you are leaving a place of captivity and being brought back into fellowship with God, you can expect opposition.
4. But you can also rely upon the promise of God. He will do for you all that He has promised.
A Prayer:
Father, You are simply faithful. And we thank You and praise You for being so.
You have never lied to us even once. You have always fulfilled Your promises to us.
There is truly no one like You.
Who else in heaven or on earth can do for us what You do.
We love You, in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
(Taken from today's reading through the One Year Bible 9/23/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
God, the redeemer of His people, was expressing to them that when His people came out of captivity, though there would be obstacles, He would be with them, He would deliver them. His people were faced with the opposition coming from foreign nations, but God would be with His people to help them, just as He is today.
1. God has a word of promise for His people.
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Please notice how God speaks to and about His people. He created them. He formed them.
You, as a person, were created by God.
And You, as a saved person, by God have been re-created as it were.
You were formed by God.
He considers You His own.
In fact You are His own children.
2. God's word to His people is one comfort against fear.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
God knew that hard times were ahead.
He knew what His people would be facing from the heathen nations around Israel's land as the people returned from captivity.
He likened their troubles to passing through the waters.
But, He said, I will be with you.
And the waters would not overflow them.
And, when they went through the fire (the fiery trials of battling the enemies of God), He assured His people that they would not be burned, nor would the flame scorch them.
3. God specifically tells them how He would help them through the difficult times.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
His message to the people, "I will be with you”.
And that is His message to us today.
He is with us.
Nothing can separate us from His love.
Some Questions:
1. Are you passing through a difficult time right now?
2. You may want to look at these verses more closely, and find the comfort of God from them.
3. If you are leaving a place of captivity and being brought back into fellowship with God, you can expect opposition.
4. But you can also rely upon the promise of God. He will do for you all that He has promised.
A Prayer:
Father, You are simply faithful. And we thank You and praise You for being so.
You have never lied to us even once. You have always fulfilled Your promises to us.
There is truly no one like You.
Who else in heaven or on earth can do for us what You do.
We love You, in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, September 22, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE"
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
(Taken from todays reading in The One Year Bible, 9/22/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
This Psalm is simply entitled a Song. It is one of many that is believed to be written by David.
It's about God and His ways with man.
At the very end, which is what we are looking at, it focuses in on God's faithfulness to those who are His own.
1. God hears the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Here David is expressing something so wonderful.
He was certain of this.
He knew for sure that God heard him.
He knew that God was hearing His prayer.
The same is true for any and all of God's people
2. God is blessed by His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Here is something else that is true.
God is blessed by His people.
He is blessed, or exalted, because He has shown Himself so faithful.
We love Him because He first loved us.
3. God has not turned away from the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Not only does God hear our prayers and is blessed by His people, but there is something else also.
God does not turn away from our prayers.
In fact, His ears are open to the prayers of His people.
4. God has not and does not withhold His mercy from His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
One other thing about God's faithfulness.
He not only listens to us.
And He does not turn away from our prayers.
But He does not withhold His mercy from us.
Some Questions:
1. Would You take a moment to just simply read over these two verses and the thoughts shared about them?
2. Do you know that your heart will be blessed and encouraged as you consider these truths about God?
3. Finally, do you know that God is not a respecter of persons?
4. How He interacted with David He will do with you also.
A Prayer:
Father, it never ceases to amaze us. You are so good. You are so faithful. You express through Your Word those things that bring blessing into our souls. We bless You, Lord. You reveal Yourself to us, and it builds us up, it gives us strength, it encourages us, and it causes us to bless You as David did. Blessed be the Lord, for His goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
(Taken from todays reading in The One Year Bible, 9/22/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
This Psalm is simply entitled a Song. It is one of many that is believed to be written by David.
It's about God and His ways with man.
At the very end, which is what we are looking at, it focuses in on God's faithfulness to those who are His own.
1. God hears the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Here David is expressing something so wonderful.
He was certain of this.
He knew for sure that God heard him.
He knew that God was hearing His prayer.
The same is true for any and all of God's people
2. God is blessed by His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Here is something else that is true.
God is blessed by His people.
He is blessed, or exalted, because He has shown Himself so faithful.
We love Him because He first loved us.
3. God has not turned away from the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Not only does God hear our prayers and is blessed by His people, but there is something else also.
God does not turn away from our prayers.
In fact, His ears are open to the prayers of His people.
4. God has not and does not withhold His mercy from His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
One other thing about God's faithfulness.
He not only listens to us.
And He does not turn away from our prayers.
But He does not withhold His mercy from us.
Some Questions:
1. Would You take a moment to just simply read over these two verses and the thoughts shared about them?
2. Do you know that your heart will be blessed and encouraged as you consider these truths about God?
3. Finally, do you know that God is not a respecter of persons?
4. How He interacted with David He will do with you also.
A Prayer:
Father, it never ceases to amaze us. You are so good. You are so faithful. You express through Your Word those things that bring blessing into our souls. We bless You, Lord. You reveal Yourself to us, and it builds us up, it gives us strength, it encourages us, and it causes us to bless You as David did. Blessed be the Lord, for His goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TRUTH AND WISDOM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TRUTH AND WISDOM"
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/20/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, questions, application and a prayer:
Proverbs, God's Book of wisdom for His children. God's Word from Heaven to man here below, teaching us how to live.
What to avoid, what to pursue, answering many of the "why's" of life.
In this simple verse, there is just teaching about what to acquire and what to hold on to.
The implication here is that this is good for us, good for our souls.
It will please our Father, and keep us from those things that will hurt us, and make us more useful to our God.
1. We can, and ought to buy or get the the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
The truth is free, we don't have to buy it.
But we are being instructed by God to “get" the truth.
The truth is something we can have.
The Lord is the truth.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus invites us to come to Him.
Jesus wants to give Himself to us.
Thus we can get the truth.
We get it everyday as we open the Word of God.
2. We ought never to sell it, or get rid of the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
There is nothing more valuable than the truth.
Thus we ought never to let it go from us.
We ought to treasure the truth.
And, we ought to nurture the truth in our lives.
In other words we can grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord.
We might be tempted to think that the lies of the devil are true and important.
Satan would love for you to abandon the truth and buy into his deceit.
In that sense you could sell the truth.
3. We ought also to get three other valuable things. Wisdom instruction and understanding
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
Along with the truth, there are three other important blessings God has for us and He wants us to have them, and to keep them.
Wisdom.
Instruction.
Understanding.
In a sense, these three come right out of having the truth.
Through Christ who is the truth we gain God's wisdom, His instruction, and His understanding.
The NLT says it this way:
Proverbs 23:23 “Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment.”
Notice it says here discipline and discernment.
Discipline is also translated correction, doctrine, chastening.
Discernment means understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing that God makes these important things available to us?
2. And don't you know that if the Lord directs us to do something, than He also makes it possible for us to do it.
3. Jesus is all of these things for us. Truth, wisdom, understanding, instruction, and discernment.
4. In a simple sense, God is saying "Get Jesus, and don't let go of Him”.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Proverbs. Thank You for the clear specific instruction and promises, the encouragement, the warnings that You give us through this book. This is the book of life. This is how to navigate through life not on our own wisdom, but with God's Wisdom. May we be humble, aware of our need, and earnest in our pursuit of Your will for our lives. Please forgive us for the times when we live as if You are not there. And thank You for the times by Your grace that we draw near to You and so enjoy learning about You, and growing in Your grace. You call us friends, and You tell us that we are valuable to us. Those truths are such a blessing to us.
May we not take You for granted, Lord. But follow hard after You. Day by day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/20/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, questions, application and a prayer:
Proverbs, God's Book of wisdom for His children. God's Word from Heaven to man here below, teaching us how to live.
What to avoid, what to pursue, answering many of the "why's" of life.
In this simple verse, there is just teaching about what to acquire and what to hold on to.
The implication here is that this is good for us, good for our souls.
It will please our Father, and keep us from those things that will hurt us, and make us more useful to our God.
1. We can, and ought to buy or get the the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
The truth is free, we don't have to buy it.
But we are being instructed by God to “get" the truth.
The truth is something we can have.
The Lord is the truth.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus invites us to come to Him.
Jesus wants to give Himself to us.
Thus we can get the truth.
We get it everyday as we open the Word of God.
2. We ought never to sell it, or get rid of the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
There is nothing more valuable than the truth.
Thus we ought never to let it go from us.
We ought to treasure the truth.
And, we ought to nurture the truth in our lives.
In other words we can grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord.
We might be tempted to think that the lies of the devil are true and important.
Satan would love for you to abandon the truth and buy into his deceit.
In that sense you could sell the truth.
3. We ought also to get three other valuable things. Wisdom instruction and understanding
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
Along with the truth, there are three other important blessings God has for us and He wants us to have them, and to keep them.
Wisdom.
Instruction.
Understanding.
In a sense, these three come right out of having the truth.
Through Christ who is the truth we gain God's wisdom, His instruction, and His understanding.
The NLT says it this way:
Proverbs 23:23 “Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment.”
Notice it says here discipline and discernment.
Discipline is also translated correction, doctrine, chastening.
Discernment means understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing that God makes these important things available to us?
2. And don't you know that if the Lord directs us to do something, than He also makes it possible for us to do it.
3. Jesus is all of these things for us. Truth, wisdom, understanding, instruction, and discernment.
4. In a simple sense, God is saying "Get Jesus, and don't let go of Him”.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Proverbs. Thank You for the clear specific instruction and promises, the encouragement, the warnings that You give us through this book. This is the book of life. This is how to navigate through life not on our own wisdom, but with God's Wisdom. May we be humble, aware of our need, and earnest in our pursuit of Your will for our lives. Please forgive us for the times when we live as if You are not there. And thank You for the times by Your grace that we draw near to You and so enjoy learning about You, and growing in Your grace. You call us friends, and You tell us that we are valuable to us. Those truths are such a blessing to us.
May we not take You for granted, Lord. But follow hard after You. Day by day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, September 19, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PATIENT FAITHFUL COMPASSION TOWARDS HIS PEOPLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PATIENT FAITHFUL COMPASSION TOWARDS HIS PEOPLE"
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, 9/19/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, explanations, questions and a prayer:
Isaiah had been sent by the Lord to minister to the southern kingdom of Judah. He was sent to call the people to God and to warn them of what would happen if they persisted in their sin and rebellion towards God. He was God's messenger of grace, love, forgiveness, restoration and hope. By the way, each of us as believers are called to a similar ministry. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, to help bring people to faith. May we be good and faithful ministers of Jesus Christ.
This particular verse is an expression of God's heart. It's a very, very beautiful truth about God and His love for His people.
1. God will wait for His people.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
This was spoken by Isaiah from God to God's people.
The message was, "the LORD still waits for you”.
Imagine that in the midst of sin and rebellion, God was waiting for His people.
Our God is a "waiting" God.
Waits here, means to wait, tarry, await, to wait for, to long for.
2. God waits for His people to come to Him.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people had turned their backs upon Him.
But God had not turned His heart away from them.
God was longing for them to come back to Him.
God was waiting for them.
3. God waits for His people to come to Him so he can show them His love and compassion.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God was waiting for His people to come to Him
God was not waiting for His people to come to Him so He could punish them.
God was waiting for His people to come to Him so that He could show them two things.
(1) God wanted to show them His love.
(2) God wanted to show them His compassion.
4. Our God is a faithful God.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God not only is a waiting God, but He is a faithful God.
God is dependable.
You can count on God to do what He says He will do.
That's just the way He is.
He not only is faithful, but He never changes.
He is always faithful.
5. Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people are blessed as they wait upon God,
God will help those who wait upon Him.
Wait here means, the same as above, to long for.
So, the person who longs for God to help them will be blessed.
That is a promise from God to those who wait for Him.
Some Questions:
1. Would you say God is waiting for you right now, or you are waiting for God?
2. If you find yourself today away from God, please know that He is waiting for You to come back to Him.
3. Guess what God is waiting to show you? HIs love and compassion.
4. Are you waiting for the Lord at this time in your life?
5. Please know that as you wait, God promises to bring a blessing to you.
6. May you be encouraged by the many truths in this one simple verse
A Prayer:
Father, this verse is perhaps one of the most lovely verses in the entire Bible. It's filled with grace, love, compassion and faithfulness.
Thank You for being who You are towards us. We are not always what we ought to be towards You, but You never cease being towards us who You are. You remain the same, You do not change, You are faithful. Lord, if we are away from You, we want to declare this day, we want to come back to You and receive Your love and compassion. And, Lord, if we are in a situation where You have us waiting on You, then we thank You in advance for the blessing that is ours, or that is coming. You wait and we wait. The center point of it all is our being with You and You being with us. Walking and living together as friends who value and appreciate each other. Thank You, Lord, for being so incredible. We do not have the words to express what is in our hearts. Would you help us to have hearts that can write out or speak out our thoughts to You. Blessed be the name of the Lord, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, 9/19/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, explanations, questions and a prayer:
Isaiah had been sent by the Lord to minister to the southern kingdom of Judah. He was sent to call the people to God and to warn them of what would happen if they persisted in their sin and rebellion towards God. He was God's messenger of grace, love, forgiveness, restoration and hope. By the way, each of us as believers are called to a similar ministry. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, to help bring people to faith. May we be good and faithful ministers of Jesus Christ.
This particular verse is an expression of God's heart. It's a very, very beautiful truth about God and His love for His people.
1. God will wait for His people.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
This was spoken by Isaiah from God to God's people.
The message was, "the LORD still waits for you”.
Imagine that in the midst of sin and rebellion, God was waiting for His people.
Our God is a "waiting" God.
Waits here, means to wait, tarry, await, to wait for, to long for.
2. God waits for His people to come to Him.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people had turned their backs upon Him.
But God had not turned His heart away from them.
God was longing for them to come back to Him.
God was waiting for them.
3. God waits for His people to come to Him so he can show them His love and compassion.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God was waiting for His people to come to Him
God was not waiting for His people to come to Him so He could punish them.
God was waiting for His people to come to Him so that He could show them two things.
(1) God wanted to show them His love.
(2) God wanted to show them His compassion.
4. Our God is a faithful God.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God not only is a waiting God, but He is a faithful God.
God is dependable.
You can count on God to do what He says He will do.
That's just the way He is.
He not only is faithful, but He never changes.
He is always faithful.
5. Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people are blessed as they wait upon God,
God will help those who wait upon Him.
Wait here means, the same as above, to long for.
So, the person who longs for God to help them will be blessed.
That is a promise from God to those who wait for Him.
Some Questions:
1. Would you say God is waiting for you right now, or you are waiting for God?
2. If you find yourself today away from God, please know that He is waiting for You to come back to Him.
3. Guess what God is waiting to show you? HIs love and compassion.
4. Are you waiting for the Lord at this time in your life?
5. Please know that as you wait, God promises to bring a blessing to you.
6. May you be encouraged by the many truths in this one simple verse
A Prayer:
Father, this verse is perhaps one of the most lovely verses in the entire Bible. It's filled with grace, love, compassion and faithfulness.
Thank You for being who You are towards us. We are not always what we ought to be towards You, but You never cease being towards us who You are. You remain the same, You do not change, You are faithful. Lord, if we are away from You, we want to declare this day, we want to come back to You and receive Your love and compassion. And, Lord, if we are in a situation where You have us waiting on You, then we thank You in advance for the blessing that is ours, or that is coming. You wait and we wait. The center point of it all is our being with You and You being with us. Walking and living together as friends who value and appreciate each other. Thank You, Lord, for being so incredible. We do not have the words to express what is in our hearts. Would you help us to have hearts that can write out or speak out our thoughts to You. Blessed be the name of the Lord, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, September 18, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GUIDING YOUR HEART WITH WISDOM FROM GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GUIDING YOUR HEART WITH WISDOM FROM GOD"
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat.”
Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/18/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
We know that the book of Proverbs is
God's book of wisdom for us. Through Proverbs the Lord teaches us how to
have His wisdom, and how to put it into practice in our lives.
Sometimes, as in this case, there are two main thoughts, along with an
explanation.
Let's look at God's guidance, and God's explanation for His guidance.
Let's look at God's guidance, and God's explanation for His guidance.
1. We can hear God speak to us.
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
God tells us here,”hear my son”.
He speaks.
He is asking us to listen.
He is our Father, and we are His children.
He wants to give us wisdom.
He speaks.
He is asking us to listen.
He is our Father, and we are His children.
He wants to give us wisdom.
2. We can be wise by receiving God's instruction.
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
God tells us "and be wise”.
That wisdom of heart comes by listening, believing, and applying what God says to us.
God would never guide us into foolishness and destruction.
Quite the opposite.
That wisdom of heart comes by listening, believing, and applying what God says to us.
God would never guide us into foolishness and destruction.
Quite the opposite.
3. We can, through God's wisdom, guide our heart in the way (God's way).
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
So, three things are said here.
Hear my son.
And be wise.
And guide your heart in the way.
Hear my son.
And be wise.
And guide your heart in the way.
This last one, "guide your heart in the way" has to do with our response to what God says.
It's comforting to know that God only asks us what we are able to do.
He is speaking here to our minds, and to our decision making processes.
It's comforting to know that God only asks us what we are able to do.
He is speaking here to our minds, and to our decision making processes.
He is calling us to engage with His Word and to "guide our heart in the way”.
What is the "way”?
It's His way.
And Jesus called Himself the “way the, truth, and the life”.
God is asking us to guide ourselves into, and with, Jesus and what Jesus has for us.
What is the "way”?
It's His way.
And Jesus called Himself the “way the, truth, and the life”.
God is asking us to guide ourselves into, and with, Jesus and what Jesus has for us.
4. We are wise to take God warnings about what is stated here.
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat”
Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”
Here's what God says to us.
It's put in the “do not" category.
Avoid these things.
Don't participate in these things.
And, it's put in the "here's why I don't want you to do this” category also.
It's put in the “do not" category.
Avoid these things.
Don't participate in these things.
And, it's put in the "here's why I don't want you to do this” category also.
Don't get involved with drinking, gluttons, which means to flow down, to be worthless, to make light of, to squander.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons,”
Proverbs 23:21 “for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.”
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons,”
Proverbs 23:21 “for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.”
Notice where these people are headed.
And notice what will happen to them.
And notice what will happen to them.
God does not want this to happen to you.
And it won't if you guide your heart into His wisdom.
And it won't if you guide your heart into His wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing that God considers you, as a believer, His son or daughter, His child?
2. How kind and caring of Him to want to guide you into blessing and keep you from harm.
3. Can you see clearly what He is directing you to, and away from, and why?
4. Will you take a moment to thank Him for his guidance, and ask Him to help you put His wisdom into practice in your life?
A Prayer:
Father, what a blessing the Book of
Proverbs is. In these 31 chapters, You say so much about life. You seem
to touch on every area of life where we need wisdom. We cannot go back
and make a "do over of our lives”, but we can receive Your wisdom and be
doers as we move forward in this life. You never force us, but You
certainly lay out the way of blessing for us to choose. If we are
inclined to take lightly Your counsel, would You please change our
hearts so that we take Your counsels very seriously. And we pray for
friends and family who may be caught up in their own wisdom and are
suffering at this very time for choices they have made in the past. We
pray that You might deliver them into the peace of God. Show them Your
way, Lord, and lead them in Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HOPE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HOPE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU"
Proverbs 23:17 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.”
Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.”
(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 9/17/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
There are many things in life that can distract God's child and disturb the peace God has for them.
And in this Proverb Solomon gives us simple, sound wisdom as to the hope God has for us.
This is a favorite passage of mine, and I pray that God brings true and lasting blessing into your soul through it.
And in this Proverb Solomon gives us simple, sound wisdom as to the hope God has for us.
This is a favorite passage of mine, and I pray that God brings true and lasting blessing into your soul through it.
1. We are instructed by God not have to envy sinners.
Proverbs 23:17 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day”
Envying sinners is something that can happen to us.
Envy means to become jealous, and angry.
Envy means to become jealous, and angry.
Isn't it odd that the very person we
used to be, and are glad that we are no longer that person can become
the persons we are jealous of?
Why is this?
Why is this?
I think it's simply when we get our eyes off the Lord and start looking at people, and it's easy to become jealous of them.
Those sinners may look as if all is well with them, and that they are having a grand time.
They may in fact enjoy pleasure, as sin is a pleasure, but only for a season.
Those sinners may look as if all is well with them, and that they are having a grand time.
They may in fact enjoy pleasure, as sin is a pleasure, but only for a season.
So, God tells us not to be jealous of them.
2. We can be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.
Proverbs 23:17 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.”
Here we are told what to do.
This is God's direction for us.
Instead of being jealous of sinners, we are told to do something else.
This is God's direction for us.
Instead of being jealous of sinners, we are told to do something else.
We are to be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.
What does this mean, and why ought we do to it?
What does this mean, and why ought we do to it?
It simply means to always continue in the fear of the LORD.
The fear of the LORD is the starting point day by day for wisdom and knowledge.
The fear of the LORD is the starting point day by day for wisdom and knowledge.
Now that we are christians this is how we can live, and enjoy the blessings of having our hearts towards God.
God is who we are going to see face to face one day.
God is who we are going to see face to face one day.
Sinners whom we might be jealous of now, will sadly never see God's face.
They will remain in outer darkness forever.
We will be in Glory forever.
They will remain in outer darkness forever.
We will be in Glory forever.
3. We are certain of the hereafter.
Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.”
Here God takes us beyond the present into the "hereafter" or the reality after this life.
The what comes after this life if you will.
It's called the "hereafter”.
The what comes after this life if you will.
It's called the "hereafter”.
The hereafter means the future we have ahead of us.
And we are told that we can be certain that we have a glorious future ahead of us.
And we are told that we can be certain that we have a glorious future ahead of us.
4. We are also certain that our hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.”
The hope we have of being with Christ is not going to be cut off by anyone or by anything.
Our hope will not be disappointed.
Our hope will not be disappointed.
God has promised eternity with Him to all who come to Him through faith in Christ.
The sad truth for sinners is that they also have a future ahead of them.
And it's true that they will certainly be separated from God forever.
Oh how terrible the thought.
The sad truth for sinners is that they also have a future ahead of them.
And it's true that they will certainly be separated from God forever.
Oh how terrible the thought.
5. The point God is making in these verses.
It's a simple one.
And, it's this.
It's worth living for God now because it's going to pay off.
Don't be tricked by what you see around you.
But keep your eyes on the Lord.
He is going to see you all the way to heaven
You will meet God face to face in the hereafter, in the next life
It's worth it in this life to live for the next life.
And, it's this.
It's worth living for God now because it's going to pay off.
Don't be tricked by what you see around you.
But keep your eyes on the Lord.
He is going to see you all the way to heaven
You will meet God face to face in the hereafter, in the next life
It's worth it in this life to live for the next life.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever find yourself looking at unbelievers and thinking they have it so good, I'd like to have what they have?
2. Isn't it interesting that once our eyes are off the Lord, we can fall prey to deception and lies?
3. Can you remember how glad you were to
be saved, and think of it now, that you might look at the unsaved and
be jealous of them.
4. The remedy, the way to live is simply laid out here for us isn't it?
5. We are in this life now, but do you
know that the next life is coming, and you will see God and He will
welcome You into glory.
6. Will you take a moment to really
think through how true it is, that it's worth living for God now in
light of where you are going in the end?
A Prayer:
Father, You have been so good to us,
words fail to express it. Thank You that we can be delivered from our
own sinfulness and get our eyes and life right with You. Lord, You know
that in our right minds it's foolish to envy those who have no hope. But
we must admit it does happen to us from time to time. Father, You are
living right now in the "hereafter”. We are in the "here" at this time.
But Your plan for us is to bring us from "here" to the "hereafter" with
You. Thank You for the hope we have. And thank You for the promise that
our hope will not be cut off. You will see to that. You promise to keep
us till we are in safe and sound in heaven. Oh what a glorious hope we
have.
May we enjoy the truth of it day by day, and all through the day, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
May we enjoy the truth of it day by day, and all through the day, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"
Psalm 60:10 “Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?”
Psalm 60:11 “Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”
Psalm 60:12 “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
(Taken from today's reading in the “One Year Bible" September 16th, 2014)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions and a prayer:
David's armies had been meeting stiff
opposition and resistance, and were experiencing some defeat. They were
surrounded by the enemy.
Enemies were on the east, south, and west of David's armies. And during the time this Psalm was written David was fighting the Syrian army to the north. So, he was indeed surrounded.
Enemies were on the east, south, and west of David's armies. And during the time this Psalm was written David was fighting the Syrian army to the north. So, he was indeed surrounded.
However, even though surrounded by
enemies, David believed that God would help him triumph. May this
devotional help you if you happen to find yourself in a similar
situation.
1. God had cast off the children of Israel, and had not gone out with their armies.
Psalm 60:10 “Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?”
The children of Israel experienced being cast off by God and not having God with them as they went out in battle.
We don't know the circumstances that led to this consequence.
But, they were right in the middle of it.
God does not leave us.
But we can certainly leave God.
Or God can let us see what it's like to be without His help.
We don't know the circumstances that led to this consequence.
But, they were right in the middle of it.
God does not leave us.
But we can certainly leave God.
Or God can let us see what it's like to be without His help.
2. David was asking God to help him from trouble.
Psalm 60:11 “Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”
Even though they were in this position, and were in grave trouble, David was asking the Lord to help him.
It was a simple prayer, “give us help from trouble”.
It was a simple prayer, “give us help from trouble”.
David knew that help could, and would, come from God.
Thus he had faith that God would help him in this trouble.
And so can you.
Thus he had faith that God would help him in this trouble.
And so can you.
3. David realized the help of man was useless.
Psalm 60:11 “Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”
David had lived long enough to know that man's help is useless.
We need God's help to get through our battles and difficulties.
We need God's help to get through our battles and difficulties.
David was not speaking ill of man, but just saying what is true.
Man may want to help us, but it's God who can really help.
Man may want to help us, but it's God who can really help.
So, David was asking God to help, instead of man.
4. David was confident that through God they would do valiantly. Because God would tread down their enemies.
Psalm 60:12 “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
In asking God, David was very confident
that God would act in such a way as to bring them through the battle in a
victorious manner.
David understood that it was God who would tread down, or destroy, their enemies.
David understood that it was God who would tread down, or destroy, their enemies.
Some Questions:
1. Have you ever felt as if God has cast you off?
2. Have you ever felt like you are facing life and it's challenges without God's help?
3. Have you ever cried out to God to help you in your time of trouble?
4. Though man can be a friend, compared to God man is useless, would you not agree?
5. Do you have the faith today to believe, and will you believe that God will help you in your present struggle?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Lord, we must confess that so often, and so many times, we have not
trusted in You, but have trusted in our own strength. Lord, we must
admit that our strength is not enough at all to do what needs to be
done.
Lord, there are times when You allow us to experience what it's like to be in the fray without You, as it were. It's not a place we want to be in, Lord. We need Your help in times of trouble, and we ask for it in this hour. Help us, O God. We know that it's through You that we can do valiantly. And we know that it's You, Lord, who will deal with our enemies. We entrust ourselves to You this day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Lord, there are times when You allow us to experience what it's like to be in the fray without You, as it were. It's not a place we want to be in, Lord. We need Your help in times of trouble, and we ask for it in this hour. Help us, O God. We know that it's through You that we can do valiantly. And we know that it's You, Lord, who will deal with our enemies. We entrust ourselves to You this day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, September 15, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR GOD BEING PRAISED BY A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART”
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR GOD BEING PRAISED BY A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART”
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your
power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have
been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Psalm 59:17 “To You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; For God is my defense, My God of mercy.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible for Sept 15th, 2014)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm is explained in it's very opening.
Psalm 59 To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy”. A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the the house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me.
Psalm 59 To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy”. A Michtam of David when Saul sent men, and they watched the the house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Defend me from those who rise up against me.
King Saul was trying to kill David.
Saul's men were watching and waiting to kill him. David, knowing of this
plan, prayed to God and asked God to defend him from those who had
risen up against him.
Here at the end of the Psalm, (as with many of the Psalms) David winds up after his prayer praising God.
1. We can sing of God's power.
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Trouble does not preclude us from doing what David did when he was in trouble.
God's power is real and it's accessible to us through faith in Jesus Christ.
His power is what He wants us to live in, rest in, and enjoy.
We can sing this very day of His power.
By the way, His power was demonstrated in rising from the dead, having destroyed the works of Satan.
God's power is real and it's accessible to us through faith in Jesus Christ.
His power is what He wants us to live in, rest in, and enjoy.
We can sing this very day of His power.
By the way, His power was demonstrated in rising from the dead, having destroyed the works of Satan.
2. We can sing of God's mercy.
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Mercy is when we do not get what we deserve.
That is something to sing about when you consider what we deserve.
God is the God of mercy.
His mercies are both everlasting, and they are new every morning.
Let's thank God today, and sing to Him about His mercy.
That is something to sing about when you consider what we deserve.
God is the God of mercy.
His mercies are both everlasting, and they are new every morning.
Let's thank God today, and sing to Him about His mercy.
3. We can sing of God being our defender and refuge in the day of trouble.
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
There are so many things that God is to us.
Here's another one.
He is our defender, and our refuge in the day of trouble.
Trouble comes to all of God's children.
And to all of God's children, God become their defender and their refuge.
Thank You, Lord, for being these things for us.
Here's another one.
He is our defender, and our refuge in the day of trouble.
Trouble comes to all of God's children.
And to all of God's children, God become their defender and their refuge.
Thank You, Lord, for being these things for us.
4. We can declare that God is our strength and sing praises to Him for defending us and being merciful to us.
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
Psalm 59:16 “But I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning; For You have been my defense And refuge in the day of my trouble.”
We have our own strength.
But there is a far greater strength at our disposal if we will but turn to God and trust in Him.
He delights in giving us His strength.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
So don’t fear if you feel your weakness.
You are a candidate for His strength to finds it's home.
But there is a far greater strength at our disposal if we will but turn to God and trust in Him.
He delights in giving us His strength.
His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
So don’t fear if you feel your weakness.
You are a candidate for His strength to finds it's home.
Some Questions:
1. Can you see how trouble becomes a doorway to God for our souls if you will?
2. Can you see that God is so much more than we can imagine?
3. Can you see that all you may need in any challenge can be found in Him through faith in Him?
4. Will you take just a moment, and pause to reflect on what the Lord is for your life, and thank Him for it?
A Prayer:
Father, how wonderfully comforting these
Psalms are. I'm certain that David had no idea that billions of people
down through history would read of his life, his troubles, and his great
experiences of You being so faithful to help him. No doubt we do not
know how our lives that trust You will also be of help to others at this
time in history. Eventually we will meet David in Heaven, and there
will be no more tears, and no more trouble. No more evil, but only sheer
Divine, pure holy bliss forever and ever. Lord, sometimes we find it
hard to wait to go and be with You. But time will pass, and we will see
You face to face. In the meantime may the truths that we have looked at
today be found real and life changing and comforting to us in our own
souls. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FROM A PRAYER OF THE APOSTLE PAUL"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FROM A PRAYER OF THE APOSTLE PAUL"
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, Sept 13th, 2014)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
Paul spent many chapters in this 2nd
letter to the Corinthian Church, in which he deal with a vast amount of
very important issues.
But after all the issues were dealt with, he closed out his letter as he and the other apostles often would do, with a sort of prayer, or a benediction. We might tend to just read and rush through these, but upon a slower and closer look, we find they are rich with truth, and most of the time are also rich with instruction and encouragement. I believe such is the case here. May this be a blessing to your soul today.
But after all the issues were dealt with, he closed out his letter as he and the other apostles often would do, with a sort of prayer, or a benediction. We might tend to just read and rush through these, but upon a slower and closer look, we find they are rich with truth, and most of the time are also rich with instruction and encouragement. I believe such is the case here. May this be a blessing to your soul today.
1. Believers can farewell.
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Farewell here, means to rejoice, to be glad. To be joyful.
It's as if Paul was simply pointing them in a direction that they ought to go in, and in a direction that God would want them to go in, and live in, and that is in peace.
It's as if Paul was simply pointing them in a direction that they ought to go in, and in a direction that God would want them to go in, and live in, and that is in peace.
We not only have peace with God, but we can, as believers, enjoy the peace of God.
Php 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Col 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
2. Believers can become complete.
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Here Paul speaks of becoming complete. The word means to get ready, to prepare, to be equipped, fully trained.
All of the above meanings are very basic to a healthy normal Christian life.
Jesus often spoke this way, and so did the other apostles. Paul, Peter, and John.
All of the above meanings are very basic to a healthy normal Christian life.
Jesus often spoke this way, and so did the other apostles. Paul, Peter, and John.
Luke 12:40 “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
2nd Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word! Be
ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all
long-suffering and teaching.”
1st Peter 4:7 “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”
Revelations 3:2 “Be watchful, and
strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have
not found your works perfect before God.”
3. Believers can be of good comfort.
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
This is lovely and needed. Be of good comfort. How we need comfort in this life and world. And, we can be of good comfort.
God is the God of all comfort.
He comforts His people.
God is the God of all comfort.
He comforts His people.
Comfort means encourage.
So, he is saying, be encouraged.
If you were to take a moment and think of why you should be encouraged, I'm certain you would find many, many answers.
So, he is saying, be encouraged.
If you were to take a moment and think of why you should be encouraged, I'm certain you would find many, many answers.
4. Believers ought to be of and can be of one mind.
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Believers do not have to live in division and dispute. We can, and ought to live in peace, and in harmony.
The choice is ours.
We can make the choice that leads to this harmony.
It's the choice of our hearts.
The choice is ours.
We can make the choice that leads to this harmony.
It's the choice of our hearts.
Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Php 2:2 “fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”
1st Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of
one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be
tenderhearted, be courteous;”
5. Believers can live in peace.
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
It would seem that this part of the verse is actually the fruit of all that was said before this part of the verse.
In other words when believers choose to live in the ways described above, the outcome is peace.
In other words when believers choose to live in the ways described above, the outcome is peace.
Php 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Col 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
6. Believers can expect the God of love and peace to be with them.
2nd Corinthians 13:11 “Finally,
brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
This is such a beautiful truth and promise to believers.
It's as mentioned above.
It's not just a prayer.
It's what God promises to do for and with His people.
And, it was Paul's desire for the Corinthians.
It's God desire for you also this very day.
It's as mentioned above.
It's not just a prayer.
It's what God promises to do for and with His people.
And, it was Paul's desire for the Corinthians.
It's God desire for you also this very day.
The God of love and peace be with you.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it good to know that you are one of the "Brethren”? You are a believer, a born again child of God.
2. And, isn't it a blessing to know that God has all of these blessing for His children?
3. When you look over this verse, is there a particular part or point that you say, "I really need that today”?
4. Do you believe that God will give these to you?
5. Will you believe God to respond to Him in whatever way He is directing you to do this day?
A Prayer:
Father, it's amazing to me how much truth and teaching can be included in just one verse. Only You Lord can do such a thing.
Thank You for allowing us to see Your heart towards us in this verse.
And, thank You that these are truths that can be part of our lives day by day.
May it be so Lord, may it be so.
In Jesus’ name, amen
Thank You for allowing us to see Your heart towards us in this verse.
And, thank You that these are truths that can be part of our lives day by day.
May it be so Lord, may it be so.
In Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, September 12, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID"
Psalm 55:3 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
Psalm 55:4 “In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”å
Psalm 55:4 “In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”å
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible September 12th, 2014)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
David was very well acquainted with
life. And as a man whose heart was after the Lord, or towards the Lord,
wanting to follow Him, he had many opponents who were against the rule
and the reign of God through His king, King David. So David had many
opportunities to look to God for help. In this he is an example to us.
Because we also as people who desire to follow the Lord have a very real
opponent and adversary whose sole purpose is to destroy you. But like
David when we are afraid, and who is not, we can do what he did.
Let's enjoy seeing what we can do when we are afraid.
Let's enjoy seeing what we can do when we are afraid.
Note. In this particular Psalm David tells us why he was afraid. Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Psalm 55:1 “O God, have mercy on me. The enemy troops press in on me. My foes attack me all day long.”
Psalm 55:2 “My slanderers hound me constantly, and many are boldly attacking me.”
Psalm 55:2 “My slanderers hound me constantly, and many are boldly attacking me.”
1. Whenever we are afraid.
Psalm 55:3 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
It's helpful to note here that David is
not saying, that there may come a time when I'm afraid, but rather he
states that when he is afraid.
He understood that he would have these times.
Trials, attacks, etc, they do come.
We can be sure of it.
He understood that he would have these times.
Trials, attacks, etc, they do come.
We can be sure of it.
And these times can make us afraid.
They can take away our comfort.
Afraid mans dreadful, astonishment, to terrify, and to shoot.
They can take away our comfort.
Afraid mans dreadful, astonishment, to terrify, and to shoot.
2. We can trust in God.
Psalm 55:3 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
So, we know that times of fear and terror will come.
And we know what we can do in those times.
In fact we can do this every time we are afraid.
We can do just what David did.
We can trust in God.
And we know what we can do in those times.
In fact we can do this every time we are afraid.
We can do just what David did.
We can trust in God.
In other words, we can make the choice to turn away from our fear and to turn to God.
The word trust here means, to have confidence in, to hope, to be secure to feel safe, to be careless (free from fear).
The word trust here means, to have confidence in, to hope, to be secure to feel safe, to be careless (free from fear).
3. We can praise the Lord in His Word.
Psalm 55:4 “In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?”
Here's an additional choice and action that David took, and so can we.
He not only trusted the Lord, but also praised God.
He not only trusted the Lord, but also praised God.
It's interesting to see how he wrote out this action.
"In God (will praise His Word)”
What does this mean?
"In God (will praise His Word)”
What does this mean?
It would seem that David knew his position, he was "In God”.
And, in God he would praise His Word.
And, in God he would praise His Word.
For us, God has given us His Word.
In David's case he had the Old Testament.
In David's case he had the Old Testament.
We have both the Old Testament and the New Testament
And as we are in His Word, we see the Lord and all He has done for us.
And it causes us to praise Him.
And as we are in His Word, we see the Lord and all He has done for us.
And it causes us to praise Him.
Praising God is sure a lot better than being afraid of man.
4. We can trust God, and not be afraid of what man can do to us.
Psalm 55:3 “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”
We can be just like David.
We can trust the Lord
We do not have to be afraid.
What a wonderful attitude of heart we can take.
We can trust the Lord
We do not have to be afraid.
What a wonderful attitude of heart we can take.
Some Questions:
1. Do you have people pressing in upon you at this time in your life?
2. Do you have foes that are attacking you?
3. Do you have slanderers who are hounding you and are boldly attacking you?
4. Do you know that by God's grace and power you can do just as David did?
5. Do you know that you can trust God and you can praise God?
A Prayer:
Father, You talk about not being afraid
more than anything else in the Bible. I'm told that You telling Your
people not to fear, or not to be afraid, is the most often repeated
statement You make in the Bible. It's no wonder, for we are in a world
ruled by Satan. We live in a Spiritual battle ground, and fear is a
normal reaction to our circumstances. Thank You for this record of what
David did. It's so helpful to us. We can follow his footprint, and
experience Your comfort. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GRACE OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GRACE OF GOD"
(Taken from today's Reading in The One Year Bible 9/11/14)
2nd Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions and a prayer:
Paul had a problem, and God was helping
with his problem. His problem was that he might get lifted up in pride
because of the experience he had of being taken up into the 3rd heaven
(where he saw and heard things that it was not lawful for him to talk
about).
God knew that this wonderful experience might cause him to be lifted up in pride, so the Lord allowed a messenger of satan to afflict Paul with some terrible affliction. Paul asked the Lord over and over again to take this affliction away, and God's answer to him is found in the verse we are looking at today. So, let's break this verse down and see how it might apply in our lives.
God knew that this wonderful experience might cause him to be lifted up in pride, so the Lord allowed a messenger of satan to afflict Paul with some terrible affliction. Paul asked the Lord over and over again to take this affliction away, and God's answer to him is found in the verse we are looking at today. So, let's break this verse down and see how it might apply in our lives.
1. God does speak to His people.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul had talked to the Lord many times
about this particular affliction. He had really asked God to remove this
from him. It was very, very painful for him to have this affliction.
God answered Paul's prayer. The answer is recorded in the verse,
God hears your prayers, and God will answer your prayers if you will wait upon Him.
He promises to hear and answer prayers that are prayed in His name, (according to His will).
He promises to hear and answer prayers that are prayed in His name, (according to His will).
2. God has grace for His people that is sufficient for them.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God not only hears and answers prayers, but He often does so in unexpected ways.
Such was the case with Paul.
Such was the case with Paul.
Notice what God said to Paul. "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness”.
What a wonderful fit between human affliction and divine help and comfort.
What a wonderful fit between human affliction and divine help and comfort.
God's grace is sufficient, which means it's all we need to deal with our problems.
Here's how this reads in the NLT:
2nd Cor 12:9 Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
Here's how this reads in the NLT:
2nd Cor 12:9 Each time he said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.
3. God's grace is made perfect in our weakness.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
It's interesting to note how our weakness's and God's grace match so perfectly.
We have problems and God has grace that fits our problems perfectly.
We have problems and God has grace that fits our problems perfectly.
This is what Paul discovered. That
rather than God removing his problem, God was going to give him grace
that would work to help him in his weakness, or his affliction and
problem.
4. God's people can approach their problems in a different way because of God's grace.
2nd Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul came to realize that if it is true
that God gives grace in my problem, then I can rejoice in my problems,
because God is going to give me grace which will help me and be more
than enough for me.
This changed Paul's entire view and
reaction towards his problems. He actually boasted now in his
infirmities, because he came to realize that it was during those times
that God's grace and power would rest upon him.
Questions:
1. What is your response to this particular verse?
2. Do you feel you understand what Paul was saying here?
3. How would you describe what is being said?
4. Are you having infirmities and difficulties at this time?
5. Will you ask God for His grace and power to rest upon you to help you?
A Prayer:
Father, this is certainly a wonderful
and very personal look into the life of the apostle Paul. We often think
of these people as super saints if you will. But they were people just
like the rest of us. They had blessings and they had buffetings. We have
blessings and we have buffetings also. Satan will attack us just as he
did Paul and others. But, You have grace that is sufficient and
appropriate for us.
With that truth in mind, Lord, help us to adopt the attitude of faith that Paul had. Help us, Lord, to boast and rejoice in times of difficulties because we know that it's in those times we can expect you to really help us out. In Jesus’ name, amen.
With that truth in mind, Lord, help us to adopt the attitude of faith that Paul had. Help us, Lord, to boast and rejoice in times of difficulties because we know that it's in those times we can expect you to really help us out. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GOODNESS AND FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GOODNESS AND FAITHFULNESS OF THE LORD"
(Taken from reading today in the One Year Bible 9/10/14)
Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.
Psalm 54:5 He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth.
Psalm 54:6 I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.
Psalm 54:7 For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
David was no stranger to extreme
difficulties. As the King of Israel he had many enemies. The nation of
Israel had many enemies.
David lived in the same world we live in. And he dealt with the same basic conflicts and challenges we do.
People often make fun of the devil, and mock those who speak of the devil, but that kind of thinking is the very greatest victory of deception Satan can have in someone's life. That is to discount the fact of the devil's reality. At any rate, behind all of the trouble that came against David was his spiritual enemy. David was a man of God who stood with God and trusted in God and found victory after victory through that trust. God was David's deliverer, and He is our deliverer today.
David lived in the same world we live in. And he dealt with the same basic conflicts and challenges we do.
People often make fun of the devil, and mock those who speak of the devil, but that kind of thinking is the very greatest victory of deception Satan can have in someone's life. That is to discount the fact of the devil's reality. At any rate, behind all of the trouble that came against David was his spiritual enemy. David was a man of God who stood with God and trusted in God and found victory after victory through that trust. God was David's deliverer, and He is our deliverer today.
1. David understood that God was His helper, and the Lord is with those who uphold his life.
Psalm 54:4 Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life.
Here are two truths about God for the those who believe.
One, God is our helper.
Two, God is also with or alongside those who help us in our walk and ministry to the Lord.
One, God is our helper.
Two, God is also with or alongside those who help us in our walk and ministry to the Lord.
So, God is personally involved in the
lives of His people. He is actually with you. And, he is actually with
those other members of the body of Christ also.
Simply put, God is with His people.
2. God will repay those enemies of God for their evil deeds.
Psalm 54:5 He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth.
Often in Scripture we are told that God is just, and that vengeance belongs to God.
In fact, we are directed by God to let Him deal with our enemies. Just as we are often directed to let the Lord take care of us in every other area of our lives.
In fact, we are directed by God to let Him deal with our enemies. Just as we are often directed to let the Lord take care of us in every other area of our lives.
What a comfort to know that though we have enemies, it is God who will deal with them, in His own way and in His own time.
By the way, our part as it relates to our enemies is to "pray for enemies”. That is what Jesus told us to do.
By the way, our part as it relates to our enemies is to "pray for enemies”. That is what Jesus told us to do.
Matt 5:44 “But I say to you, love your
enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and
pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
3. David on the other hand was worshipping God, praising God for His name is good.
Psalm 54:6 I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.
Here David tells us what he was doing in the midst of this situation. He was focused on the Lord worshipping him.
He was praising God, because God is good.
He was praising God, because God is good.
While we have battles and enemies, etc,
that fact does not prevent us from being just like David. In the midst
of life and all it’s troubles, David remained steady in his walk with
the Lord, and enjoyed knowing the Lord, and spent time telling Him so.
4. David could look back on past deliverances by God, and David saw how the Lord took care of his enemies.
Psalm 54:7 For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.
One of the blessings of knowing God and
having walked with God for some period of time was David's ability to
look backwards over his own personal history and see the delivering hand
of God in his life. These past acts of God were demonstrations of God's
faithfulness, and gave David courage and faith in the moment as he
sought to deal with his present circumstances and challenges that lay
ahead.
God is unchanging, thus what He was yesterday, He is today, and will be forever and ever.
Some Questions:
1. Don't we all need reminders from time to time that God is actually with us?
2. When you read the Bible don't you see often where God tells you to let Him take care of your enemies?
3. In the meantime, is there anything to
keep you from worshipping the Lord and praising Him for His wonderful
deeds towards you?
4. Hasn't God delivered you in the past? Haven't you seen the Lord do just exactly what He has promised to do for you?
A Prayer:
Father, we love the Psalms. But we love
You more than the Psalms themselves. The Psalms tell us so much about
You, and we are so grateful for them. Thank You for giving us 150
Psalms. That is a whole lot of blessing for us. It seems that when we
read them we find something that seems to fit our lives to the tee. It's
no coincidence, Lord. It's You speaking to the very needs and
circumstances in our lives. Thank You for Your unceasing help in our
lives Father. We truly are grateful, and love you dearly. In Jesus’
name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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