"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE LAST WORDS IN THE BIBLE"
Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Revelation 22:18 “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;”
Revelation 22:19 “and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:21 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. The Holy Spirit and the Bride say "Come”.
Revelation 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
The Holy Spirit is inviting people to come to Jesus and be saved, and to grow in Him.
The bride of Christ is also (or should be) evangelizing, preaching, teaching the Word of God, and inviting to come to Christ.
For those who hear, they also say "come”.
And the Lord invites the thirsty to "Come”.
Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.
Our God is a Saving God, not a condemning God.
He wants people to be saved.
He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked.
But wants all men everywhere to repent and be saved.
2. God's Word is complete and He warns against tampering with it.
Revelation 22:18 “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book;”
Revelation 22:19 “and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
This is a very stern, serious, and true warning from God.
No one is to add to the Bible.
Or they will have added to them the plagues that are written in the book of Revelation.
Also, no one is to remove or take away from the words in God's Holy Bible.
Or God will take them away from their part in the Book of life and from the Holy City and from the things written here,.
In other words, God's Word is to be left as it is.
It's all that we need for life and Godliness.
3. Jesus says "Surely I am coming quickly" and the grace of God be with you all.
Revelation 22:20 “He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Revelation 22:21 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
When Jesus says "Surely I am coming quickly”, He means that when the events of the last days begin to happen, they will happen in rapid order. Jesus will come very quickly.
We want Jesus to come back again.
Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
God's grace is for us to have and to grow in.
So be it.
Some Questions:
1. Do you wonder if we are actually very very close to the end of the world as we know it?
2. Do you know the Bible gives us the signs of the last days?
3. Do you look forward to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ?
4. Are you afraid of what might happen to you?
5. Do you know that if you are afraid God will help you with your fears?
6. Do you know how much He loves You and and wants to make You His own if you are not at this time?
A Prayer:
Father, we are at the end of a year. And we have just looked at the end of the Bible. The end of all things do happen.
Only You know when Jesus is coming. But from reading Your Word it appears that the end is truly near. The end means the start for those who are saved. The start of our eternal future with You. We can hardly wait. Today as people celebrate the New Year they will say, "Happy New Year”. Lord, how sad will it be if they don't know You and perish this night, or in this new year. Please fill us with a compassion and an urgency to share Christ with as many people as we can, and to be faithful in serving You in the place and ministry that You have us in. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHERE WE ARE GOING (HEAVEN)”
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHERE WE ARE GOING (HEAVEN)”
Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.””
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is going to dwell with us, and we with Him in heaven.
Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
John tells us that he heard a loud voice from heaven shouting as it were.
God's home is now among His people.
God is going to live with His people.
We are and will be His people.
God Himself will be with us.
No doubt what was just said above is the greatest thing about heaven, God.
He will be with us.
And we will be with Him.
2. There are certain things which will not be in heaven.
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
God is going to remove all of the sorrows we have.
There will be no sorrow in heaven, none at all.
There will also be no death in heaven, none at all.
And, there will be no crying in heaven, none at all.
Furthermore, there will be no more pain in heaven, none at all.
Because all that we know now of this world and it's evils' will be gone forever.
3. God is going to make all things new.
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.””
John now hears God's voice speaking and giving a message.
He told John to "look”, to "see”, and to write the things he was seeing.
God is going to make all things new.
All things.
Nothing from the past remains.
Except God's saved people.
We can depend on these things to be true.
God is trustworthy and true.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever wonder when, where, and under what circumstances you will leave this earth and head for heaven?
2. Do you know that God has absolutely promised to get you there safe and sound?
3. Will you please try for a moment to reflect on the difference heaven will be like compared to this present world and life?
4. Isn't it wonderful that we can depend 100% on everything that God has told us?
A Prayer:
Father, we do not know what a day holds. This will no doubt be the last day on earth for many all around the world. Their appointment with death will come this day. It could be our day personally for all we know. But because You have saved us and forgiven us, we can look, and do look, forward to a glorious eternal future with You. It's thrilling to think about it.
And the most thrilling thing is that it's all true. We love You, and wait for You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.””
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is going to dwell with us, and we with Him in heaven.
Revelation 21:3 “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.”
John tells us that he heard a loud voice from heaven shouting as it were.
God's home is now among His people.
God is going to live with His people.
We are and will be His people.
God Himself will be with us.
No doubt what was just said above is the greatest thing about heaven, God.
He will be with us.
And we will be with Him.
2. There are certain things which will not be in heaven.
Revelation 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
God is going to remove all of the sorrows we have.
There will be no sorrow in heaven, none at all.
There will also be no death in heaven, none at all.
And, there will be no crying in heaven, none at all.
Furthermore, there will be no more pain in heaven, none at all.
Because all that we know now of this world and it's evils' will be gone forever.
3. God is going to make all things new.
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.””
John now hears God's voice speaking and giving a message.
He told John to "look”, to "see”, and to write the things he was seeing.
God is going to make all things new.
All things.
Nothing from the past remains.
Except God's saved people.
We can depend on these things to be true.
God is trustworthy and true.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever wonder when, where, and under what circumstances you will leave this earth and head for heaven?
2. Do you know that God has absolutely promised to get you there safe and sound?
3. Will you please try for a moment to reflect on the difference heaven will be like compared to this present world and life?
4. Isn't it wonderful that we can depend 100% on everything that God has told us?
A Prayer:
Father, we do not know what a day holds. This will no doubt be the last day on earth for many all around the world. Their appointment with death will come this day. It could be our day personally for all we know. But because You have saved us and forgiven us, we can look, and do look, forward to a glorious eternal future with You. It's thrilling to think about it.
And the most thrilling thing is that it's all true. We love You, and wait for You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, December 29, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT OF GOD"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGEMENT OF GOD"
Revelation 20:11 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.”
Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”
Revelation 20:13 “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.”
Revelation 20:14 “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. There is a great white throne in heaven.
Revelation 20:11 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.”
God allowed John to see into heaven.
We will one day see what John saw.
In fact we will spend forever in heaven.
But as Christians we will not appear before this throne.
This judgment is strictly for those who have rejected Christ.
2. The unsaved dead will all appear before this throne to be judged.
Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”
Revelation 20:13 “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.”
All of those down through history who have refused God's free offer of forgiveness will be before this throne.
Every unbeliever, both small and great, will stand before God.
And several books will be opened at that time.
Those before the throne will be judged according to what is recorded in the books.
God keeps a record of everything that every man does.
Remember this is for non believers, not believers.
3. Death, and hades, will be cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:14 “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
At this time, two things will be cast into what is called the lake of fire.
Death will go there.
Hades or the present place of punishment for the wicked will also be cast into the lake of fire.
This is called the second death.
4. Anyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life will also be cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Here is the most tragic part of the judgement.
Any person whose name is not recorded in the Book of life will also be cast into the lake of fire.
The Book of Life contains the names of those people who are saved now during this lifetime.
As a saved person your name is in God's book of life in heaven.
But if a person is not saved, their name is not in that book.
And, they will be cast into the lake of fire.
That lake is really the place we think of when we think of hell.
It's a place of eternal torment and separation from God.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think about heaven much?
2. Do you know that every person will be there (some for just this judgement)?
3. Do you know that if you are saved you will remain in heaven forever, and you will not appear at this judgement?
4. Heaven is real, the judgment is real, and so is salvation through Jesus Christ real.
5. Are you on your way to heaven forever, or just for this judgement?
6. If you are not saved will you be saved today? I pray so.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Revelation. It gives us the end of the story as it were. A true and real look into the future, not fairy tale thinking, but the truth of God given to us. This section of Scripture is frightful for all who do not know Christ. May it put in us a desire to see others who do not yet know Christ come to know Him, so that they will not go to this judgement and will not be cast into the lake of fire. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Revelation 20:11 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.”
Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”
Revelation 20:13 “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.”
Revelation 20:14 “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. There is a great white throne in heaven.
Revelation 20:11 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.”
God allowed John to see into heaven.
We will one day see what John saw.
In fact we will spend forever in heaven.
But as Christians we will not appear before this throne.
This judgment is strictly for those who have rejected Christ.
2. The unsaved dead will all appear before this throne to be judged.
Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”
Revelation 20:13 “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.”
All of those down through history who have refused God's free offer of forgiveness will be before this throne.
Every unbeliever, both small and great, will stand before God.
And several books will be opened at that time.
Those before the throne will be judged according to what is recorded in the books.
God keeps a record of everything that every man does.
Remember this is for non believers, not believers.
3. Death, and hades, will be cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:14 “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.”
At this time, two things will be cast into what is called the lake of fire.
Death will go there.
Hades or the present place of punishment for the wicked will also be cast into the lake of fire.
This is called the second death.
4. Anyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life will also be cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:15 “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Here is the most tragic part of the judgement.
Any person whose name is not recorded in the Book of life will also be cast into the lake of fire.
The Book of Life contains the names of those people who are saved now during this lifetime.
As a saved person your name is in God's book of life in heaven.
But if a person is not saved, their name is not in that book.
And, they will be cast into the lake of fire.
That lake is really the place we think of when we think of hell.
It's a place of eternal torment and separation from God.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think about heaven much?
2. Do you know that every person will be there (some for just this judgement)?
3. Do you know that if you are saved you will remain in heaven forever, and you will not appear at this judgement?
4. Heaven is real, the judgment is real, and so is salvation through Jesus Christ real.
5. Are you on your way to heaven forever, or just for this judgement?
6. If you are not saved will you be saved today? I pray so.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Revelation. It gives us the end of the story as it were. A true and real look into the future, not fairy tale thinking, but the truth of God given to us. This section of Scripture is frightful for all who do not know Christ. May it put in us a desire to see others who do not yet know Christ come to know Him, so that they will not go to this judgement and will not be cast into the lake of fire. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Sunday, December 28, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE LORD DOES"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE LORD DOES"
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
Psalm 146:10 “The LORD shall reign forever-- Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
Satan has blinded the minds of those who do not believe.
But God is the one who opens their eyes.
We were once blind, but now we see.
2. The Lord raises those who are bowed down.
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
Burdens can and do come into our lives.
Burdens bend our lives downward because of their load.
But, the Lord lifts the burdens of those that are bent down beneath their loads.
3. The Lord loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
We know God "So loved the world”.
And He does.
But here we are told something additional.
The Lord loves the righteous.
He has brought us to Himself, and He is able to love us with the love He wants to love us with.
And we love You, Lord.
4. The Lord watches over the strangers.
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
Or you could say, He protects the foreigners among us.
The Lord's love goes out to those who are not in His family.
He wants them to become part of His family.
He loves them as they are.
But wants to change them from what they are.
No longer strangers, but now children, that is what He wants.
He wants them to be His children.
5. The Lord relieves the fatherless and the widows.
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
The Lord has a special care for the most vulnerable.
The orphans and the widows.
Lord may we be like You.
Please help us to be so.
6. The Lord turns the way of the wicked upside down.
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
There are the righteous and there are the wicked.
Here's what God does to the wicked.
He frustrates the plans of the wicked.
Plain and simple, that is what He does.
He calls us to walk in righteousness, and promises to bless us not frustrate our plans
His plans for us are good.
7. The Lord shall reign forever.
Psalm 146:10 “The LORD shall reign forever-- Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”
The Lord is with us now.
The Lord is reigning even now.
The Lord will reign forever.
The Lord will deal with all evil and wickedness.
The Lord's reign will be one of righteousness and peace forever.
We join with the Psalmist and say, "Praise the LORD"
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing to simply read what God does?
2. Don't we each have a testimony that these things are true of the Lord?
3. Are you in some valley now, please be patient and trusting, God will bless and bring you through.
5. Are their wicked people troubling you at this time?
6. Will you let God take care of You by You trusting in Him?
A Prayer:
Father, we were truly blind to You, but You have truly opened our eyes. We can see, praise the Lord.
You constantly help us, Lord, by lifting our burdens. Thank you, and praise You, Lord.
Thank You, Father, for simply loving us.
Lord, help us to have Your heart towards those who are strangers to Your kingdom.
And help us to be caring for those who You care for the orphans and the widows.
Lord we want to pray for our enemies, and leave them in Your hands, vengeance belongs to You not us.
Thank You, Father, for the glorious unending, eternal future You have in store for us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
Psalm 146:10 “The LORD shall reign forever-- Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
Satan has blinded the minds of those who do not believe.
But God is the one who opens their eyes.
We were once blind, but now we see.
2. The Lord raises those who are bowed down.
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
Burdens can and do come into our lives.
Burdens bend our lives downward because of their load.
But, the Lord lifts the burdens of those that are bent down beneath their loads.
3. The Lord loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:8 “The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.”
We know God "So loved the world”.
And He does.
But here we are told something additional.
The Lord loves the righteous.
He has brought us to Himself, and He is able to love us with the love He wants to love us with.
And we love You, Lord.
4. The Lord watches over the strangers.
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
Or you could say, He protects the foreigners among us.
The Lord's love goes out to those who are not in His family.
He wants them to become part of His family.
He loves them as they are.
But wants to change them from what they are.
No longer strangers, but now children, that is what He wants.
He wants them to be His children.
5. The Lord relieves the fatherless and the widows.
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
The Lord has a special care for the most vulnerable.
The orphans and the widows.
Lord may we be like You.
Please help us to be so.
6. The Lord turns the way of the wicked upside down.
Psalm 146:9 “The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.”
There are the righteous and there are the wicked.
Here's what God does to the wicked.
He frustrates the plans of the wicked.
Plain and simple, that is what He does.
He calls us to walk in righteousness, and promises to bless us not frustrate our plans
His plans for us are good.
7. The Lord shall reign forever.
Psalm 146:10 “The LORD shall reign forever-- Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the LORD!”
The Lord is with us now.
The Lord is reigning even now.
The Lord will reign forever.
The Lord will deal with all evil and wickedness.
The Lord's reign will be one of righteousness and peace forever.
We join with the Psalmist and say, "Praise the LORD"
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing to simply read what God does?
2. Don't we each have a testimony that these things are true of the Lord?
3. Are you in some valley now, please be patient and trusting, God will bless and bring you through.
5. Are their wicked people troubling you at this time?
6. Will you let God take care of You by You trusting in Him?
A Prayer:
Father, we were truly blind to You, but You have truly opened our eyes. We can see, praise the Lord.
You constantly help us, Lord, by lifting our burdens. Thank you, and praise You, Lord.
Thank You, Father, for simply loving us.
Lord, help us to have Your heart towards those who are strangers to Your kingdom.
And help us to be caring for those who You care for the orphans and the widows.
Lord we want to pray for our enemies, and leave them in Your hands, vengeance belongs to You not us.
Thank You, Father, for the glorious unending, eternal future You have in store for us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 27, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE NATURE AND WORKS OF OUR GOD"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE NATURE AND WORKS OF OUR GOD"
Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
Psalm 145:9 “The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
What this means, is that the Lord is kind and He is merciful.
Gracious is kindness.
Compassion is mercy.
God is these things and so much more.
But this is our God.
He is kind and He is merciful.
Thank You, Lord God.
2. The LORD is slow to anger and great in mercy.
Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
Additionally (and there are infinite truths about our God).
He is very slow to get angry.
He does not fly off the proverbial handle as it were.
And, He is full of unfailing love.
He does not fail, no never fails to be who He is.
He does not change
He is always slow to anger.
He is always full of unfailing love..
3. The LORD is good to all.
Psalm 145:9 “The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.”
Please notice what the Lord is to everyone.
He is good to all.
Or He is good to everyone.
That everyone includes us.
He also showers compassion on all His creation.
He is as we saw full of compassion
He is all these things to us and more.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a wonderful blessing to read and learn about our God?
2. Don't these truths simply thrill and bless your heart and mind?
3. Do you know for sure that these truths about God are true for you?
A Prayer:
Father, You are not like us. You are above us, You are above all, and different than all of Your creation.
There is none like You.
Thank You for being so kind.
Thank You for being so merciful.
Thank You for being slow to anger
Thank You for Your unfailing love.
Thank You for being good to everyone (to us, Lord, to us),
Thank You for being so generous with Your compassion.
Thank You that one day we will see You face to face.
In Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
Psalm 145:9 “The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
What this means, is that the Lord is kind and He is merciful.
Gracious is kindness.
Compassion is mercy.
God is these things and so much more.
But this is our God.
He is kind and He is merciful.
Thank You, Lord God.
2. The LORD is slow to anger and great in mercy.
Psalm 145:8 “The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.”
Additionally (and there are infinite truths about our God).
He is very slow to get angry.
He does not fly off the proverbial handle as it were.
And, He is full of unfailing love.
He does not fail, no never fails to be who He is.
He does not change
He is always slow to anger.
He is always full of unfailing love..
3. The LORD is good to all.
Psalm 145:9 “The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.”
Please notice what the Lord is to everyone.
He is good to all.
Or He is good to everyone.
That everyone includes us.
He also showers compassion on all His creation.
He is as we saw full of compassion
He is all these things to us and more.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a wonderful blessing to read and learn about our God?
2. Don't these truths simply thrill and bless your heart and mind?
3. Do you know for sure that these truths about God are true for you?
A Prayer:
Father, You are not like us. You are above us, You are above all, and different than all of Your creation.
There is none like You.
Thank You for being so kind.
Thank You for being so merciful.
Thank You for being slow to anger
Thank You for Your unfailing love.
Thank You for being good to everyone (to us, Lord, to us),
Thank You for being so generous with Your compassion.
Thank You that one day we will see You face to face.
In Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
"SHARING GRACE FOR TODAY THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE WE HAVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST"
"SHARING GRACE FOR TODAY THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE WE HAVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST"
Zechariah 4:3 “And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 4:4 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with a cane and sit together in the city squares.”
Zechariah 4:5 “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
Zechariah 4:6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the LORD Almighty?”
Zechariah 4:7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.”
Zechariah 4:8 “I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”
Zechariah 4:9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the LORD Almighty ever since the foundation was laid.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We have a glorious future awaiting us when Christ returns to the earth.
Zechariah 4:3” And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 4:4 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with a cane and sit together in the city squares.”
Zechariah 4:5 “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
These verses have a dual application.
They speak of God's returning the captives back to Jerusalem, and blessing them.
But they also speak of God's plan for His people during the 1000 years that Jesus will be reigning on the earth following His return to the earth.
Please notice some of the blessings that are mentioned.
Christ is returning
He will live in Jerusalem.
God will populate Jerusalem with His people.
There will be a blessed life taking place to say the least.
2. What we think is impossible is nothing for the Lord to accomplish.
Zechariah 4:6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the LORD Almighty?”
Zechariah 4:7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.”
Zechariah 4:8 “I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”
Having a blessed future may seem impossible especially if you are discouraged right now,
But God asks us to think if anything is impossible for Him.
After all He is the LORD God Almighty.
There is no one greater than Him.
Our God promises to rescue us from all parts of the earth.
We can be sure of that promise.
One day we will be brought to God's home for us in Jerusalem.
We will live safely there.
We will be God's people
God will be faithful and just towards us.
3. God wants us to take heart and finish our work here and now.
Zechariah 4:9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the LORD Almighty ever since the foundation was laid.”
In the meantime, as we are down here on the earth, here's what the Lord says to us.
Take heart and finish the task.
Or be courageous and complete the work that God has given you to do now.
We have the blessing of God's Word through His prophets to encourage us.
God's plans are given to us in the Bible.
Believing them, is what gives us strength and hope
Questions:
1. Do you give much thought to the future beyond this life?
2. Do you know the Bible speaks of Jesus ruling on the earth with His people for 1000 Years?
3. Do you know the Bible's description of this time will be a life better than the garden of Eden?
4. Are you by chance discouraged at this time in your life?
5. Do you know that You can find strength hope and courage from and in God's precious Word?
A Prayer:
Lord, thank You for telling us what the future holds. What a glorious future we have waiting for us.
The best is yet to come that is for sure. And You are faithful to finish what You started and what You have promised.
Lord, help us to not focus on the seeming impossibilities that may be in our lives now, but rather to focus upon You and Your faithfulness and plans for us. You have promised to rescue us and to bless us. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Zechariah 4:3 “And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 4:4 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with a cane and sit together in the city squares.”
Zechariah 4:5 “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
Zechariah 4:6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the LORD Almighty?”
Zechariah 4:7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.”
Zechariah 4:8 “I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”
Zechariah 4:9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the LORD Almighty ever since the foundation was laid.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We have a glorious future awaiting us when Christ returns to the earth.
Zechariah 4:3” And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 4:4 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with a cane and sit together in the city squares.”
Zechariah 4:5 “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
These verses have a dual application.
They speak of God's returning the captives back to Jerusalem, and blessing them.
But they also speak of God's plan for His people during the 1000 years that Jesus will be reigning on the earth following His return to the earth.
Please notice some of the blessings that are mentioned.
Christ is returning
He will live in Jerusalem.
God will populate Jerusalem with His people.
There will be a blessed life taking place to say the least.
2. What we think is impossible is nothing for the Lord to accomplish.
Zechariah 4:6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the LORD Almighty?”
Zechariah 4:7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.”
Zechariah 4:8 “I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”
Having a blessed future may seem impossible especially if you are discouraged right now,
But God asks us to think if anything is impossible for Him.
After all He is the LORD God Almighty.
There is no one greater than Him.
Our God promises to rescue us from all parts of the earth.
We can be sure of that promise.
One day we will be brought to God's home for us in Jerusalem.
We will live safely there.
We will be God's people
God will be faithful and just towards us.
3. God wants us to take heart and finish our work here and now.
Zechariah 4:9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the LORD Almighty ever since the foundation was laid.”
In the meantime, as we are down here on the earth, here's what the Lord says to us.
Take heart and finish the task.
Or be courageous and complete the work that God has given you to do now.
We have the blessing of God's Word through His prophets to encourage us.
God's plans are given to us in the Bible.
Believing them, is what gives us strength and hope
Questions:
1. Do you give much thought to the future beyond this life?
2. Do you know the Bible speaks of Jesus ruling on the earth with His people for 1000 Years?
3. Do you know the Bible's description of this time will be a life better than the garden of Eden?
4. Are you by chance discouraged at this time in your life?
5. Do you know that You can find strength hope and courage from and in God's precious Word?
A Prayer:
Lord, thank You for telling us what the future holds. What a glorious future we have waiting for us.
The best is yet to come that is for sure. And You are faithful to finish what You started and what You have promised.
Lord, help us to not focus on the seeming impossibilities that may be in our lives now, but rather to focus upon You and Your faithfulness and plans for us. You have promised to rescue us and to bless us. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU WITH SEEMING IMPOSSIBILITIES"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU WITH SEEMING IMPOSSIBILITIES"
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
1. God encourages us with His power was face challenges and seemingly impossible tasks.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah was involved in the rebuilding of God's temple.
It was no easy task.
In fact, it was a very difficult task, fraught with challenges beyond his ability.
God was encouraging Zechariah that the project would be accomplished.
And, God was explaining to Zechariah that it would not be by man's power, but by God.
Thus, God told him ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.
So our work for the Lord is not to be finished or accomplished in our strength and power but His.
God's Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power we need to do the work God sets before us.
What a joy and a blessing and relief it is to depend on God and not ourselves.
2. God's perspective is that nothing is too hard for Him, and when He works we recognize it's His grace.
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
A mountain is a great thing.
It's an awesome thing.
And, it can be a foreboding obstacle.
But nothing is too hard for the Lord.
In other words, God was encouraging Zerubbabel not to be discouraged by the mountainous trouble in front of him.
This will not stand in your way.
God will flatten the mountain out.
And the project would be finished.
And when the project was finished, Zerubbabel and the people would have shouts of Joy.
Saying, grace, grace to it.
Or may God bless it, may God bless it.
Questions:
1. Are you in God's will at this time and facing a great challenge?
2. Do you recognize that being in God's will does not mean we will not have challenges?
3. Are you struggling perhaps by leaning to yourself for what's needed?
4. Do you know that God wants to help you?
5. Do you know that God will help you?
6. Will you ask God for His strength, His power and the work of the Holy Spirit right not to finish this work?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. And thank You that we really hear You especially when we get ourselves into a bind. You are so gracious to remind us of Your wanting to help, and to give us power and strength.
You called us to do Your work, but You did not call us to do Your work in our power and strength, rather in Your power and strength. Thank You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask in the name of Jesus for a fresh outpouring of His power in our lives this very day. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
1. God encourages us with His power was face challenges and seemingly impossible tasks.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah was involved in the rebuilding of God's temple.
It was no easy task.
In fact, it was a very difficult task, fraught with challenges beyond his ability.
God was encouraging Zechariah that the project would be accomplished.
And, God was explaining to Zechariah that it would not be by man's power, but by God.
Thus, God told him ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.
So our work for the Lord is not to be finished or accomplished in our strength and power but His.
God's Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power we need to do the work God sets before us.
What a joy and a blessing and relief it is to depend on God and not ourselves.
2. God's perspective is that nothing is too hard for Him, and when He works we recognize it's His grace.
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
A mountain is a great thing.
It's an awesome thing.
And, it can be a foreboding obstacle.
But nothing is too hard for the Lord.
In other words, God was encouraging Zerubbabel not to be discouraged by the mountainous trouble in front of him.
This will not stand in your way.
God will flatten the mountain out.
And the project would be finished.
And when the project was finished, Zerubbabel and the people would have shouts of Joy.
Saying, grace, grace to it.
Or may God bless it, may God bless it.
Questions:
1. Are you in God's will at this time and facing a great challenge?
2. Do you recognize that being in God's will does not mean we will not have challenges?
3. Are you struggling perhaps by leaning to yourself for what's needed?
4. Do you know that God wants to help you?
5. Do you know that God will help you?
6. Will you ask God for His strength, His power and the work of the Holy Spirit right not to finish this work?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. And thank You that we really hear You especially when we get ourselves into a bind. You are so gracious to remind us of Your wanting to help, and to give us power and strength.
You called us to do Your work, but You did not call us to do Your work in our power and strength, rather in Your power and strength. Thank You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask in the name of Jesus for a fresh outpouring of His power in our lives this very day. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, December 22, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER IN THE BIBLE"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER IN THE BIBLE"
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can like the Psalmist keep our eyes on the Lord.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
The idea here and the meaning is "I look to You for help O Sovereign LORD.
That's what it means to keep our eyes on the Lord.
It means to ask for help, and to look to God for help.
He is over all and can therefore help us.
2. We also can take refuge in our God.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
How wonderful is this truth?
God is our refuge.
We can hide ourselves in Him.
We can take shelter in God.
We can ask God to help us to not be harmed by those who wish us harm, even those who would want to kill us.
3. We can ask God to keep us from the snares of the wicked.
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
God is also able to keep us safe from the snares the wicked lay for us.
Wicked people do set snares for the righteous.
But, the righteous can look to God for help against the wicked.
God can even keep us completely out of their traps.
He can keep us out of the snares of those who do evil.
4. We also know what God says will happen to the wicked.
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
God has a plan for everyone.
Everyone can have whatever plan God has for them.
Each person basically chooses what their future will be like.
God wants them to choose His plan.
But, if a person refuses the grace of god then they will fall into their own snares.
And the person who accepts God's plan and grace in Jesus Christ escapes the snares of evil.
Questions:
1. Isn't it wonderful that we can look to God for help in any situation?
2. Are you in a situation at this time where you desperately need God's help?
3. Do you know that He welcomes you to call upon Him, because He loves You?
4. And, do you know that You can live in peace and confidence concerning the future?
5. How great is the grace of God that He takes care of us now, and will forever and ever?
A Prayer:
Lord God, You Yourself have made the way to Yourself through our having faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for our sins, and coming into our lives as Savior and, Lord, when we turned to You and believed in You. How wonderful that You shepherd us and watch over us day by day. Even trouble is used by You to transform and bless our lives. Thank You for being so faithful each day of our lives.
We look so forward to seeing Your wonderful and glorious face. In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can like the Psalmist keep our eyes on the Lord.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
The idea here and the meaning is "I look to You for help O Sovereign LORD.
That's what it means to keep our eyes on the Lord.
It means to ask for help, and to look to God for help.
He is over all and can therefore help us.
2. We also can take refuge in our God.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
How wonderful is this truth?
God is our refuge.
We can hide ourselves in Him.
We can take shelter in God.
We can ask God to help us to not be harmed by those who wish us harm, even those who would want to kill us.
3. We can ask God to keep us from the snares of the wicked.
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
God is also able to keep us safe from the snares the wicked lay for us.
Wicked people do set snares for the righteous.
But, the righteous can look to God for help against the wicked.
God can even keep us completely out of their traps.
He can keep us out of the snares of those who do evil.
4. We also know what God says will happen to the wicked.
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
God has a plan for everyone.
Everyone can have whatever plan God has for them.
Each person basically chooses what their future will be like.
God wants them to choose His plan.
But, if a person refuses the grace of god then they will fall into their own snares.
And the person who accepts God's plan and grace in Jesus Christ escapes the snares of evil.
Questions:
1. Isn't it wonderful that we can look to God for help in any situation?
2. Are you in a situation at this time where you desperately need God's help?
3. Do you know that He welcomes you to call upon Him, because He loves You?
4. And, do you know that You can live in peace and confidence concerning the future?
5. How great is the grace of God that He takes care of us now, and will forever and ever?
A Prayer:
Lord God, You Yourself have made the way to Yourself through our having faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for our sins, and coming into our lives as Savior and, Lord, when we turned to You and believed in You. How wonderful that You shepherd us and watch over us day by day. Even trouble is used by You to transform and bless our lives. Thank You for being so faithful each day of our lives.
We look so forward to seeing Your wonderful and glorious face. In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 20, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SEARCHING OUR HEARTS AND LEADING US"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SEARCHING OUR HEARTS AND LEADING US"
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can pray like David did, and know that we are praying according to the will of God.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
This is one of those those prayers that is a great example for us.
Many of the prayers in the Bible are prayers we can emulate and repeat to God.
Praying according to God's will is so important.
Praying is to discover God's will not attempt to impose our will on God.
This particular prayer is one that is according to God's will.
It's one that you can pray often, and God will hear and answer and bless you.
2. We can ask God to search our hearts, know our hearts and try us, and know our anxieties.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
There is much said that's very important in this one short verse.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.”
That seems to shorten it up a little.
But essentially, the prayer is for God to search or examine our hearts.
It includes a request to know what is in our hearts (which we can't always know apart from God helping us).
Finally, the prayer includes a request for God to test or try our lives, and to know our thoughts.
In other words, it's a prayer that opens up one's heart to God and asks Him to shine His knowledge of our lives into our minds and hearts.
It's a prayer that is asking God to help us understand who we really are and what we really are, and what we really are doing in our lives, and what we really need from Him.
3. We can also pray for two very important blessings from God.
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
The first one is to ask God to see if there is any wicked way in our lives.
Or to point out in us, anything that would be offensive to Him.
This is really a prayer to please and honor God by asking His help in revealing our true hearts.
Secondly, it's a prayer asking for help and guidance.
It's a prayer asking the Lord to lead us in the way everlasting.
Or to lead us along the path of everlasting life.
God has a path for us to walk on and a path of following Him in obedience.
Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and they follow Me.
This prayer is along that line.
It's a prayer to be led by God in the path that He has chosen for us.
Questions:
1. Don't you want to pray so as to have your prayers answered?
2. Do you believe that if you pray according to God's will He hears You?
3. Do you believe, truly believe that if you ask God for His will to be revealed He will reveal it to you?
4. Will you try and take this model prayer and put into regular practice in your life?
5. Do you realize what will happen if you pray according to God's will?
6. Do you believe God will do just as He says He will do?
7. Will you take a moment to pray this prayer like David did?
A Prayer:
Father, how we love the Psalms. They seem to resonate so often with what is going on in our lives. They have an attraction to our hearts and we say, yes, that is what I need, that is where I'm at, this is what I want to do with God's will in my life and so on. Father, this is such a great example of a prayer that is pleasing to You, and right along the line of Your will. Will You please help us to make what's in this prayer, a regular part of our own conversation with You, and may we respond in obedience to Your leading. Thank You in advance for what You will do as we pray according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can pray like David did, and know that we are praying according to the will of God.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
This is one of those those prayers that is a great example for us.
Many of the prayers in the Bible are prayers we can emulate and repeat to God.
Praying according to God's will is so important.
Praying is to discover God's will not attempt to impose our will on God.
This particular prayer is one that is according to God's will.
It's one that you can pray often, and God will hear and answer and bless you.
2. We can ask God to search our hearts, know our hearts and try us, and know our anxieties.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
There is much said that's very important in this one short verse.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.”
That seems to shorten it up a little.
But essentially, the prayer is for God to search or examine our hearts.
It includes a request to know what is in our hearts (which we can't always know apart from God helping us).
Finally, the prayer includes a request for God to test or try our lives, and to know our thoughts.
In other words, it's a prayer that opens up one's heart to God and asks Him to shine His knowledge of our lives into our minds and hearts.
It's a prayer that is asking God to help us understand who we really are and what we really are, and what we really are doing in our lives, and what we really need from Him.
3. We can also pray for two very important blessings from God.
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
The first one is to ask God to see if there is any wicked way in our lives.
Or to point out in us, anything that would be offensive to Him.
This is really a prayer to please and honor God by asking His help in revealing our true hearts.
Secondly, it's a prayer asking for help and guidance.
It's a prayer asking the Lord to lead us in the way everlasting.
Or to lead us along the path of everlasting life.
God has a path for us to walk on and a path of following Him in obedience.
Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and they follow Me.
This prayer is along that line.
It's a prayer to be led by God in the path that He has chosen for us.
Questions:
1. Don't you want to pray so as to have your prayers answered?
2. Do you believe that if you pray according to God's will He hears You?
3. Do you believe, truly believe that if you ask God for His will to be revealed He will reveal it to you?
4. Will you try and take this model prayer and put into regular practice in your life?
5. Do you realize what will happen if you pray according to God's will?
6. Do you believe God will do just as He says He will do?
7. Will you take a moment to pray this prayer like David did?
A Prayer:
Father, how we love the Psalms. They seem to resonate so often with what is going on in our lives. They have an attraction to our hearts and we say, yes, that is what I need, that is where I'm at, this is what I want to do with God's will in my life and so on. Father, this is such a great example of a prayer that is pleasing to You, and right along the line of Your will. Will You please help us to make what's in this prayer, a regular part of our own conversation with You, and may we respond in obedience to Your leading. Thank You in advance for what You will do as we pray according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, December 19, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE"
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is able to help you when you are in trouble.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
God helps His people in the midst of their troubles.
Even though you may be surrounded by troubles, God is able to help you.
You can count on God helping You, He has promised to do so.
2. God will revive you and also stretch out His hand against your enemies, and save you.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Again, this is what God does.
He promises to do these things for His people.
He will revive or preserve you against the anger of your enemies.
God will win the battle, because it belongs to Him.
God will clench His fist against your enemies.
God's great power will save you.
3. God is going to perfect that which concerns you.
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
In other words, God is going to work out His plans for you.
He has plans for You. Plans that work together for your good.
He does this because of His great love for you.
God loves you.
God is also faithful.
God is also merciful.
God will not forsake you, never, never.
You can be certain He will not abandon you.
He will not abandon You because He made you.
You are the work of His hands.
Questions:
1. Can you remember thinking that because I'm a christian I'll not have any trouble?
2. Can you remember the very first time you really went through a time of trouble?
3. Do you remember how afraid you were?
4. Can you recall how God led you to put your trust in Him?
5. And hasn't God been faithful to You?
6. Do you know that God never changes?
7. Do you think He will continue to help you?
8. Will you take just a moment to say thank You to our Lord?
A Prayer:
Lord God, in the start of our walk with You, all we knew was Your love and Your forgiveness. But as time goes on, we have come to learn so many other things about who You are, and what You do in the lives of Your children. We simply want to say thank You for being who You are, and blessing us so. And the best is yet to come. One day, and who knows how soon it could be, we will behold Your Glorious Face, and be with You forever and ever. And with all those we have known who have gone on ahead of us. And we will meet countless multitudes that we have read about in Your Word, and meet additional multitudes of others just like us who have been saved by Your grace. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is able to help you when you are in trouble.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
God helps His people in the midst of their troubles.
Even though you may be surrounded by troubles, God is able to help you.
You can count on God helping You, He has promised to do so.
2. God will revive you and also stretch out His hand against your enemies, and save you.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Again, this is what God does.
He promises to do these things for His people.
He will revive or preserve you against the anger of your enemies.
God will win the battle, because it belongs to Him.
God will clench His fist against your enemies.
God's great power will save you.
3. God is going to perfect that which concerns you.
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
In other words, God is going to work out His plans for you.
He has plans for You. Plans that work together for your good.
He does this because of His great love for you.
God loves you.
God is also faithful.
God is also merciful.
God will not forsake you, never, never.
You can be certain He will not abandon you.
He will not abandon You because He made you.
You are the work of His hands.
Questions:
1. Can you remember thinking that because I'm a christian I'll not have any trouble?
2. Can you remember the very first time you really went through a time of trouble?
3. Do you remember how afraid you were?
4. Can you recall how God led you to put your trust in Him?
5. And hasn't God been faithful to You?
6. Do you know that God never changes?
7. Do you think He will continue to help you?
8. Will you take just a moment to say thank You to our Lord?
A Prayer:
Lord God, in the start of our walk with You, all we knew was Your love and Your forgiveness. But as time goes on, we have come to learn so many other things about who You are, and what You do in the lives of Your children. We simply want to say thank You for being who You are, and blessing us so. And the best is yet to come. One day, and who knows how soon it could be, we will behold Your Glorious Face, and be with You forever and ever. And with all those we have known who have gone on ahead of us. And we will meet countless multitudes that we have read about in Your Word, and meet additional multitudes of others just like us who have been saved by Your grace. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, December 18, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD DURING THE TRIBULATION PERIOD"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD DURING THE TRIBULATION PERIOD"
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Taken from today's reading In "The One Year Bible”.
1. Notice the tremendous loss of life spoke of here.
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Jesus said over and over again, that there will be this time of great tribulation.
In fact, it's described as having never been before, nor ever being again.
It will be like nothing the world has ever seen.
God says this is coming upon our world one day.
2. God will allow evil to do it's evil work of destruction on the earth.
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
God is in control of all things.
He will be in control of what takes place during the tribulation.
Satan and his demons will be unleashed, as it were, to do their evil and destructive work as never before.
Harm will be done to innumerable multitudes of people.
The loss of life will be unheard of.
3. Many people will still refuse to repent of their sins even though they see the evil all around them.
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Here we see the power of sin.
And we see the willfulness of man.
Seeing what they see, many will refuse to repent.
It's a choice they will make.
Unfortunately for them, it will seal their eternity in the lake of fire.
Questions:
1. Have you ever read through the Book of Revelation?
2. Do you know what God says is in store for our world?
3. Are you aware of the signs of the times we are living in?
4. How different is the world today than when you were a young child?
5. How different do you think it's going to get in the days ahead?
6. Have you repented and given Your life to Jesus Christ?
7. Are you assured of your salvation?
8. Will you offer yourself to God to serve Him in these last days and be an instrument in His hands for the gospel's sake?
A Prayer:
Father, the Book of Revelation can be very frightening to a person who has never read it. But, it also promises a great blessing to those who read it. And, in the last few chapters we see into the future beyond this present world. How glorious heaven is, and how wonderful it will be to be with You. Lord, in the meantime, would You please awaken us from sleep if we need it? Make us sober if we need it, and use us as You please. Please do so, Lord. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Taken from today's reading In "The One Year Bible”.
1. Notice the tremendous loss of life spoke of here.
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Jesus said over and over again, that there will be this time of great tribulation.
In fact, it's described as having never been before, nor ever being again.
It will be like nothing the world has ever seen.
God says this is coming upon our world one day.
2. God will allow evil to do it's evil work of destruction on the earth.
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
God is in control of all things.
He will be in control of what takes place during the tribulation.
Satan and his demons will be unleashed, as it were, to do their evil and destructive work as never before.
Harm will be done to innumerable multitudes of people.
The loss of life will be unheard of.
3. Many people will still refuse to repent of their sins even though they see the evil all around them.
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Here we see the power of sin.
And we see the willfulness of man.
Seeing what they see, many will refuse to repent.
It's a choice they will make.
Unfortunately for them, it will seal their eternity in the lake of fire.
Questions:
1. Have you ever read through the Book of Revelation?
2. Do you know what God says is in store for our world?
3. Are you aware of the signs of the times we are living in?
4. How different is the world today than when you were a young child?
5. How different do you think it's going to get in the days ahead?
6. Have you repented and given Your life to Jesus Christ?
7. Are you assured of your salvation?
8. Will you offer yourself to God to serve Him in these last days and be an instrument in His hands for the gospel's sake?
A Prayer:
Father, the Book of Revelation can be very frightening to a person who has never read it. But, it also promises a great blessing to those who read it. And, in the last few chapters we see into the future beyond this present world. How glorious heaven is, and how wonderful it will be to be with You. Lord, in the meantime, would You please awaken us from sleep if we need it? Make us sober if we need it, and use us as You please. Please do so, Lord. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JEALOUSY AND VENGEANCE OF GOD"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JEALOUSY AND VENGEANCE OF GOD"
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is a jealous God
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
It's not often we hear this about God, but it's true.
God is a jealous God.
He has every right to be jealous.
He loves His people and is jealous for them.
And, how thankful we are that He is this way.
2. God also avenges and is furious.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Here is another aspect of God's nature.
He avenges and is furious.
We often read that Vengeance belongs to the Lord and it does.
God is also furious.
The context here has to do with God's actions towards the enemies of His people
3. God will indeed take vengeance on His adversaries.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Along the same line as above.
There is no question that God is going to take vengeance upon His enemies.
He has reserved His wrath for His enemies.
One only has to read through the Old Testament to see what God did to the enemies of Israel and Judah.
And one only has to read through the book of Revelation to see what God is going to do towards His enemies.
It's a terrible time that is coming on the earth, upon those who reject His love and grace.
4. God is slow to anger and great in power but will not acquit the wicked.
Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
Along with God's jealousy, and vengeance here is another truth about Him.
God is slow to anger.
Aren't you happy He is?
I am.
God does not fly off the handle like people do.
He is very measured.
He is slow to anger.
But at the end of the day, this does not mean he will acquit the wicked.
No, He will not acquit the wicked.
He will judge them.
Not a popular subject even in the church today.
But, it's clearly all through Scripture.
God will one day punish the guilty.
Questions.
1. Can you see why it's so important to be saved?
2. Can you see how gracious God is in extending His patience against a wicked world?
3. Can you personally thank God that He has saved You from the wrath to come?
4. Can you see why it's important that we do all we can to share the gospel so people can be saved from the wrath to come.?
A Prayer:
Father, we are living in the day of Grace as it were. But there is coming a time when You will pour out Your wrath on the wicked. Today is the day of salvation. And today is the day when time is to be redeemed, and we the church are to be awake and ready to share Christ with those You bring along our path. May we be moved with a sobering fear of what is coming upon those who do not know You, and be filled with joy to share the life saving Gospel with them.
Lord, please use us in these last days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is a jealous God
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
It's not often we hear this about God, but it's true.
God is a jealous God.
He has every right to be jealous.
He loves His people and is jealous for them.
And, how thankful we are that He is this way.
2. God also avenges and is furious.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Here is another aspect of God's nature.
He avenges and is furious.
We often read that Vengeance belongs to the Lord and it does.
God is also furious.
The context here has to do with God's actions towards the enemies of His people
3. God will indeed take vengeance on His adversaries.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Along the same line as above.
There is no question that God is going to take vengeance upon His enemies.
He has reserved His wrath for His enemies.
One only has to read through the Old Testament to see what God did to the enemies of Israel and Judah.
And one only has to read through the book of Revelation to see what God is going to do towards His enemies.
It's a terrible time that is coming on the earth, upon those who reject His love and grace.
4. God is slow to anger and great in power but will not acquit the wicked.
Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
Along with God's jealousy, and vengeance here is another truth about Him.
God is slow to anger.
Aren't you happy He is?
I am.
God does not fly off the handle like people do.
He is very measured.
He is slow to anger.
But at the end of the day, this does not mean he will acquit the wicked.
No, He will not acquit the wicked.
He will judge them.
Not a popular subject even in the church today.
But, it's clearly all through Scripture.
God will one day punish the guilty.
Questions.
1. Can you see why it's so important to be saved?
2. Can you see how gracious God is in extending His patience against a wicked world?
3. Can you personally thank God that He has saved You from the wrath to come?
4. Can you see why it's important that we do all we can to share the gospel so people can be saved from the wrath to come.?
A Prayer:
Father, we are living in the day of Grace as it were. But there is coming a time when You will pour out Your wrath on the wicked. Today is the day of salvation. And today is the day when time is to be redeemed, and we the church are to be awake and ready to share Christ with those You bring along our path. May we be moved with a sobering fear of what is coming upon those who do not know You, and be filled with joy to share the life saving Gospel with them.
Lord, please use us in these last days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORD AND GOD HIMSELF"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORD AND GOD HIMSELF"
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Each and every Word of God is pure.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
The Bible is God's Word.
Every part of it is God's Word.
And every word in the Bible is pure.
Or to put it another way, every word in God's Word proves to be true.
God's Word can be depended on from start to finish.
2. God Himself is a shield to those put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Here is another blessing about and from God.
Not only is everything He says true and dependable, but He is a shield.
God is a shield or will defend all who put their trust in Him,
He can be trusted because He is true and dependable.
How wonderful of God to protect us.
3. We are warned to leave God's Word as it is.
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Here God tells us what not to do.
We are not to add to His words.
In other we are to leave His Word as it is.
God's Word is complete, and does not need anything added to it.
All we need God has given us in His Word.
There is this warning here to those who might try to add to God's Word.
He may rebuke that person.
And that person will be found a liar.
This is a good warning to take heed to.
What God says does not need human additions.
Or that human will get themselves into trouble with God.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you find it comforting to know that God's Word is pure and true?
2. And, don't you also find it comforting to know that God is Your shield and Your protector?
3. Have you run across anyone who has tried to add to God's Word?
4. If you have found anyone like that will you please pray for them?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Thank You for giving us Jesus and the the written Word of God also.
Thank You that You are pure, Your Word is pure and it's do beneficial to us. There is nothing like it in the entire world.
Lord, help us to not stray from Your Word by thinking we need to add anything to it, or correct it to fit our own thinking.
Father, You feed us and You protect us. Thank You for what You do. You are true and cannot lie. We love You Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Each and every Word of God is pure.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
The Bible is God's Word.
Every part of it is God's Word.
And every word in the Bible is pure.
Or to put it another way, every word in God's Word proves to be true.
God's Word can be depended on from start to finish.
2. God Himself is a shield to those put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Here is another blessing about and from God.
Not only is everything He says true and dependable, but He is a shield.
God is a shield or will defend all who put their trust in Him,
He can be trusted because He is true and dependable.
How wonderful of God to protect us.
3. We are warned to leave God's Word as it is.
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Here God tells us what not to do.
We are not to add to His words.
In other we are to leave His Word as it is.
God's Word is complete, and does not need anything added to it.
All we need God has given us in His Word.
There is this warning here to those who might try to add to God's Word.
He may rebuke that person.
And that person will be found a liar.
This is a good warning to take heed to.
What God says does not need human additions.
Or that human will get themselves into trouble with God.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you find it comforting to know that God's Word is pure and true?
2. And, don't you also find it comforting to know that God is Your shield and Your protector?
3. Have you run across anyone who has tried to add to God's Word?
4. If you have found anyone like that will you please pray for them?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Thank You for giving us Jesus and the the written Word of God also.
Thank You that You are pure, Your Word is pure and it's do beneficial to us. There is nothing like it in the entire world.
Lord, help us to not stray from Your Word by thinking we need to add anything to it, or correct it to fit our own thinking.
Father, You feed us and You protect us. Thank You for what You do. You are true and cannot lie. We love You Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, December 15, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BLESSING OUR GREAT GOD AND BEING BLESSED BY HIM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BLESSING OUR GREAT GOD AND BEING BLESSED BY HIM"
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Taken from todays reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God's servants can bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
This is a call for God's servants to bless or exalt the Lord.
God's servants in the temple worked in shifts.
There were always some servants in the temple serving God.
They were all called to bless the Lord.
God has His servants all around the world today.
Somewhere when it's night here, it's daytime somewhere else.
And God's servants are blessing Him.
Today is a day when you and I, who are servants of His, can bless Him.
We want to exalt and revere our God.
2. God's servants can lift up their hands and bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
This lifting of the hands was one of the ways the Jews would show their praise to God.
Even in the New Testament, we are called to "lift up holy hands" to God.
It's a way of showing reverence and submission to Him.
It's a way to acknowledge that He alone is above all.
Let's today be those who show that same respect to our God.
3. God's servants can pray to be blessed by the Lord our creator.
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Now a different thought.
Rather than God's servants blessing Him, God is being asked to bless them.
We also can ask the Lord to bless us.
We can do this day by day.
His blessings come in many forms.
He is the great blesser of men's souls.
May God bless you today from heaven itself.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it very amazing that we humans can actually bless our God?
2. Isn't it amazing that He takes great delight in our looking to Him and blessing Him?
3. And isn't it amazing that we can also ask God to bless us from heaven where He is?
4. Will you please bless the Lord today, and will you ask Him to bless you today?
A Prayer:
Father, You are in heaven above, and we are here on earth below. Someday we will join You in heaven, and be with You forevermore. In the meantime, may our lives be a reflection of Your love, grace, and mercy to this sin sick world we live in.
May we represent You in a way that blesses You, and may You show us how to do that, and give us the love and grace to do so. And finally, Lord, would You this very day, bestow many blessings on each of us who are reading and praying this prayer? We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Taken from todays reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God's servants can bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
This is a call for God's servants to bless or exalt the Lord.
God's servants in the temple worked in shifts.
There were always some servants in the temple serving God.
They were all called to bless the Lord.
God has His servants all around the world today.
Somewhere when it's night here, it's daytime somewhere else.
And God's servants are blessing Him.
Today is a day when you and I, who are servants of His, can bless Him.
We want to exalt and revere our God.
2. God's servants can lift up their hands and bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
This lifting of the hands was one of the ways the Jews would show their praise to God.
Even in the New Testament, we are called to "lift up holy hands" to God.
It's a way of showing reverence and submission to Him.
It's a way to acknowledge that He alone is above all.
Let's today be those who show that same respect to our God.
3. God's servants can pray to be blessed by the Lord our creator.
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Now a different thought.
Rather than God's servants blessing Him, God is being asked to bless them.
We also can ask the Lord to bless us.
We can do this day by day.
His blessings come in many forms.
He is the great blesser of men's souls.
May God bless you today from heaven itself.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it very amazing that we humans can actually bless our God?
2. Isn't it amazing that He takes great delight in our looking to Him and blessing Him?
3. And isn't it amazing that we can also ask God to bless us from heaven where He is?
4. Will you please bless the Lord today, and will you ask Him to bless you today?
A Prayer:
Father, You are in heaven above, and we are here on earth below. Someday we will join You in heaven, and be with You forevermore. In the meantime, may our lives be a reflection of Your love, grace, and mercy to this sin sick world we live in.
May we represent You in a way that blesses You, and may You show us how to do that, and give us the love and grace to do so. And finally, Lord, would You this very day, bestow many blessings on each of us who are reading and praying this prayer? We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 13, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ANGER, PRIDE AND HUMILITY"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ANGER, PRIDE AND HUMILITY"
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Angry or hot tempered men start fights.
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Starting fights is only one thing angry men do.
That's bad enough, but there is more said here.
They also abound in transgression.
Or they get into all kinds of sin.
So, anger is seen here as being a root cause for two things.
Fights and lot's of sin.
Anger is very dangerous.
I'm certain we can all attest to the facts spoken of here.
2. Pride is another big problem we have to deal with.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Pride or conceit will bring a man low.
Low here means humiliation.
When men lift themselves up, they wind up going down.
It's something that God has built into life.
Pride brings us low.
Pride by the way was the devil's problem, and look what trouble it got him into.
He was one of God's primary angels, and in pride he rebelled and was separated from God forever.
3. Humility in Spirit is a great virtue to pursue.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Humility brings honor
What is humility anyway?
It comes from a word meaning low or down, abase, put lower.
And it simply means low, basest, low in condition of spirit.
It's an attitude that God honors.
It's the opposite of pride.
It's simply seeing yourself as you really are.
God blesses the humble in heart.
Questions:
1. Do you ever think much about these two things, anger, and pride?
2. Isn't it true that most of us have had some experience with anger?
3. And, isn't it true that most of us would like to be more humble?
4. Do you know that God will help you to deal with anger, and to help you be humble?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus who is the model of humility for us. We know that pride gets us into lot's of trouble and sin, and that humility opens the doorway for grace. So, Lord, help us turn away from the sin and sins associated with anger, and lead us in the ways of humility, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Angry or hot tempered men start fights.
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Starting fights is only one thing angry men do.
That's bad enough, but there is more said here.
They also abound in transgression.
Or they get into all kinds of sin.
So, anger is seen here as being a root cause for two things.
Fights and lot's of sin.
Anger is very dangerous.
I'm certain we can all attest to the facts spoken of here.
2. Pride is another big problem we have to deal with.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Pride or conceit will bring a man low.
Low here means humiliation.
When men lift themselves up, they wind up going down.
It's something that God has built into life.
Pride brings us low.
Pride by the way was the devil's problem, and look what trouble it got him into.
He was one of God's primary angels, and in pride he rebelled and was separated from God forever.
3. Humility in Spirit is a great virtue to pursue.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Humility brings honor
What is humility anyway?
It comes from a word meaning low or down, abase, put lower.
And it simply means low, basest, low in condition of spirit.
It's an attitude that God honors.
It's the opposite of pride.
It's simply seeing yourself as you really are.
God blesses the humble in heart.
Questions:
1. Do you ever think much about these two things, anger, and pride?
2. Isn't it true that most of us have had some experience with anger?
3. And, isn't it true that most of us would like to be more humble?
4. Do you know that God will help you to deal with anger, and to help you be humble?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus who is the model of humility for us. We know that pride gets us into lot's of trouble and sin, and that humility opens the doorway for grace. So, Lord, help us turn away from the sin and sins associated with anger, and lead us in the ways of humility, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOPING IN THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOPING IN THE LORD"
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God hears us when we cry to Him out of the depths.
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
David found himself in the depths, just like we do.
He cried to the Lord and the Lord heard him, just as He does you also.
God is very attentive to us, He listens, He hears us when we pray.
2. God does not mark our iniquities (He forgives and forgets them).
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
David understood that God does not keep a record of our sins.
If God did, who would ever survive?
Instead, what God does is He forgives. He offers this to us.
He does this (forgiving) so He may be feared.
3. We can wait upon the Lord and Hope in His Word.
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Here is something we can do, and God calls us to it.
Like David, we can wait on the Lord. or wait for Him.
He is not on our schedule, but on His.
God is faithful and never early or late, but always right on time.
We not only can wait but we can hope in the Lord.
The two really go together.
David uses the example of those who are waiting for the morning to come.
They know it will come, it always does.
We can wait and hope in the Lord, He always comes through.
4. We wait for our God who is so merciful and is our redeemer, and who will redeem us.
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Again, a call to hope in the Lord.
The reason? Because He is so merciful.
Because He is our redeemer.
Because of His unfailing love.
Because of the overflowing supply of salvation.
God Himself is the one who will free us from every kind of sin.
Questions:
1. Aren't these great and encouraging verses?
2. Can you see the many great truths about our God?
3. Do you need to talk with Him today about your troubles?
4. Do you know He will hear You and help You?
5. Do you have some particular sin that you want to repent of and be set free from?
6. Will you come to God today, believe what His Word says, and ask Him to set you free?
7. Do you believe He can do it? Will You ask Him right now? And will You then obey Him as He leads You?
A Prayer:
Father, the Psalms are such a blessing to our souls. They speak to us so deeply. They encourage us so much.
Thank You for giving them to us. Perhaps they are read more than any other books in the Bible.
When we read them, something always seems to come through and hit home with us.
Our prayer is that You would find us not just listening, but responding in obedience to what You are telling us to do.
Obedience is like a doorway that when walked through takes us into a beautiful garden. That garden is a deeper walk with You. So, Lord, show us the doors You want us to walk through, and we will do it. Help us to follow through, Lord.
In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God hears us when we cry to Him out of the depths.
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
David found himself in the depths, just like we do.
He cried to the Lord and the Lord heard him, just as He does you also.
God is very attentive to us, He listens, He hears us when we pray.
2. God does not mark our iniquities (He forgives and forgets them).
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
David understood that God does not keep a record of our sins.
If God did, who would ever survive?
Instead, what God does is He forgives. He offers this to us.
He does this (forgiving) so He may be feared.
3. We can wait upon the Lord and Hope in His Word.
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Here is something we can do, and God calls us to it.
Like David, we can wait on the Lord. or wait for Him.
He is not on our schedule, but on His.
God is faithful and never early or late, but always right on time.
We not only can wait but we can hope in the Lord.
The two really go together.
David uses the example of those who are waiting for the morning to come.
They know it will come, it always does.
We can wait and hope in the Lord, He always comes through.
4. We wait for our God who is so merciful and is our redeemer, and who will redeem us.
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Again, a call to hope in the Lord.
The reason? Because He is so merciful.
Because He is our redeemer.
Because of His unfailing love.
Because of the overflowing supply of salvation.
God Himself is the one who will free us from every kind of sin.
Questions:
1. Aren't these great and encouraging verses?
2. Can you see the many great truths about our God?
3. Do you need to talk with Him today about your troubles?
4. Do you know He will hear You and help You?
5. Do you have some particular sin that you want to repent of and be set free from?
6. Will you come to God today, believe what His Word says, and ask Him to set you free?
7. Do you believe He can do it? Will You ask Him right now? And will You then obey Him as He leads You?
A Prayer:
Father, the Psalms are such a blessing to our souls. They speak to us so deeply. They encourage us so much.
Thank You for giving them to us. Perhaps they are read more than any other books in the Bible.
When we read them, something always seems to come through and hit home with us.
Our prayer is that You would find us not just listening, but responding in obedience to what You are telling us to do.
Obedience is like a doorway that when walked through takes us into a beautiful garden. That garden is a deeper walk with You. So, Lord, show us the doors You want us to walk through, and we will do it. Help us to follow through, Lord.
In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME"
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Jesus calls His people to hold fast, or tightly, to what we have.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
These words were spoken to the believers in the church of Thyatira.
This was a church that was being attacked with sexual immorality.
And not much was being done to stand against this sin.
Jesus warned them of the consequences of allowing this teaching to continue.
But, He also exhorted, or instructed, the faithful who were not interested in this sin, to stand fast.
He says to hold fast, or to hold tightly to what they had.
We also are to simply hold fast to the Word of God until Jesus comes.
This is how we stand against satan’s attacks.
Stick with the Word of God with all you have.
2. Jesus make a promise to him who overcomes, or are victorious.
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
A promise is made by Jesus to those who overcome, or are victorious.
For the person who keeps His works until the end the future is very very bright.
The over comers will rule with Christ during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
Jesus is going to rule the entire earth with a rod of iron.
He will not allow evil to do it's thing while He reigns.
3. An additional promise to God's people who overcome.
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Here the Lord is promising to give us the morning star.
What is the morning star?
I'm not quite sure.
But, Jesus is using an earthly analogy that we can understand.
The morning star is the first start to appear each morning after the dark night.
We are living in a dark night in this world.
It's a world where light is not evident but darkness is ruling.
That is all going to change.
And Jesus is going to give His over comers this Morning Star.
Also, Jesus exhorts those who have an ear to use it by hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches.
That applies to us today.
The Holy Spirit is speaking through God's Word to those who are part of the body of Christ.
Not everyone really chooses to listen.
That's why Jesus gives this exhortation.
Imagine, God asking you to listen to Him.
How kind of Him.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever think about the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth?
2. Do you know the Bible is very clear about the fact that this is going to happen?
3. Do you know that God wants you to overcome and rule with Him at that time?
4. Do you know that you can overcome if you simply do what Jesus said to do?
5. What He said to do was to "hold fast”, that is to the truth of Jesus in the Word of God.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wonderful hope we have in Jesus Christ. It's a living hope we have right now, and into eternity.
Can you imagine if you will what it will be like to rule and reign with Jesus during His kingdom on the earth for 1000 years? Lord, it's such a wonderful future that You have in store for us. And thank You that You have promised to make us overcomes through our simple faith in Jesus Christ. He is the great overcomer who makes us overcome as we trust in Him. In His name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Jesus calls His people to hold fast, or tightly, to what we have.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
These words were spoken to the believers in the church of Thyatira.
This was a church that was being attacked with sexual immorality.
And not much was being done to stand against this sin.
Jesus warned them of the consequences of allowing this teaching to continue.
But, He also exhorted, or instructed, the faithful who were not interested in this sin, to stand fast.
He says to hold fast, or to hold tightly to what they had.
We also are to simply hold fast to the Word of God until Jesus comes.
This is how we stand against satan’s attacks.
Stick with the Word of God with all you have.
2. Jesus make a promise to him who overcomes, or are victorious.
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
A promise is made by Jesus to those who overcome, or are victorious.
For the person who keeps His works until the end the future is very very bright.
The over comers will rule with Christ during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
Jesus is going to rule the entire earth with a rod of iron.
He will not allow evil to do it's thing while He reigns.
3. An additional promise to God's people who overcome.
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Here the Lord is promising to give us the morning star.
What is the morning star?
I'm not quite sure.
But, Jesus is using an earthly analogy that we can understand.
The morning star is the first start to appear each morning after the dark night.
We are living in a dark night in this world.
It's a world where light is not evident but darkness is ruling.
That is all going to change.
And Jesus is going to give His over comers this Morning Star.
Also, Jesus exhorts those who have an ear to use it by hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches.
That applies to us today.
The Holy Spirit is speaking through God's Word to those who are part of the body of Christ.
Not everyone really chooses to listen.
That's why Jesus gives this exhortation.
Imagine, God asking you to listen to Him.
How kind of Him.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever think about the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth?
2. Do you know the Bible is very clear about the fact that this is going to happen?
3. Do you know that God wants you to overcome and rule with Him at that time?
4. Do you know that you can overcome if you simply do what Jesus said to do?
5. What He said to do was to "hold fast”, that is to the truth of Jesus in the Word of God.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wonderful hope we have in Jesus Christ. It's a living hope we have right now, and into eternity.
Can you imagine if you will what it will be like to rule and reign with Jesus during His kingdom on the earth for 1000 years? Lord, it's such a wonderful future that You have in store for us. And thank You that You have promised to make us overcomes through our simple faith in Jesus Christ. He is the great overcomer who makes us overcome as we trust in Him. In His name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SALVATION"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SALVATION"
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is telling us what will come to pass.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
God is the God of salvation.
Even in the Old Testament He was the God of Salvation.
He is the God of salvation today.
He will be the God of salvation during the tribulation.
He will be the God of salvation during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
God is the savior.
2. God tells us that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Whoever wants to be saved can be.
Whoever will ask God to save them shall be saved.
Whoever the person is, no matter what sins they have committed shall be saved if they ask God to save them.
To call upon the name of the LORD is to ask God to save you from your sins.
You can be sure He will save you because He has promised to do so.
To be saved, means to be delivered from sin and it's consequence.
You are no longer guilty of your sins, for they are forgiven you if you have asked God to save you.
You also will not perish in hell, but are now bound for heaven because of His saving You.
Some Questions:
1. Are you personally saved?
2. Are you absolutely sure you are saved?
3. Who do you know that needs to be saved?
4. Will you pray for them to be saved?
5. Will you ask God to empower you and open a door to share Christ with them?
6. Do you know that God will use you in such a way if You ask Him to do so?
A Prayer:
Father, You are the God who saves. You have promised to do so. You have delivered on Your promise innumerable times.
Most of the people reading this right now can attest to Your faithfulness to save. And we ask, Lord, that You fill us with a constraining sense of Your love and the need people have to be saved, and give us power to be bold and not hold back from telling others what You can and will do for them if they will but ask. We ask these things because we believe them to be in Your will. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is telling us what will come to pass.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
God is the God of salvation.
Even in the Old Testament He was the God of Salvation.
He is the God of salvation today.
He will be the God of salvation during the tribulation.
He will be the God of salvation during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
God is the savior.
2. God tells us that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Whoever wants to be saved can be.
Whoever will ask God to save them shall be saved.
Whoever the person is, no matter what sins they have committed shall be saved if they ask God to save them.
To call upon the name of the LORD is to ask God to save you from your sins.
You can be sure He will save you because He has promised to do so.
To be saved, means to be delivered from sin and it's consequence.
You are no longer guilty of your sins, for they are forgiven you if you have asked God to save you.
You also will not perish in hell, but are now bound for heaven because of His saving You.
Some Questions:
1. Are you personally saved?
2. Are you absolutely sure you are saved?
3. Who do you know that needs to be saved?
4. Will you pray for them to be saved?
5. Will you ask God to empower you and open a door to share Christ with them?
6. Do you know that God will use you in such a way if You ask Him to do so?
A Prayer:
Father, You are the God who saves. You have promised to do so. You have delivered on Your promise innumerable times.
Most of the people reading this right now can attest to Your faithfulness to save. And we ask, Lord, that You fill us with a constraining sense of Your love and the need people have to be saved, and give us power to be bold and not hold back from telling others what You can and will do for them if they will but ask. We ask these things because we believe them to be in Your will. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, December 8, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD IS ABLE TO DO FOR US"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD IS ABLE TO DO FOR US"
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
1. We see here what God is able to do:
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Of course not.
In fact, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask of think.
Jude lists here some of what God is going to do.
2. God is able to keep you from stumbling.
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
Isn't this wonderful
God is able to keep you from stumbling.
Stumbling means to keep you from falling.
It means to not stumble.
And, it means standing firm, exempt from falling.
3. God is going to present you faultless to the Father.
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
When it's all said and done, here's what's going to happen to us.
This is what God is going to do for us.
He is going to present us to God.
Jesus is going to do this.
Imagine that for a moment.
Jesus will present you to the Father one day.
4. Jesus will do this with exceeding joy.
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
Here's how this reads in the NLT:
Jude 1:24 “And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.”
Notice that we will be presented innocent of sin.
And Jesus will have great joy in presenting us.
And guess who else will have great joy?
I'm thinking of us personally.
Can you imagine the joy we will have at that moment.
Don't you think the Father will also have great joy?
How about the Holy Spirit?
And, what about the angels?
And, finally, how about all the people who are in heaven?
Don't you think they will be thrilled to see you arrive?
I'm certain they will.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think much about heaven?
2. Will you give it a try today, to ask God help you think about where you are going?
3. Don't you think God is thinking about you arriving in heaven?
4. Will you take a moment to actually enjoy rejoicing in the fact that you are on your way to heaven?
A Prayer:
Oh Father, these truths take our breath away. They make our hearts go quiet. And, they give us a peace, and a joy.
What a day, oh happy day as the song goes. We are going to heaven. We are on our way. We will arrive safe and sound.
Presented to the Father by Jesus, free of sin, and with great joy. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
1. We see here what God is able to do:
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
Is anything too hard for the Lord?
Of course not.
In fact, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask of think.
Jude lists here some of what God is going to do.
2. God is able to keep you from stumbling.
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
Isn't this wonderful
God is able to keep you from stumbling.
Stumbling means to keep you from falling.
It means to not stumble.
And, it means standing firm, exempt from falling.
3. God is going to present you faultless to the Father.
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
When it's all said and done, here's what's going to happen to us.
This is what God is going to do for us.
He is going to present us to God.
Jesus is going to do this.
Imagine that for a moment.
Jesus will present you to the Father one day.
4. Jesus will do this with exceeding joy.
Jude 1:24 “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,”
Here's how this reads in the NLT:
Jude 1:24 “And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy.”
Notice that we will be presented innocent of sin.
And Jesus will have great joy in presenting us.
And guess who else will have great joy?
I'm thinking of us personally.
Can you imagine the joy we will have at that moment.
Don't you think the Father will also have great joy?
How about the Holy Spirit?
And, what about the angels?
And, finally, how about all the people who are in heaven?
Don't you think they will be thrilled to see you arrive?
I'm certain they will.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think much about heaven?
2. Will you give it a try today, to ask God help you think about where you are going?
3. Don't you think God is thinking about you arriving in heaven?
4. Will you take a moment to actually enjoy rejoicing in the fact that you are on your way to heaven?
A Prayer:
Oh Father, these truths take our breath away. They make our hearts go quiet. And, they give us a peace, and a joy.
What a day, oh happy day as the song goes. We are going to heaven. We are on our way. We will arrive safe and sound.
Presented to the Father by Jesus, free of sin, and with great joy. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 6, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD"
2nd John 6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
Taken from todays reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We are told what love is.
2nd John 6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
John describes God's love for us.
The Love of God means that we walk in His commandments.
It's really quite that simple.
Love and obedience to God are one and the same
They go hand in hand.
When we obey God we are loving Him.
2. We are called by God to walk in His love.
2nd John 6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
Not only does John describe God's love for us, but he adds something very important.
Love is a commandment from God.
Right from the start of Jesus's ministry He spoke and taught and exampled God's love.
Jesus commanded the church to love God and to love one another.
So, our wonderful God has given us this commandment.
That we would love one another.
Put another way, it means we do no harm but good to one another.
Questions:
1. Aren't there many statements made by people about love?
2. Haven't we heard the word love from our earliest age?
3. Hopefully your parents told you they loved you.
4. Can you remember the very first time you truly realized that God loves You?
5. And, can you remember when it began to dawn on you that God was commanding you to share His love with others?
6. Doesn't your life go so much better when you love others the way the Lord wants you to?
A Prayer:
Father, You are love. And You have shown us that love at the cross. Your only Son took our sins and paid for them, so that we would not have to perish, but could be saved and go to heaven. Your love has brought forgiveness into our lives.
May we be bright and shinning examples of Your love to this dark world around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd John 6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
Taken from todays reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We are told what love is.
2nd John 6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
John describes God's love for us.
The Love of God means that we walk in His commandments.
It's really quite that simple.
Love and obedience to God are one and the same
They go hand in hand.
When we obey God we are loving Him.
2. We are called by God to walk in His love.
2nd John 6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”
Not only does John describe God's love for us, but he adds something very important.
Love is a commandment from God.
Right from the start of Jesus's ministry He spoke and taught and exampled God's love.
Jesus commanded the church to love God and to love one another.
So, our wonderful God has given us this commandment.
That we would love one another.
Put another way, it means we do no harm but good to one another.
Questions:
1. Aren't there many statements made by people about love?
2. Haven't we heard the word love from our earliest age?
3. Hopefully your parents told you they loved you.
4. Can you remember the very first time you truly realized that God loves You?
5. And, can you remember when it began to dawn on you that God was commanding you to share His love with others?
6. Doesn't your life go so much better when you love others the way the Lord wants you to?
A Prayer:
Father, You are love. And You have shown us that love at the cross. Your only Son took our sins and paid for them, so that we would not have to perish, but could be saved and go to heaven. Your love has brought forgiveness into our lives.
May we be bright and shinning examples of Your love to this dark world around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, December 5, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THREE TRUTHS IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THREE TRUTHS IN THE LIFE OF A CHRISTIAN"
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
We know that those who have become part of God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them.
1. Whoever is born of God does not live a life of sin like they used to.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
When a person turns away from their sin, and places their faith in Jesus Christ, they become born of God.
They are a new creature.
They become God's child.
They are now saved.
One of the major changes that takes place in their life has to do with sin.
God's children are not sinless.
But God's children start sinning less and less.
That's what the first part of this verse is telling us.
In other words the person who is born of God no longer makes sin a practice in their life like they used to.
They are changed.
2.Whoever is born of God keeps themselves.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
The idea here of keeping themselves is that of God keeping them, and them keeping themselves in the Lord.
He keeps us and we keep ourselves.
Parents know and keep their children.
Children know and stay with their parents.
That's what happens to the person born of God.
God is holding you.
In fact, no one can take you out of His hand.
3. Whoever is born of God is not able to be touched by the wicked one.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
This does not mean that satan does not attack you.
Of course he does.
But it means that he has limits set on him by God
He cannot destroy you.
Though he will try.
He can hurt you, but not take you away from God.
You have a savior who loves You and promises to keep You.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the truths contained in these verses.
We can feast on what is said here for a whole day and beyond. Thank you for first of all making us born of God.
And thank You that we no longer live the way we used to. How dreadful it was, and how delightful it is now.
Thank you for defeating satan at the cross. His future is as certain as ours. We will one day separate from him forever as he is cast into the lake of fire, and we are welcomed into heaven. Hallelujah.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
We know that those who have become part of God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot get his hands on them.
1. Whoever is born of God does not live a life of sin like they used to.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
When a person turns away from their sin, and places their faith in Jesus Christ, they become born of God.
They are a new creature.
They become God's child.
They are now saved.
One of the major changes that takes place in their life has to do with sin.
God's children are not sinless.
But God's children start sinning less and less.
That's what the first part of this verse is telling us.
In other words the person who is born of God no longer makes sin a practice in their life like they used to.
They are changed.
2.Whoever is born of God keeps themselves.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
The idea here of keeping themselves is that of God keeping them, and them keeping themselves in the Lord.
He keeps us and we keep ourselves.
Parents know and keep their children.
Children know and stay with their parents.
That's what happens to the person born of God.
God is holding you.
In fact, no one can take you out of His hand.
3. Whoever is born of God is not able to be touched by the wicked one.
1st John 5:18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
This does not mean that satan does not attack you.
Of course he does.
But it means that he has limits set on him by God
He cannot destroy you.
Though he will try.
He can hurt you, but not take you away from God.
You have a savior who loves You and promises to keep You.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the truths contained in these verses.
We can feast on what is said here for a whole day and beyond. Thank you for first of all making us born of God.
And thank You that we no longer live the way we used to. How dreadful it was, and how delightful it is now.
Thank you for defeating satan at the cross. His future is as certain as ours. We will one day separate from him forever as he is cast into the lake of fire, and we are welcomed into heaven. Hallelujah.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE LOVE OF GOD"
1st John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
1st John 4:8 “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
1st John 4:9 “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
1st John 4:10 “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
1st John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
John was writing in part to warn his readers and keep them safe against false teaching that was prevalent then, and is today as well. One of the main things you gain from reading through this letter is a list of those characteristics that are found in the life of a true christian. Love is the main characteristic. Let's enjoy what God teaches us through these few wonderful verses about how to live the christian life.
1. We are called to love one another because love is God.
1st John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
John makes it clear that this is the call we have from God.
The reason for this call to love, is that God is love.
Love (Agape Love, the kind that is sacrificial, is of God).
And everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God
So you can see how love is very important in defining what a Christian is.
It's the hallmark of the true Christian.
2. All who love are born of God and know God.
1st John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
If a person loves the Bible, that says two things about them.
They are born of God.
And they know God.
Isn't that wonderfully simple and encouraging to read?
This is one of the main ways we can know if we know the Lord or not.
3. The person who does not love God, does not know God, for God is love.
1st John 4:8 “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
On the other hand.
If a person does not love, they do not know God.
The reason put forth is "For God is love”.
As His children we have and take on His characteristics
God is love.
His children act like him.
The person who does not act like Him does not know God.
4. God's love was shown to us by His sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we could live through Him.
1st John 4:9 “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
God's love is not sentimental.
God's love is sacrificial.
God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins.
As a result of believing in Jesus, we now live.
God has given us eternal life.
5. Since God has loved us this way, we ought also to love one another.
1st John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Wrapping up this thought now.
If God has so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
God has set the example for us.
God has come to live inside of us.
God produces this fruit of love in us.
We ought to love one another.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever wonder if you are truly saved?
2. If you do, I'd encourage you for read through these 5 chapters, they will help you find your answer.
3. Do you see the love of God in your life?
4. Can you say with certainty, I know I'm saved?
5. If you can, will you pause for just a moment to give Him thanks?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, where we will one day be, we want to say “we love You”. And to say “thank You for sending Jesus to save us from our sins and give us life with You”. No one else has, or could, do this for us. But You have done it. And forever and ever we will rejoice with You in glory.
Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1st John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
1st John 4:8 “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
1st John 4:9 “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
1st John 4:10 “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
1st John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
John was writing in part to warn his readers and keep them safe against false teaching that was prevalent then, and is today as well. One of the main things you gain from reading through this letter is a list of those characteristics that are found in the life of a true christian. Love is the main characteristic. Let's enjoy what God teaches us through these few wonderful verses about how to live the christian life.
1. We are called to love one another because love is God.
1st John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
John makes it clear that this is the call we have from God.
The reason for this call to love, is that God is love.
Love (Agape Love, the kind that is sacrificial, is of God).
And everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God
So you can see how love is very important in defining what a Christian is.
It's the hallmark of the true Christian.
2. All who love are born of God and know God.
1st John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
If a person loves the Bible, that says two things about them.
They are born of God.
And they know God.
Isn't that wonderfully simple and encouraging to read?
This is one of the main ways we can know if we know the Lord or not.
3. The person who does not love God, does not know God, for God is love.
1st John 4:8 “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
On the other hand.
If a person does not love, they do not know God.
The reason put forth is "For God is love”.
As His children we have and take on His characteristics
God is love.
His children act like him.
The person who does not act like Him does not know God.
4. God's love was shown to us by His sending Jesus to die for our sins, so that we could live through Him.
1st John 4:9 “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
God's love is not sentimental.
God's love is sacrificial.
God demonstrated His love for us by sending Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins.
As a result of believing in Jesus, we now live.
God has given us eternal life.
5. Since God has loved us this way, we ought also to love one another.
1st John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Wrapping up this thought now.
If God has so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
God has set the example for us.
God has come to live inside of us.
God produces this fruit of love in us.
We ought to love one another.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever wonder if you are truly saved?
2. If you do, I'd encourage you for read through these 5 chapters, they will help you find your answer.
3. Do you see the love of God in your life?
4. Can you say with certainty, I know I'm saved?
5. If you can, will you pause for just a moment to give Him thanks?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, where we will one day be, we want to say “we love You”. And to say “thank You for sending Jesus to save us from our sins and give us life with You”. No one else has, or could, do this for us. But You have done it. And forever and ever we will rejoice with You in glory.
Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE DANGER OF A HARDENED HEART"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE DANGER OF A HARDENED HEART"
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Proverbs is known as God's book of wisdom for mankind.
In it, God teaches us about life in a very detailed way. Describing for us the paths that lead to blessing and the paths and choices that lead to destruction. This verse is one that explains the danger of being stubborn.
1. We have a choice to make when listening to loving criticism.
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
God has given man the freedom to choose, or as we like to call it a free will.
Even the christian, of course, has a free will.
We can exercise our will, and do in the choices we make.
We are not sinless as Christians.
We are not without making mistakes.
We are most likely going to have loving criticism come our way.
It's important to make the right choice in these situations.
It's the wise thing to do.
It's a foolish thing to not be open to loving criticism
2. If we refuse to accept loving criticism we will suffer a great consequence.
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Here we have the results, or the consequences, of being stubborn.
We can stubbornly refuse to accept criticism.
If we do, we are certain to experience a severe consequence.
In fact this verse says destruction can come and we would be beyond repair, or beyond remedy.
So, our wills are very important.
And our choice to be humble is very important and valuable.
3. On the other hand, if we choose to humble ourselves, then God is able to help us by His grace and mercy.
Here are three verses that encourage us to be humble, and they explain how God deals with the humble person.
Proverbs 3:34 “Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6 “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””
1st Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””
Please notice the phrase gives grace.
That is so much better than being broken beyond repair.
Some Questions:
1. Can you remember the last time you were stubborn and would not listen to wise counsel?
2. Can you remember how much internal turmoil is accompanied by being stubborn?
3. Can you remember the peace that came into your heart when you humbled yourself?
4. Is someone trying to help you at this very time, and are you being humble or stubborn?
A Prayer:
Father, You have nothing but good that You want to bring into our lives. Yet You do require that we trust You and trust demands humility. You bless the man or woman who trusts You. You are unable to bring that grace to us when we are prideful and stubborn. We are prone to sin, Lord. Please help us to grow in humility and to attempt to maintain humility as a part of our character and life. How happy it must make You, Lord, when You are able to pour Your grace into our lives.
Thank You for being so gracious and forgiving. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Proverbs is known as God's book of wisdom for mankind.
In it, God teaches us about life in a very detailed way. Describing for us the paths that lead to blessing and the paths and choices that lead to destruction. This verse is one that explains the danger of being stubborn.
1. We have a choice to make when listening to loving criticism.
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
God has given man the freedom to choose, or as we like to call it a free will.
Even the christian, of course, has a free will.
We can exercise our will, and do in the choices we make.
We are not sinless as Christians.
We are not without making mistakes.
We are most likely going to have loving criticism come our way.
It's important to make the right choice in these situations.
It's the wise thing to do.
It's a foolish thing to not be open to loving criticism
2. If we refuse to accept loving criticism we will suffer a great consequence.
Proverbs 29:1 “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Here we have the results, or the consequences, of being stubborn.
We can stubbornly refuse to accept criticism.
If we do, we are certain to experience a severe consequence.
In fact this verse says destruction can come and we would be beyond repair, or beyond remedy.
So, our wills are very important.
And our choice to be humble is very important and valuable.
3. On the other hand, if we choose to humble ourselves, then God is able to help us by His grace and mercy.
Here are three verses that encourage us to be humble, and they explain how God deals with the humble person.
Proverbs 3:34 “Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.”
James 4:6 “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””
1st Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.””
Please notice the phrase gives grace.
That is so much better than being broken beyond repair.
Some Questions:
1. Can you remember the last time you were stubborn and would not listen to wise counsel?
2. Can you remember how much internal turmoil is accompanied by being stubborn?
3. Can you remember the peace that came into your heart when you humbled yourself?
4. Is someone trying to help you at this very time, and are you being humble or stubborn?
A Prayer:
Father, You have nothing but good that You want to bring into our lives. Yet You do require that we trust You and trust demands humility. You bless the man or woman who trusts You. You are unable to bring that grace to us when we are prideful and stubborn. We are prone to sin, Lord. Please help us to grow in humility and to attempt to maintain humility as a part of our character and life. How happy it must make You, Lord, when You are able to pour Your grace into our lives.
Thank You for being so gracious and forgiving. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ABIDING"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ABIDING"
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
1st John 2:25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.”
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
The apostle John was writing to help encourage and protect God's people. He wanted them to know the truth of who Jesus was, and how one can know that they are themselves truly saved. This short epistle, when read prayerfully and carefully, can bring one great assurance of their salvation, or show them that they need to be saved.
1. We are called to let what we have heard from God abide in us.
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
God has spoken to us through His Son.
We have received His Son, and His Word.
God calls us to let the Son and let the Word abide in us.
In other words, just simply keep on believing.
Don't be pulled away by anything that contradicts the Word of God.
2. We are promised that if we let God's Word abide in us, than we will also abide in the Son and in the Father.
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
We are told here what happens to those who let God's Word abide in them.
It's quite simple.
You will wind up abiding, or remaining, in the Lord.
And You will wind up remaining in the Father.
This is the consequence and blessing promised to us.
3. We are told of the promise that God has promised us.
1st John 2:25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.”
This is the great promise of God.
God cannot lie.
He has promised us the promise of eternal life.
Eternal life means that you have become united with God.
Eternal life means that you are in communion with God.
Eternal life means that you now know God.
Questions:
1. Do you find or are you experiencing anything that is seeking to draw you away from Christ?
2. Do you know that God will hep you to simply stay with Him, and not be drawn away?
3. Do you know that in your weakness His strength is made perfect?
4. Will you pray right now if you are in some sort of battle or struggle in your faith?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for all that You do for us. Thank You for giving us Jesus. Thank You for giving us Your wonderful Word.
Thank You for the many, many promises that You have given us.
Thank You for the promise that if we let Your Word abide in us, that we will abide in You.
Is there any better place, or person, to abide in than God? No Father, there is no one like You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
1st John 2:25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.”
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
The apostle John was writing to help encourage and protect God's people. He wanted them to know the truth of who Jesus was, and how one can know that they are themselves truly saved. This short epistle, when read prayerfully and carefully, can bring one great assurance of their salvation, or show them that they need to be saved.
1. We are called to let what we have heard from God abide in us.
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
God has spoken to us through His Son.
We have received His Son, and His Word.
God calls us to let the Son and let the Word abide in us.
In other words, just simply keep on believing.
Don't be pulled away by anything that contradicts the Word of God.
2. We are promised that if we let God's Word abide in us, than we will also abide in the Son and in the Father.
1st John 2:24 “Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.”
We are told here what happens to those who let God's Word abide in them.
It's quite simple.
You will wind up abiding, or remaining, in the Lord.
And You will wind up remaining in the Father.
This is the consequence and blessing promised to us.
3. We are told of the promise that God has promised us.
1st John 2:25 “And this is the promise that He has promised us--eternal life.”
This is the great promise of God.
God cannot lie.
He has promised us the promise of eternal life.
Eternal life means that you have become united with God.
Eternal life means that you are in communion with God.
Eternal life means that you now know God.
Questions:
1. Do you find or are you experiencing anything that is seeking to draw you away from Christ?
2. Do you know that God will hep you to simply stay with Him, and not be drawn away?
3. Do you know that in your weakness His strength is made perfect?
4. Will you pray right now if you are in some sort of battle or struggle in your faith?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for all that You do for us. Thank You for giving us Jesus. Thank You for giving us Your wonderful Word.
Thank You for the many, many promises that You have given us.
Thank You for the promise that if we let Your Word abide in us, that we will abide in You.
Is there any better place, or person, to abide in than God? No Father, there is no one like You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, December 1, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROVISION FOR OUR SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROVISION FOR OUR SINS"
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some background, application, questions and a prayer:
The apostle John wrote this short little 5 chapter letter to help believers have the Joy of the Lord, and to help them come to the place of having the assurance of their salvation. He was also combatting false doctrine concerning sin. Many false teachers were saying it's okay to sin, it's just your body, and the body means nothing to God, so go ahead and sin all you like. Well, that's simply not true.
But, what about sin? What does the Lord do when we sin? And how does He help us?
1. We as christians are God's children.
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Saved people are God's children.
He adopts us upon our coming to faith in Christ.
We are born again, and placed into His family as His children.
So, if you are saved, You are His child.
He is your Father.
And He provides for your needs.
He especially wants to help you with sin.
2. God helps us not to sin.
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Every Christian will sin until they go to heaven.
But, God wants us to sin less and less.
But what about when we do sin?
That's dealt with under the next point.
But, look at the verse, and see what it says.
God gave us this epistle to help us not to sin.
You may want to take the time and read through the 5 chapters.
It will be a tremendous help with respect to the problem of sin.
You will find that though you can't stop sinning, you will find that you will sin less and less.
3. But when we do sin, He has provided an advocate for us.
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Here is what God has provide for us when we do sin.
He is our Advocate, our Representative before the Father.
When we do sin, we have Jesus to help us.
It's kind of like having to go to court with the help of a lawyer.
We are not alone down here.
We have the Lord Jesus to represent us before God.
He is the one who has died for our sins.
Questions:
1. Sin is a real problem in our lives, isn't it?
2. Sin is something that we cannot deal with on our own.
3. What do you do when you sin?
4. Do you know that You can simply ask Jesus to help you, to cleanse you, and to advocate for you?
5. Do you know that God loves you so much that He wants to bless you and help you?
A Prayer:
Father, You are so wonderful. In fact, there is no one as wonderful as You. You are God and there is none like You, Lord.
One day we will no longer deal with sin. How glorious that will be. Thank You for Jesus our Advocate, our helper.
He is the sin bearer and sin helper.
We love You, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Some background, application, questions and a prayer:
The apostle John wrote this short little 5 chapter letter to help believers have the Joy of the Lord, and to help them come to the place of having the assurance of their salvation. He was also combatting false doctrine concerning sin. Many false teachers were saying it's okay to sin, it's just your body, and the body means nothing to God, so go ahead and sin all you like. Well, that's simply not true.
But, what about sin? What does the Lord do when we sin? And how does He help us?
1. We as christians are God's children.
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Saved people are God's children.
He adopts us upon our coming to faith in Christ.
We are born again, and placed into His family as His children.
So, if you are saved, You are His child.
He is your Father.
And He provides for your needs.
He especially wants to help you with sin.
2. God helps us not to sin.
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Every Christian will sin until they go to heaven.
But, God wants us to sin less and less.
But what about when we do sin?
That's dealt with under the next point.
But, look at the verse, and see what it says.
God gave us this epistle to help us not to sin.
You may want to take the time and read through the 5 chapters.
It will be a tremendous help with respect to the problem of sin.
You will find that though you can't stop sinning, you will find that you will sin less and less.
3. But when we do sin, He has provided an advocate for us.
1st John 2:1 “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
Here is what God has provide for us when we do sin.
He is our Advocate, our Representative before the Father.
When we do sin, we have Jesus to help us.
It's kind of like having to go to court with the help of a lawyer.
We are not alone down here.
We have the Lord Jesus to represent us before God.
He is the one who has died for our sins.
Questions:
1. Sin is a real problem in our lives, isn't it?
2. Sin is something that we cannot deal with on our own.
3. What do you do when you sin?
4. Do you know that You can simply ask Jesus to help you, to cleanse you, and to advocate for you?
5. Do you know that God loves you so much that He wants to bless you and help you?
A Prayer:
Father, You are so wonderful. In fact, there is no one as wonderful as You. You are God and there is none like You, Lord.
One day we will no longer deal with sin. How glorious that will be. Thank You for Jesus our Advocate, our helper.
He is the sin bearer and sin helper.
We love You, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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