"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT AN INTERESTING ANSWER TO PRAYER"
2nd Samuel 17:14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom.
Some explanatory thoughts/applications/questions and a prayer:
Earlier in this story of high treason by Absolom against his father David, King David had asked the Lord to intervene in the life of a man named Ahitophel who had betrayed King David. Here's what David prayed in 2nd Samuel 15:31 Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”
A little later on, Ahithopel was attempting to advise Absolom on how to kill his father David, He laid out a plan to do so, ( See 2nd Sam 17:1-4 ) But, then a man who was a spy for David, named Hushai, was called by Absolom to give him a plan to consider in his attempts to murder his Father. Hushai's plan was accepted and Ahithophels was rejected. And, thus you have what is said in 2nd Samuel 17:14 So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom.
This was God's answer to David's prayer. But the story is not over yet. Here's what happened to Ahithopel.
2nd Sam 17:23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb.
He was so upset that his advice had not been taken, that he wound up taking his own life. There are many lessons from this incredible story to be sure. But here are just a few that come to mind.
1. Integrity is better than treachery.
Pro 11:3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Or as it reads in the NLT "Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty." Imagine for a moment how different things might have been for Ahithopel if had been a man of honor, and not a self promoting traitor to King David?
2. Pride goes before a fall.
Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. The NKJV reads this way Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
God has built into life, that when a man raises himself up in pride, he can count on falling. And, such was the case with Ahithopel.
3. We reap what we sow.
Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
And, the NLT reads this way "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit."
Again, this is a law of God, and it cannot be broken.
4. God hears and answers prayers in His own way and time.
James 5:4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.
Eph 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
5. Our lives are ultimately in the hands of God.
Joshua 9:25 “And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.”
Psalm 31:15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.
6. Let us walk in the ways of the Lord, in love and righteousness.
Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.
Some questions:
1. How did this story speak to your heart?
2. David asked God for something, and it was in God's will, and it was answered.
3. Do you look to God for His protection and safety?
4. Men make their choices, and their choices make them. That applies to us also doesn't it?
5. How do we reconcile the teaching of Jesus to pray for our enemies with what David prayed for?
6. Are you seeking to walk in humility before God? Or are you walking in pride?
A prayer:
Father, we are no better than any other man. Though You want us to be better than we are. You want to conform us into the image of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We agree with Your Word, we do not want to be led into temptation, we want to be kept from evil. Lord, help us to be humble, keep us from pride. Make us men and women of integrity, and keep us from corruption. We can do all things through Christ who makes us strong.
We love You, and desire to walk in Your ways Lord. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Friday, May 30, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HUMILITY, AND HOPE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HUMILITY, AND HOPE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY"
2nd Samuel 16:10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
2nd Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.
2nd Samuel 16:12 “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This portion of 2nd Samuel details the culmination of King David's son, Absolom's rebellion against his father David. Absolom had steadily worked to steal the kingdom from his father. Absolom was a wicked man, and a treacherous son to his father. He wound up stealing the kingdom from his father, and ushering his father out in shame from Jerusalem. It was like a modern day coup if you will. What is so interesting and inspiring is to see the way that David acted in the midst of this tragic and painful event. Let's see what he did. He is a tremendous example of humility in the midst of adversity.
1. David understood that God was still in control, even though this terrible event was taking place.
2nd Samuel 16:10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
2nd Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.
David was restraining one of his own men from retaliation against one of his son's Absolom's men. You will notice that David said, "So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
In other words, David realized and stated openly, that the LORD had ordered all of this. David did not want to fight against what God was doing. He accepted this most painful and shameful experience as being ordered by the LORD. What an example of trust in God in the midst of adversity.
2. David also had hope and trust in the LORD for the days ahead. He had hope that God would still bless him.
2nd Samuel 16:12 “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”
It's interesting to watch this man after God's own heart act when he was suffering. He had of course sinned greatly with Bathsheba, and had already suffered greatly as a result. He had repented of his sins, and was clear with God. But, David had a very wicked son, this Absolom. And, now Absolom was kicking his own father the king out of the city of Jerusalem, and stealing the kingdom from him, and shaming his father, and allowing his father to the king to be cursed at.
But, David had hope in God. Notice what he said. “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”
Some things to note here.
(1) He was completely humble and making no demands upon God.
(2) He was not complaining about what was happening to him.
(3) He was wondering if God might not bless him in the future.
(4) He knew that God could repay him in the future with blessing, for all the cursing that was taking place.
Some questions/statements:
1. It's not an easy thing to accept adversity from the hand of God.
2. David knew that his sin had brought this trouble into his own life.
3. Don't you think that David was now realizing the great cost of his sin?
4. But, don't you admire the way David was humble and trusting in God in this adversity.?
5. And, finally, isn't it encouraging to see that David had a hope of future blessing from God.
6. Do you know that God did indeed bless David down the road, He restored the kingdom to Him.
7. By the way, David's rebellious son Absolom came to a dreadful end, as all the proud and wicked do.
A prayer:
Father, You have given us these stories from the OT to teach us lessons, to teach us how to avoid making the same mistakes, and falling into the same sins. Unfortunately Lord, we often do not heed Your Word, and we are just as stubborn and disobedient as anyone else. But, Father, it does not have to be that way. You do not want that for us. You desire that we live our lives in complete surrender and obedience to Your will. And, that is what we also want, deep down in our hearts. Give us the humility of heart that we see in King David, who accepted Your chastening towards Him, but also maintained a hope that You might bless him in the days ahead. Thank You for being so gracious to him. And, be gracious to us Lord, for we also have sinned, and are no different than so many of the people we see in the Bible. Make us humble, and hopeful Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
2nd Samuel 16:10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
2nd Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.
2nd Samuel 16:12 “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This portion of 2nd Samuel details the culmination of King David's son, Absolom's rebellion against his father David. Absolom had steadily worked to steal the kingdom from his father. Absolom was a wicked man, and a treacherous son to his father. He wound up stealing the kingdom from his father, and ushering his father out in shame from Jerusalem. It was like a modern day coup if you will. What is so interesting and inspiring is to see the way that David acted in the midst of this tragic and painful event. Let's see what he did. He is a tremendous example of humility in the midst of adversity.
1. David understood that God was still in control, even though this terrible event was taking place.
2nd Samuel 16:10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
2nd Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.
David was restraining one of his own men from retaliation against one of his son's Absolom's men. You will notice that David said, "So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”
In other words, David realized and stated openly, that the LORD had ordered all of this. David did not want to fight against what God was doing. He accepted this most painful and shameful experience as being ordered by the LORD. What an example of trust in God in the midst of adversity.
2. David also had hope and trust in the LORD for the days ahead. He had hope that God would still bless him.
2nd Samuel 16:12 “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”
It's interesting to watch this man after God's own heart act when he was suffering. He had of course sinned greatly with Bathsheba, and had already suffered greatly as a result. He had repented of his sins, and was clear with God. But, David had a very wicked son, this Absolom. And, now Absolom was kicking his own father the king out of the city of Jerusalem, and stealing the kingdom from him, and shaming his father, and allowing his father to the king to be cursed at.
But, David had hope in God. Notice what he said. “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”
Some things to note here.
(1) He was completely humble and making no demands upon God.
(2) He was not complaining about what was happening to him.
(3) He was wondering if God might not bless him in the future.
(4) He knew that God could repay him in the future with blessing, for all the cursing that was taking place.
Some questions/statements:
1. It's not an easy thing to accept adversity from the hand of God.
2. David knew that his sin had brought this trouble into his own life.
3. Don't you think that David was now realizing the great cost of his sin?
4. But, don't you admire the way David was humble and trusting in God in this adversity.?
5. And, finally, isn't it encouraging to see that David had a hope of future blessing from God.
6. Do you know that God did indeed bless David down the road, He restored the kingdom to Him.
7. By the way, David's rebellious son Absolom came to a dreadful end, as all the proud and wicked do.
A prayer:
Father, You have given us these stories from the OT to teach us lessons, to teach us how to avoid making the same mistakes, and falling into the same sins. Unfortunately Lord, we often do not heed Your Word, and we are just as stubborn and disobedient as anyone else. But, Father, it does not have to be that way. You do not want that for us. You desire that we live our lives in complete surrender and obedience to Your will. And, that is what we also want, deep down in our hearts. Give us the humility of heart that we see in King David, who accepted Your chastening towards Him, but also maintained a hope that You might bless him in the days ahead. Thank You for being so gracious to him. And, be gracious to us Lord, for we also have sinned, and are no different than so many of the people we see in the Bible. Make us humble, and hopeful Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD FOR JESUS, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR US"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD FOR JESUS, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR US"
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This verse is taken during the period where Jesus was arrested by the Roman soldiers, and then taken to be tried unjustly, and then crucified. There are a number of important truths in this one simple, but profound verse.
1. We often do not understand the will of God for our lives.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”
You notice here that Jesus had to instruct Peter to put his sword back into it's sheath. That's because Peter had just cut off the ear of a man named Malcus, in an effort to defend Jesus from the soldiers who had come to arrest Jesus. Peter's motives may have been good, but his understanding of God's will for Jesus was not.
Jesus had come to the earth for this very hour. To be taken and to be crucified for the sins of the world, and Peter with a sincere heart was trying to stop this from happening.
We can certainly identify with Peter. How often we also do not understand the will of God. But, not to fear, nor to be condemned, God is faithful, and just as He instructed Peter as to what to do, or what not do to, the Lord does the same for us. Here are two scriptures that make a promise to us from God, about giving us wisdom.
Pro 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him
2. Jesus knew exactly what God had in mind for Him, and was ready to do the will of God.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”
The last part of the verse is put in the form of a question. "Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given to me?" In other words, Jesus was explaining to Peter what Peter did not know. Peter thought what was taking place should not. Jesus knew that what was taking place was the will of God for Him, and ultimately for every human being.
The cup is, and expression of the will of God. Jesus expressed His desire to drink cup, or to do the will of God.
He came to drink the cup of dying for the sins of the world. He was ready to do what God had called Him to do.
He did this for you and me. And, not for just us, but for the sins of the whole world. He drank the cup that God had given Him to drink, and He drank it because of His love for us. His cup was death on the cross, but, it brought life to those who would believe in Him.
Questions:
1. Wouldn't you agree, that God's cup for us is not always easy to drink?
2. If we had our way, we would change cups, don't you think?
3. But, let's be honest, doesn't God know what cup is best for us to drink?
4. Are you at this time struggling with the cup that God has for you?
5. Or are you embracing the cup that God has for you to drink?
6. Have you in the past experienced that the difficult cup to drink, later turns out to be a cup of joy?
7. Gods cup, has come from His wise, loving, holy, and just heart, it's the best cup we could drink.
A prayer:
Father, we are not orphans. We have You to watch over us, and to guide us. We often don't know what to do, or if a cup is good for us to drink. We sometimes are repulsed by what is put before us. But, after we pray, and wait on You, and seek Your counsel, we conclude, "Yes, this is the best for me", and we like Jesus say,"Shall I not drink the cup" Lord, forgive us for the times that we balk at Your will. And, help us to mature and be those that without question embrace day by day whatever You have planned for us. Your ways are righteous and true, and You do not change. In Jesus name, Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This verse is taken during the period where Jesus was arrested by the Roman soldiers, and then taken to be tried unjustly, and then crucified. There are a number of important truths in this one simple, but profound verse.
1. We often do not understand the will of God for our lives.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”
You notice here that Jesus had to instruct Peter to put his sword back into it's sheath. That's because Peter had just cut off the ear of a man named Malcus, in an effort to defend Jesus from the soldiers who had come to arrest Jesus. Peter's motives may have been good, but his understanding of God's will for Jesus was not.
Jesus had come to the earth for this very hour. To be taken and to be crucified for the sins of the world, and Peter with a sincere heart was trying to stop this from happening.
We can certainly identify with Peter. How often we also do not understand the will of God. But, not to fear, nor to be condemned, God is faithful, and just as He instructed Peter as to what to do, or what not do to, the Lord does the same for us. Here are two scriptures that make a promise to us from God, about giving us wisdom.
Pro 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him
2. Jesus knew exactly what God had in mind for Him, and was ready to do the will of God.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”
The last part of the verse is put in the form of a question. "Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given to me?" In other words, Jesus was explaining to Peter what Peter did not know. Peter thought what was taking place should not. Jesus knew that what was taking place was the will of God for Him, and ultimately for every human being.
The cup is, and expression of the will of God. Jesus expressed His desire to drink cup, or to do the will of God.
He came to drink the cup of dying for the sins of the world. He was ready to do what God had called Him to do.
He did this for you and me. And, not for just us, but for the sins of the whole world. He drank the cup that God had given Him to drink, and He drank it because of His love for us. His cup was death on the cross, but, it brought life to those who would believe in Him.
Questions:
1. Wouldn't you agree, that God's cup for us is not always easy to drink?
2. If we had our way, we would change cups, don't you think?
3. But, let's be honest, doesn't God know what cup is best for us to drink?
4. Are you at this time struggling with the cup that God has for you?
5. Or are you embracing the cup that God has for you to drink?
6. Have you in the past experienced that the difficult cup to drink, later turns out to be a cup of joy?
7. Gods cup, has come from His wise, loving, holy, and just heart, it's the best cup we could drink.
A prayer:
Father, we are not orphans. We have You to watch over us, and to guide us. We often don't know what to do, or if a cup is good for us to drink. We sometimes are repulsed by what is put before us. But, after we pray, and wait on You, and seek Your counsel, we conclude, "Yes, this is the best for me", and we like Jesus say,"Shall I not drink the cup" Lord, forgive us for the times that we balk at Your will. And, help us to mature and be those that without question embrace day by day whatever You have planned for us. Your ways are righteous and true, and You do not change. In Jesus name, Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JESUS'S PRAYER AND WILL FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JESUS'S PRAYER AND WILL FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM"
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This chapter is filled with what truly is the "Lord's Prayer" Because, it's Jesus praying to His Father.
It's a tremendously intimate and revealing prayer about the heart of Jesus towards His Father, and towards His mission here on earth, and towards His disciples at that time, and those who would come to faith in the ages to come. Let's just focus on one particular verse. John 17:17 This is one of Jesus's prayers.
1. Jesus prays that the Father would sanctify His disciples.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Another way of saying this, is, "Make them pure and holy" That's what Sanctify means It also has the meaning of setting you apart to God for His exclusive use. So, this is the desire of Jesus, this is the prayer of Jesus, and this is what can happen in the life of those who follow Jesus. It's what Jesus is praying for. Sanctify, or holy, also means, freedom from sin, and moral perfection. God wants You to be as free from sin as you can possibly be, and He wants you to be as morally pure as you can be this side of heaven. This is God's will for each and every believer, It's God's will for you today.
2. Jesus makes you holy by teaching you God's Word.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The answer to Jesus prayer, or the way that God answers Jesus's prayer is through the Word of God. God's pure and holy Word can and will bring about in our lives that same purity and holiness that is in Him. He and His Word are one and the same. And, the Lord wants You to be a partaker of His holiness. You are His child, and He wants His characteristics be be in you, and growing in your life. So, the way this prayer is answered is by the Word of God.
You can see why it's so important to be in the Word of God. It's God's agent of change for His people. God makes you holy, by His Word. But, it's imperative that you are committed to His Word, and You are taking in His Word on a regular basis. God's Daily Bread for Your soul, will change you, and make you more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus says that God's Word is Truth.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
So, the progression in this prayer is easily seen. First, Make them Holy. Second, make them holy by Your truth.
And finally an explanation about God's Word truth. Your Word is truth.
The Bible is God's Word, and it's also truth. Here's what Paul said about it.
2nd Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
Please notice 5 things here about God's Word.
(1) All Scripture is inspired by God
(2) It is useful to teach us what is right, or true.
(3) It is useful to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
(4) It is useful to straighten us out in our lives.
(5) It is useful to teach us do what is right.
There is no other book in the entire world like the Holy Bible. And it will when taken in, and responded to make you Holy, just as Jesus prayed for.
Questions:
1. Isn't it wonderful and encouraging to know that Jesus has and is praying for you.
2. Can you see what Jesus's prayer is for, it's for your life to be made holy, i.e set apart to God?
3. Also, can you see that the way God makes you holy is by and through His Word.
4. And, can you see that unlike any other book in the whole world, His Word is truth, completely inspired by God.
5. Would you take another look at the 5 things listed above about God's Word.
6. And, finally, would you take a moment to express in a brief prayer to God that You desire to be what He wants you to be?
A prayer:
Father, It seems like we are always thanking You for Your Word, and we are. Your Word is our daily bread. It's our life, we cannot truly live without it. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So, thank You for giving us that which gives us life, and changes our lives, and makes them into what You want them to be. We want to go right along with Your prayer Lord Jesus. John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. Or as it's said in the NLT "Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth." That's our prayer also. In Jesus name, amen.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This chapter is filled with what truly is the "Lord's Prayer" Because, it's Jesus praying to His Father.
It's a tremendously intimate and revealing prayer about the heart of Jesus towards His Father, and towards His mission here on earth, and towards His disciples at that time, and those who would come to faith in the ages to come. Let's just focus on one particular verse. John 17:17 This is one of Jesus's prayers.
1. Jesus prays that the Father would sanctify His disciples.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Another way of saying this, is, "Make them pure and holy" That's what Sanctify means It also has the meaning of setting you apart to God for His exclusive use. So, this is the desire of Jesus, this is the prayer of Jesus, and this is what can happen in the life of those who follow Jesus. It's what Jesus is praying for. Sanctify, or holy, also means, freedom from sin, and moral perfection. God wants You to be as free from sin as you can possibly be, and He wants you to be as morally pure as you can be this side of heaven. This is God's will for each and every believer, It's God's will for you today.
2. Jesus makes you holy by teaching you God's Word.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The answer to Jesus prayer, or the way that God answers Jesus's prayer is through the Word of God. God's pure and holy Word can and will bring about in our lives that same purity and holiness that is in Him. He and His Word are one and the same. And, the Lord wants You to be a partaker of His holiness. You are His child, and He wants His characteristics be be in you, and growing in your life. So, the way this prayer is answered is by the Word of God.
You can see why it's so important to be in the Word of God. It's God's agent of change for His people. God makes you holy, by His Word. But, it's imperative that you are committed to His Word, and You are taking in His Word on a regular basis. God's Daily Bread for Your soul, will change you, and make you more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.
3. Jesus says that God's Word is Truth.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
So, the progression in this prayer is easily seen. First, Make them Holy. Second, make them holy by Your truth.
And finally an explanation about God's Word truth. Your Word is truth.
The Bible is God's Word, and it's also truth. Here's what Paul said about it.
2nd Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.
Please notice 5 things here about God's Word.
(1) All Scripture is inspired by God
(2) It is useful to teach us what is right, or true.
(3) It is useful to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
(4) It is useful to straighten us out in our lives.
(5) It is useful to teach us do what is right.
There is no other book in the entire world like the Holy Bible. And it will when taken in, and responded to make you Holy, just as Jesus prayed for.
Questions:
1. Isn't it wonderful and encouraging to know that Jesus has and is praying for you.
2. Can you see what Jesus's prayer is for, it's for your life to be made holy, i.e set apart to God?
3. Also, can you see that the way God makes you holy is by and through His Word.
4. And, can you see that unlike any other book in the whole world, His Word is truth, completely inspired by God.
5. Would you take another look at the 5 things listed above about God's Word.
6. And, finally, would you take a moment to express in a brief prayer to God that You desire to be what He wants you to be?
A prayer:
Father, It seems like we are always thanking You for Your Word, and we are. Your Word is our daily bread. It's our life, we cannot truly live without it. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So, thank You for giving us that which gives us life, and changes our lives, and makes them into what You want them to be. We want to go right along with Your prayer Lord Jesus. John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. Or as it's said in the NLT "Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth." That's our prayer also. In Jesus name, amen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND CHALLENGES WE FACE IN LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND CHALLENGES WE FACE IN LIFE"
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
Jesus in the 16th chapter of John covered a variety of subjects, that covered many of the problems, trials and challenges that awaited those to whom He was talking to. And, what Jesus was saying in John 16 apply to those of us alive today. I pray that His closing words in the chapter will be a real encouragement to you.
1. Jesus spoke specifically to encourage those who follow Him. That in Him they can have peace.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The these things are the things He said in Chapter 16. But, Jesus states that the reason He said what He said, was to bring peace into the lives of those who know and follow Him. The peace of God is one of the blessings we have given and promised to us in the Word of God. We find peace through God's Word. This is one of the benefits of reading and meditating on the Bible. The Holy Spirit will use it to produce fruit in your life, which includes peace.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Please notice that "peace" is one of the ways the fruit of the Spirit is described.
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Phil 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2. Jesus explained that in the world we would have tribulation.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
In Christ we have peace, and in the world we have many trials and sorrows. How true both of those statements are. Jesus and peace. The World ( living as if there is no God ) Trials and Sorrows.
Adam and Eve had no trials until they sinned. And, now the entire world is filled with trouble. But, for the Christian, we can find peace in the midst of this troubled world.
And, we can help bring the peace of God to those who do not know the Lord. God will use us to display His glory, mercy, grace, love and truth, if we are available to Him. In fact, if we simply walk with Him, submitted day by day, we will naturally be a witness of Him.
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
3. Jesus also tells His followers to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Another way of saying this, is, "take heart, because I have overcome the world" So, while the world is so full of trouble, we don’t need to lose heart, but rather we can take heart, or have courage day by day, because our Lord has overcome this world.
The world as mentioned is filled with trouble as the result of sin. Jesus came into the world to destroy sin, and to overcome it, and He did. And in Him our victor we can be of good cheer and take heart.
1st John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Some questions:
1. What if anything has the Lord been saying to you as of late?
2. Have you experienced the peace He speaks of that comes from His Word?
3. Can you see why it's so wonderful and helpful to be a person of the Word of God?.
4. Do you think the world is getting better, or worse?
5. Have you lost heart?
6. Will you take a moment to look at and pray about this verse again. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And, let the Lord encourage you.
A prayer:
Father, Thank You for sending Jesus into this world. And, thank You for this verse in particular. We can testify to the truth of what Jesus said. We truly do find peace in Him. It's the peace of God. And, not only do we find that peace Lord, but our lives can become peaceful even though all around us is trouble and difficulty. Use our lives we pray to help point people to You, in Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
Jesus in the 16th chapter of John covered a variety of subjects, that covered many of the problems, trials and challenges that awaited those to whom He was talking to. And, what Jesus was saying in John 16 apply to those of us alive today. I pray that His closing words in the chapter will be a real encouragement to you.
1. Jesus spoke specifically to encourage those who follow Him. That in Him they can have peace.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The these things are the things He said in Chapter 16. But, Jesus states that the reason He said what He said, was to bring peace into the lives of those who know and follow Him. The peace of God is one of the blessings we have given and promised to us in the Word of God. We find peace through God's Word. This is one of the benefits of reading and meditating on the Bible. The Holy Spirit will use it to produce fruit in your life, which includes peace.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Please notice that "peace" is one of the ways the fruit of the Spirit is described.
Phil 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Phil 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2. Jesus explained that in the world we would have tribulation.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
In Christ we have peace, and in the world we have many trials and sorrows. How true both of those statements are. Jesus and peace. The World ( living as if there is no God ) Trials and Sorrows.
Adam and Eve had no trials until they sinned. And, now the entire world is filled with trouble. But, for the Christian, we can find peace in the midst of this troubled world.
And, we can help bring the peace of God to those who do not know the Lord. God will use us to display His glory, mercy, grace, love and truth, if we are available to Him. In fact, if we simply walk with Him, submitted day by day, we will naturally be a witness of Him.
Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
3. Jesus also tells His followers to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Another way of saying this, is, "take heart, because I have overcome the world" So, while the world is so full of trouble, we don’t need to lose heart, but rather we can take heart, or have courage day by day, because our Lord has overcome this world.
The world as mentioned is filled with trouble as the result of sin. Jesus came into the world to destroy sin, and to overcome it, and He did. And in Him our victor we can be of good cheer and take heart.
1st John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Some questions:
1. What if anything has the Lord been saying to you as of late?
2. Have you experienced the peace He speaks of that comes from His Word?
3. Can you see why it's so wonderful and helpful to be a person of the Word of God?.
4. Do you think the world is getting better, or worse?
5. Have you lost heart?
6. Will you take a moment to look at and pray about this verse again. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” And, let the Lord encourage you.
A prayer:
Father, Thank You for sending Jesus into this world. And, thank You for this verse in particular. We can testify to the truth of what Jesus said. We truly do find peace in Him. It's the peace of God. And, not only do we find that peace Lord, but our lives can become peaceful even though all around us is trouble and difficulty. Use our lives we pray to help point people to You, in Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, May 26, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WISDOM OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WISDOM OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER"
Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Pro 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
Proverbs is of course, God's Book of Wisdom for us. The 31 Chapters in Proverbs cover just about every aspect of life that needs covering. God is so generous in explaining to us how things work in life, and how our life will work best, that is, by following His wisdom, and not our own. And, thus today's devo taken from Pro 16:1-3 gives us 3 very specific and wonderful truths from God about how to live our lives.
1. Remember, we do our part, but God is ultimately in charge of what happens. So, we can rest in the Lord.
Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
What does this mean?
(1) We prepare our hearts.
Or, We can gather our thoughts,
In other words, we have the responsibility to go about our daily lives, using our brains, to think, and to accomplish, and do what we think we should do. We make our plans as it were.
(2) God ultimately is in charge of what happens.
But the LORD gives the right answer.
Or, to say this another way, after we have gone about our business, doing what we need to do, we can rest in the fact that God is in control of all things, and He will bring His will to pass. The answer will come from the Lord.
He is guiding His family, and all things in the world.
We do our best, but commit the rest to the Lord.
2. We may have one opinion of ourselves, but God can see right down into our heart where we cannot.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Or, as people, we may be pure in our own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Again, this is very comforting, to know that God knows best, and he truly knows all things. We think we know something, but God can see deeper and right into the heart of the matter, whereas we cannot. We may think our hearts and motives are pure, but God can see what they truly are. Thus, we can ask Him to search our hearts, and to reveal where we really are at, and to lead us in the right way. He will do it.
3. The way to have your thoughts established by God is to commit your works to the Lord.
Pro 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
And here is another comforting truth from God. It tells us how we can succeed in what we are seeking to do.
The first thing is that we must commit our work to the Lord. That is, we are to surrender our wills, and our desires to Him, and to truly want His will in all that we do.
We are assured here, that if we will take the hand of God and let Him lead us, that it is then that our plans will succeed. If we try to live our lives without God we do not have this promise.
But, we can as those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, actually, day by day, seek God to guide us, we can surrender our wills gladly to Him day by day, and then just sit back and see what He is going to do .
He is faithful to accomplish and fulfill each and every one of His promise.
Some questions:
1. Do you find it refreshing to remember that God is in control of your life?
2. Do you find it hard to let go of your life and to let God lead your life?
3. Have you found that God's ways are surprisingly more wonderful than you had expected?
4. Isn't it comforting to know that God knows what we cannot know. He knows the depths and motives of our hearts.
5. Do you want to succeed in what you are doing?
6. Are you learning to commit your works to the Lord?
7. Are you confident He will establish You in His will. He will do it. For He has promised to do it.
A prayer:
Father, how we love the Proverbs and the Psalms. They are no doubt two of the books of Bible that most Christians have come to love so deeply. Thank You for giving them to us. They teach us so much about You, and about ourselves. They bring us comfort and they call us to humility and to trust in You. They tell us of Your wonderful oversight of our lives, and that You are always on duty as it were, taking care of Your children.
Even when it may seem like Your not, You actually are. We just can't see it. We want to offer our heartfelt praises to You Lord. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Pro 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
Proverbs is of course, God's Book of Wisdom for us. The 31 Chapters in Proverbs cover just about every aspect of life that needs covering. God is so generous in explaining to us how things work in life, and how our life will work best, that is, by following His wisdom, and not our own. And, thus today's devo taken from Pro 16:1-3 gives us 3 very specific and wonderful truths from God about how to live our lives.
1. Remember, we do our part, but God is ultimately in charge of what happens. So, we can rest in the Lord.
Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
What does this mean?
(1) We prepare our hearts.
Or, We can gather our thoughts,
In other words, we have the responsibility to go about our daily lives, using our brains, to think, and to accomplish, and do what we think we should do. We make our plans as it were.
(2) God ultimately is in charge of what happens.
But the LORD gives the right answer.
Or, to say this another way, after we have gone about our business, doing what we need to do, we can rest in the fact that God is in control of all things, and He will bring His will to pass. The answer will come from the Lord.
He is guiding His family, and all things in the world.
We do our best, but commit the rest to the Lord.
2. We may have one opinion of ourselves, but God can see right down into our heart where we cannot.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.
Or, as people, we may be pure in our own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Again, this is very comforting, to know that God knows best, and he truly knows all things. We think we know something, but God can see deeper and right into the heart of the matter, whereas we cannot. We may think our hearts and motives are pure, but God can see what they truly are. Thus, we can ask Him to search our hearts, and to reveal where we really are at, and to lead us in the right way. He will do it.
3. The way to have your thoughts established by God is to commit your works to the Lord.
Pro 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
And here is another comforting truth from God. It tells us how we can succeed in what we are seeking to do.
The first thing is that we must commit our work to the Lord. That is, we are to surrender our wills, and our desires to Him, and to truly want His will in all that we do.
We are assured here, that if we will take the hand of God and let Him lead us, that it is then that our plans will succeed. If we try to live our lives without God we do not have this promise.
But, we can as those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, actually, day by day, seek God to guide us, we can surrender our wills gladly to Him day by day, and then just sit back and see what He is going to do .
He is faithful to accomplish and fulfill each and every one of His promise.
Some questions:
1. Do you find it refreshing to remember that God is in control of your life?
2. Do you find it hard to let go of your life and to let God lead your life?
3. Have you found that God's ways are surprisingly more wonderful than you had expected?
4. Isn't it comforting to know that God knows what we cannot know. He knows the depths and motives of our hearts.
5. Do you want to succeed in what you are doing?
6. Are you learning to commit your works to the Lord?
7. Are you confident He will establish You in His will. He will do it. For He has promised to do it.
A prayer:
Father, how we love the Proverbs and the Psalms. They are no doubt two of the books of Bible that most Christians have come to love so deeply. Thank You for giving them to us. They teach us so much about You, and about ourselves. They bring us comfort and they call us to humility and to trust in You. They tell us of Your wonderful oversight of our lives, and that You are always on duty as it were, taking care of Your children.
Even when it may seem like Your not, You actually are. We just can't see it. We want to offer our heartfelt praises to You Lord. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH TROUBLED, ANXIOUS, AND FEARFUL HEARTS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH TROUBLED, ANXIOUS, AND FEARFUL HEARTS"
John 14:2 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
Jesus was in the process of saying some of the very last things He would say to His disciples who loved Him very much. He had just told them that He would be leaving them ( after 3 1/2 years of being with them day by day ) and that they would not be able to go with Him. This was very troubling to His followers. In fact, the word troubled, means, to be agitated, to cause inward commotion, take away calmness of mind, disturb a person's equanimity. to disquiet, to stir up, to strike one's spirit with fear and dread. To render the mind anxious or distressed. What Jesus did was to give them a Divine prescription to ease their troubled minds, and hearts.
1. Jesus has a remedy for the troubled, anxious and fearful heart.
John 14:2 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
It's actually a 3 fold remedy. Here's the first one.
(1) Let not your heart be troubled. Or, don't let what I've just told you about the future trouble you. Or, You must not let yourselves be distressed. Or yet again, You must hold on to your faith.
Now, in Jesus giving this instruction to His troubled disciples, He was not asking them to do something they could not do, but rather something they could do.
It's the same with us today. We who know the Lord have the God given capacity, ( it's called faith ) to exercise that faith or trust in God, and thereby find relief for what is ailing our hearts and minds. Trusting God rather than looking at and pondering our own feelings is the way God would have us live our lives.
Trust in God is always rewarded by God. Faith in God, puts us in contact with God as it were. It brings us into fellowship with Him, and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or think. So, the first part of Jesus's prescription for the troubled and anxious heart, "Trust in God"
And, just as a specific clarification here. Jesus was affirming their faith in God, but, here, He was specifically drawing their faith towards Him. Don't stop trusting in God the Father, but I also want you to believe in Me. Put your trust, your faith, in Me.
2. Jesus is preparing a place for you.
John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
There are several important things said in this verse.
(1) Jesus refers to the place called heaven, as His Father's house. That's a nice way to think about Heaven, it's where our Father lives, and it's where we are going someday.
(2) Jesus says there are many mansions in His Father's house. Or to put it another way. There is plenty of room for you in Heaven. There are many rooms, or dwelling places in His Father's house. We don't know for sure about a lot of things regarding heaven. But, 2 things we do know. We will have new bodies, and their is plenty of room for us up there. Many believe that each of us will have our own individual homes or dwelling places in heaven.Our own mansions if you will.
(3) Jesus is currently in heaven preparing a place for His followers. I'm leaving here, to go to heaven, and when I arrive, I'm going to get a room ready for you. Isn't that something. We don't often think about what Jesus is doing in heaven, but He is not only praying for us, and waiting to come back, but He is also working or preparing a place for each of us. And, since we already have evidence of His creative abilities, ( just look around and up in the skies and in the seas, ) to see what a skilled creator He is, imagine what your dwelling place will be like. Wow, It's going to be wonderful for sure.
3. Jesus is coming back to get you and to take you with Him to heaven.
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Again several things are said here.
(1) Jesus may be in heaven, but He is coming back. Just as true as it is that He was leaving for heaven, it's true that He is coming back from heaven. He was there to begin with, He came here, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended to heaven. But, He is planning on coming back here again.
(2) Jesus is going to receive you to Himself. Or, I'm coming back to welcome you into my own home. I'm coming back to get you. When Jesus comes back, it's with one thing in mind as far as His church is concerned, and that is to get them and take them to heaven. That is our future. Jesus is going to come and get us, and take us to heaven.
(3) Jesus is going to receive you, so that You can be with Him in heaven.
The emphasis here, is that of "so that You can be with Him in heaven" He wants you to be with Him in heaven.
Imagine that. We often think about the future, and think about heaven. And so does the Lord. He is doing more than thinking about it. He is fast at work, getting everything ready for us. He desires that we would be with Him.
He must be anxious to have us there don't you think. Because He loves us so much. That's why He died for your sins, it's so that you could believe in Him, and wind up in heaven with Him forever. And, once we arrive in heaven, we will be with Him forever and forever.
Some questions:
1. Is your heart troubled and anxious and fearful today?
2. Is it something to do with you health, your family, Your job, Your church, Your finances, Your future?
3. The teaching of Jesus is just for you. Would you please take just a moment to slowly and carefully re-read what Jesus said to troubled hearts?
4. It's important to do several things with God's Word. One, is to know it, two is to believe it, and three is to submit to it. Will you do those things? Are you doing those things?
5. Will you ask Jesus to help you with your troubles? Will You ask Him to help You understand His teaching?
Will You ask Him to help you believe His Word? He will help you.
6. Do you know some other troubled people? I'm sure you do. Would you please think about sharing these truths with them, and help them be comforted by them.
A prayer:
Father, You made it clear to us, that in this world and life we would have tribulation. Things that are hard and difficult for us. But, You also have made it clear that Your Word has been given to us so that we might have peace ( John 16 ) So, thank You for both things, telling us the truth, and that Your truth is what gives us peace.
How exciting it is for us to know that we are on our way to heaven, and that You are personally sending Jesus to come and get us, to take us there. And, thank you for the work He is doing in making things ready for us in heaven. It's hard to imagine it now, but, one day we will see all that Jesus has done to prepare a place for us.
We love You Father, In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 14:2 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
Jesus was in the process of saying some of the very last things He would say to His disciples who loved Him very much. He had just told them that He would be leaving them ( after 3 1/2 years of being with them day by day ) and that they would not be able to go with Him. This was very troubling to His followers. In fact, the word troubled, means, to be agitated, to cause inward commotion, take away calmness of mind, disturb a person's equanimity. to disquiet, to stir up, to strike one's spirit with fear and dread. To render the mind anxious or distressed. What Jesus did was to give them a Divine prescription to ease their troubled minds, and hearts.
1. Jesus has a remedy for the troubled, anxious and fearful heart.
John 14:2 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
It's actually a 3 fold remedy. Here's the first one.
(1) Let not your heart be troubled. Or, don't let what I've just told you about the future trouble you. Or, You must not let yourselves be distressed. Or yet again, You must hold on to your faith.
Now, in Jesus giving this instruction to His troubled disciples, He was not asking them to do something they could not do, but rather something they could do.
It's the same with us today. We who know the Lord have the God given capacity, ( it's called faith ) to exercise that faith or trust in God, and thereby find relief for what is ailing our hearts and minds. Trusting God rather than looking at and pondering our own feelings is the way God would have us live our lives.
Trust in God is always rewarded by God. Faith in God, puts us in contact with God as it were. It brings us into fellowship with Him, and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or think. So, the first part of Jesus's prescription for the troubled and anxious heart, "Trust in God"
And, just as a specific clarification here. Jesus was affirming their faith in God, but, here, He was specifically drawing their faith towards Him. Don't stop trusting in God the Father, but I also want you to believe in Me. Put your trust, your faith, in Me.
2. Jesus is preparing a place for you.
John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
There are several important things said in this verse.
(1) Jesus refers to the place called heaven, as His Father's house. That's a nice way to think about Heaven, it's where our Father lives, and it's where we are going someday.
(2) Jesus says there are many mansions in His Father's house. Or to put it another way. There is plenty of room for you in Heaven. There are many rooms, or dwelling places in His Father's house. We don't know for sure about a lot of things regarding heaven. But, 2 things we do know. We will have new bodies, and their is plenty of room for us up there. Many believe that each of us will have our own individual homes or dwelling places in heaven.Our own mansions if you will.
(3) Jesus is currently in heaven preparing a place for His followers. I'm leaving here, to go to heaven, and when I arrive, I'm going to get a room ready for you. Isn't that something. We don't often think about what Jesus is doing in heaven, but He is not only praying for us, and waiting to come back, but He is also working or preparing a place for each of us. And, since we already have evidence of His creative abilities, ( just look around and up in the skies and in the seas, ) to see what a skilled creator He is, imagine what your dwelling place will be like. Wow, It's going to be wonderful for sure.
3. Jesus is coming back to get you and to take you with Him to heaven.
John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.
Again several things are said here.
(1) Jesus may be in heaven, but He is coming back. Just as true as it is that He was leaving for heaven, it's true that He is coming back from heaven. He was there to begin with, He came here, died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose from the dead, and then ascended to heaven. But, He is planning on coming back here again.
(2) Jesus is going to receive you to Himself. Or, I'm coming back to welcome you into my own home. I'm coming back to get you. When Jesus comes back, it's with one thing in mind as far as His church is concerned, and that is to get them and take them to heaven. That is our future. Jesus is going to come and get us, and take us to heaven.
(3) Jesus is going to receive you, so that You can be with Him in heaven.
The emphasis here, is that of "so that You can be with Him in heaven" He wants you to be with Him in heaven.
Imagine that. We often think about the future, and think about heaven. And so does the Lord. He is doing more than thinking about it. He is fast at work, getting everything ready for us. He desires that we would be with Him.
He must be anxious to have us there don't you think. Because He loves us so much. That's why He died for your sins, it's so that you could believe in Him, and wind up in heaven with Him forever. And, once we arrive in heaven, we will be with Him forever and forever.
Some questions:
1. Is your heart troubled and anxious and fearful today?
2. Is it something to do with you health, your family, Your job, Your church, Your finances, Your future?
3. The teaching of Jesus is just for you. Would you please take just a moment to slowly and carefully re-read what Jesus said to troubled hearts?
4. It's important to do several things with God's Word. One, is to know it, two is to believe it, and three is to submit to it. Will you do those things? Are you doing those things?
5. Will you ask Jesus to help you with your troubles? Will You ask Him to help You understand His teaching?
Will You ask Him to help you believe His Word? He will help you.
6. Do you know some other troubled people? I'm sure you do. Would you please think about sharing these truths with them, and help them be comforted by them.
A prayer:
Father, You made it clear to us, that in this world and life we would have tribulation. Things that are hard and difficult for us. But, You also have made it clear that Your Word has been given to us so that we might have peace ( John 16 ) So, thank You for both things, telling us the truth, and that Your truth is what gives us peace.
How exciting it is for us to know that we are on our way to heaven, and that You are personally sending Jesus to come and get us, to take us there. And, thank you for the work He is doing in making things ready for us in heaven. It's hard to imagine it now, but, one day we will see all that Jesus has done to prepare a place for us.
We love You Father, In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, May 23, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING CLEANSED OF SIN AND KEPT FROM SIN BY GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING CLEANSED OF SIN AND KEPT FROM SIN BY GOD"
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
Psalm 119:10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These verses are of course taken from the Book of Psalms, and written it's believed by King David.
You will notice that in each verse there is a direct reference to the Word of God. In fact, here is something very interesting, This 119th Ps, is the longest chapter in the the Book of Psalms, there are 179 verses in this book, and it is divided up into paragraphs containing 8 verses each. But, here's even what is more interesting. In each line of every 179 verses, there is a reference to the Word of God. Sometimes, it says, Law, Statutes, Word, Ways, etc, but, they without any doubt are all referencing the Word. So, let's dig in and see just what is said about the Word in the three verses in today's devotional.
1. How can we cleanse ourselves with respect to sin?
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
David asks the question, and than gives the answer. If we are sinning, if we need to be made pure, how can we do it? That's the problem, and that's the question, and Here's the answer. "By taking heed according to Your Word" Or to put it another way, "By obeying Your Word and following it's rules"
Sounds simple and it is. God has provided for our sin, and it's through faith and obedience to His Word. Jesus is the living Word of God. The Bible is the written Word of God. And, if we find ourselves in need of cleansing, than we must look to, listen to and obey the Word of God, and we will find ourselves being cleansed, i.e forgiven, made pure. Isn't that wonderful?
God knows that we need His help with our sin, So, He has provided us with the way to be cleansed, and the faith to believe, and He calls us to put our faith in Him, and obey Him, and the result is a cleansed life, a pure life etc.
And, if we will day by day, take heed to His Word, (while we will never be sinless) we will certainly be kept from sinning so much, and we will live much holier lives. Or lives that are much more free from sin. You can see then why it so wonderful and important to be in God's Holy Word day by day.
2. God can and will help us to stay close to Him.
Psalm 119:10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Here David both expresses what he had done with his heart and the Lord, and he also expresses a desire towards God.
David had tried his very best to find the Lord and to stick close to Him. He had sought the Lord with His whole heart. He was very serious in his walk with the Lord. It's great to know that we can do the same thing. Be like David was, a man after God's own heart.
Also, David was making a prayer request to God. A very good one. "Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!" He was asking God to not let Him wander away from God's Commandments. Or you could say from God Himself. He wanted to stay close to God. I cannot think of a better desire to have, can you?
3. We can relate to the Word in such a way that it will keep us from sin.
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
Now David lets us in on a very simple, true and powerful way for a believer to be kept from sinning against God.
David calls it "hiding God's Word in his heart" What does this mean? Hidden means, to lay up, to esteem, treasure up, store up, to hide.
Besides the obvious respect and joy that David had with the Word of God, it could very well also mean, that David knew in the sense of having memorized and meditated on God's Word.
Memorizing the Word of God will increase the power of God in your life. Try it, and see if you do not find it to be so.
4. Here are three "Basic Steps" you can take to relate to God's Word in a way that will change your life.
(1) Know the Word of God.
If you know the Word of God then, You can depend on it, but if you don't know it, then it can't really help you. So, get to Know the Word of God. Memorizing Verses is a great place to start. Along with regular personal daily Bible reading, and church attendance where the Bible is taught, and being part of a small group that studies the Word of God. Jesus and His followers as recorded for us in the Gospels and the Book of Acts, were men who knew the Word from memory and were able to call upon it when needed. You can be this way also.
(2) Believe the Word of God.
The Bible is chock full of Gods promises. But, you can only act upon promises that you believe. So, you must believe in or have faith in God's Word. If you want to have God's power in your life, than you must believe God's Word. Try it. You will be pleasantly surprised.
(3) Submit to the Word of God.
God has a will for each of us. His will for us are not suggestions, but rather commands to be obeyed, and we obey by submitting to His Word. If you want God's power in you life, then You must submit to His Word.
Again, by submitting to God's Word you will discover His power in a fresh way in your life.
Some questions:
1. Have you found these verses to be encouraging and enlightening?
2. Have you in the past found these truths to be true in your life?
3. Are these things happening now at this time in your life?
4. Is the Lord calling you back to that former intimacy you may have had with Him and His Word.
5. If so, will you take just a moment and very sincerely express your thoughts to Him at this very moment, and ask Him to cleanse you, to keep you close to Him, and begin a day by day new life of seeking Him in His Word?
A prayer:
Father, thank You for the Psalms. They are always so wonderful and speak to us, and to so many parts of our lives. Help us Lord to grasp the truth of them, and to find the comfort we need, and to see the instruction and guidance You give, and to commit ourselves to being true sincere, followers of Yours. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
Psalm 119:10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These verses are of course taken from the Book of Psalms, and written it's believed by King David.
You will notice that in each verse there is a direct reference to the Word of God. In fact, here is something very interesting, This 119th Ps, is the longest chapter in the the Book of Psalms, there are 179 verses in this book, and it is divided up into paragraphs containing 8 verses each. But, here's even what is more interesting. In each line of every 179 verses, there is a reference to the Word of God. Sometimes, it says, Law, Statutes, Word, Ways, etc, but, they without any doubt are all referencing the Word. So, let's dig in and see just what is said about the Word in the three verses in today's devotional.
1. How can we cleanse ourselves with respect to sin?
Psalm 119:9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
David asks the question, and than gives the answer. If we are sinning, if we need to be made pure, how can we do it? That's the problem, and that's the question, and Here's the answer. "By taking heed according to Your Word" Or to put it another way, "By obeying Your Word and following it's rules"
Sounds simple and it is. God has provided for our sin, and it's through faith and obedience to His Word. Jesus is the living Word of God. The Bible is the written Word of God. And, if we find ourselves in need of cleansing, than we must look to, listen to and obey the Word of God, and we will find ourselves being cleansed, i.e forgiven, made pure. Isn't that wonderful?
God knows that we need His help with our sin, So, He has provided us with the way to be cleansed, and the faith to believe, and He calls us to put our faith in Him, and obey Him, and the result is a cleansed life, a pure life etc.
And, if we will day by day, take heed to His Word, (while we will never be sinless) we will certainly be kept from sinning so much, and we will live much holier lives. Or lives that are much more free from sin. You can see then why it so wonderful and important to be in God's Holy Word day by day.
2. God can and will help us to stay close to Him.
Psalm 119:10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Here David both expresses what he had done with his heart and the Lord, and he also expresses a desire towards God.
David had tried his very best to find the Lord and to stick close to Him. He had sought the Lord with His whole heart. He was very serious in his walk with the Lord. It's great to know that we can do the same thing. Be like David was, a man after God's own heart.
Also, David was making a prayer request to God. A very good one. "Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!" He was asking God to not let Him wander away from God's Commandments. Or you could say from God Himself. He wanted to stay close to God. I cannot think of a better desire to have, can you?
3. We can relate to the Word in such a way that it will keep us from sin.
Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!
Now David lets us in on a very simple, true and powerful way for a believer to be kept from sinning against God.
David calls it "hiding God's Word in his heart" What does this mean? Hidden means, to lay up, to esteem, treasure up, store up, to hide.
Besides the obvious respect and joy that David had with the Word of God, it could very well also mean, that David knew in the sense of having memorized and meditated on God's Word.
Memorizing the Word of God will increase the power of God in your life. Try it, and see if you do not find it to be so.
4. Here are three "Basic Steps" you can take to relate to God's Word in a way that will change your life.
(1) Know the Word of God.
If you know the Word of God then, You can depend on it, but if you don't know it, then it can't really help you. So, get to Know the Word of God. Memorizing Verses is a great place to start. Along with regular personal daily Bible reading, and church attendance where the Bible is taught, and being part of a small group that studies the Word of God. Jesus and His followers as recorded for us in the Gospels and the Book of Acts, were men who knew the Word from memory and were able to call upon it when needed. You can be this way also.
(2) Believe the Word of God.
The Bible is chock full of Gods promises. But, you can only act upon promises that you believe. So, you must believe in or have faith in God's Word. If you want to have God's power in your life, than you must believe God's Word. Try it. You will be pleasantly surprised.
(3) Submit to the Word of God.
God has a will for each of us. His will for us are not suggestions, but rather commands to be obeyed, and we obey by submitting to His Word. If you want God's power in you life, then You must submit to His Word.
Again, by submitting to God's Word you will discover His power in a fresh way in your life.
Some questions:
1. Have you found these verses to be encouraging and enlightening?
2. Have you in the past found these truths to be true in your life?
3. Are these things happening now at this time in your life?
4. Is the Lord calling you back to that former intimacy you may have had with Him and His Word.
5. If so, will you take just a moment and very sincerely express your thoughts to Him at this very moment, and ask Him to cleanse you, to keep you close to Him, and begin a day by day new life of seeking Him in His Word?
A prayer:
Father, thank You for the Psalms. They are always so wonderful and speak to us, and to so many parts of our lives. Help us Lord to grasp the truth of them, and to find the comfort we need, and to see the instruction and guidance You give, and to commit ourselves to being true sincere, followers of Yours. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Thursday, May 22, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SEEKING THE WILL OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SEEKING THE WILL OF GOD"
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This incident came on the heels of the death of King Saul. David had already been chosen by God to be the new King over Israel, but, he had to wait on God's timing to begin his ministry as King. Now that Saul was dead, the time had come for him to move into the new role God had for him. And, David did what any man can do when he wants to know the will of God, He enquired of the LORD.
1. A Christian is well served to follow this example set forth by David.
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?”
One thing that is not in this verse, is that David was accustomed to inquiring of the LORD. In fact, in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, David, no less than 6 times did this very thing. He inquired of the LORD.
David had learned the importance of seeking the will of God before acting, and of asking God what He wanted him to do.
This is a good practice for any believer to adopt, and practice regularly. To inquire of the Lord.
The word inquire means, to ask, to request, to beg, to consult, to seek.
It simply means to ask God what He wants you to do.
2. The Lord will answer the person seeking God's will and wisdom.
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
You see in the verse above that David's specific request had to do with what cities he should go to at this time.
He was seeking direction from God as to where to go. That was what David needed to know, "Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?"
And, you also see here, that God answered David's prayer.
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
3. Often we need to ask for step by step direction from the Lord.
2nd Samuel 2:1 After this, David asked the LORD, “Should I move back to Judah?” And the LORD replied, “Yes.” Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?” And the LORD replied, “Hebron.”
David actually asked two questions, and received two answers.
(1) Should I move back to Judah?.
Judah was the southern area of Israel.
And, the Lord said "Yes" move back to Judah.
(2) Then David asked which city in Judah he should move back to?
And, the Lord answered him and said, "Hebron"
4. Jesus Christ has both instructed us to ask and promised to answer our prayers for wisdom and guidance.
Matt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matt 7:8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
This is how these verses read in the NLT Version.
Matt 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Matt 7:8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.
You notice that Jesus says to keep on asking, keep on looking, and keep on knocking. And, then promises that the person who asks will receive, the person who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to everyone who knocks.
5. God has given us another promise to those who do not know what to do.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
So, if you don't know what to do, just like David did not know what to do, but he asked, please be encouraged to ask God to tell you. If you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do, than simply ask Him. And, just like He did with David, He will be more than glad to tell you what you need to know. And, God will never resent you asking. He wants you to ask, because He wants to guide you into His will.
Some questions:
1. What situation are you in this very day and you do not know what to do about it?
2. Do you believe that God knows what you should do?.
3. Are you willing to do what He will direct you to do if you ask Him?
4. Will you be patient and specific, and consistent in your asking?.
5. Do you believe that God will answer Your prayer?
A prayer:
Father, what a beautiful example You have given us in David, and His consistent habit of inquiring of You. He had developed this habit and pattern in his life. And, You were faithful, each and every time to answer him. Lord, help us to follow this example. And, thank You for the teaching You give us in the NT about asking, seeking and knocking, and thank you for the promise You give to respond to our prayers. Lord, please restrain us from just going off on our own without consulting You. Thank You that Your ways are much better than our ways, but help us Lord to humble ourselves and to ask, and to be patient, and trusting, that You will answer us. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This incident came on the heels of the death of King Saul. David had already been chosen by God to be the new King over Israel, but, he had to wait on God's timing to begin his ministry as King. Now that Saul was dead, the time had come for him to move into the new role God had for him. And, David did what any man can do when he wants to know the will of God, He enquired of the LORD.
1. A Christian is well served to follow this example set forth by David.
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?”
One thing that is not in this verse, is that David was accustomed to inquiring of the LORD. In fact, in the books of 1st and 2nd Samuel, David, no less than 6 times did this very thing. He inquired of the LORD.
David had learned the importance of seeking the will of God before acting, and of asking God what He wanted him to do.
This is a good practice for any believer to adopt, and practice regularly. To inquire of the Lord.
The word inquire means, to ask, to request, to beg, to consult, to seek.
It simply means to ask God what He wants you to do.
2. The Lord will answer the person seeking God's will and wisdom.
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
You see in the verse above that David's specific request had to do with what cities he should go to at this time.
He was seeking direction from God as to where to go. That was what David needed to know, "Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?"
And, you also see here, that God answered David's prayer.
2nd Samuel 2:1 It happened after this that David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the LORD said to him, “Go up.” David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.”
3. Often we need to ask for step by step direction from the Lord.
2nd Samuel 2:1 After this, David asked the LORD, “Should I move back to Judah?” And the LORD replied, “Yes.” Then David asked, “Which town should I go to?” And the LORD replied, “Hebron.”
David actually asked two questions, and received two answers.
(1) Should I move back to Judah?.
Judah was the southern area of Israel.
And, the Lord said "Yes" move back to Judah.
(2) Then David asked which city in Judah he should move back to?
And, the Lord answered him and said, "Hebron"
4. Jesus Christ has both instructed us to ask and promised to answer our prayers for wisdom and guidance.
Matt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
Matt 7:8 “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
This is how these verses read in the NLT Version.
Matt 7:7 “Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.
Matt 7:8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.
You notice that Jesus says to keep on asking, keep on looking, and keep on knocking. And, then promises that the person who asks will receive, the person who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to everyone who knocks.
5. God has given us another promise to those who do not know what to do.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
So, if you don't know what to do, just like David did not know what to do, but he asked, please be encouraged to ask God to tell you. If you need wisdom, if you want to know what God wants you to do, than simply ask Him. And, just like He did with David, He will be more than glad to tell you what you need to know. And, God will never resent you asking. He wants you to ask, because He wants to guide you into His will.
Some questions:
1. What situation are you in this very day and you do not know what to do about it?
2. Do you believe that God knows what you should do?.
3. Are you willing to do what He will direct you to do if you ask Him?
4. Will you be patient and specific, and consistent in your asking?.
5. Do you believe that God will answer Your prayer?
A prayer:
Father, what a beautiful example You have given us in David, and His consistent habit of inquiring of You. He had developed this habit and pattern in his life. And, You were faithful, each and every time to answer him. Lord, help us to follow this example. And, thank You for the teaching You give us in the NT about asking, seeking and knocking, and thank you for the promise You give to respond to our prayers. Lord, please restrain us from just going off on our own without consulting You. Thank You that Your ways are much better than our ways, but help us Lord to humble ourselves and to ask, and to be patient, and trusting, that You will answer us. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN GREAT FEAR AND SERIOUS TROUBLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN GREAT FEAR AND SERIOUS TROUBLE"
1st Samuel 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This incident is one of many that had been taking place in David's life. God had already chosen him to be the next king of Israel, but the current King, Saul, who had disobeyed God, and the kingdom was therefore taken from him, had become jealous, enraged, and had sought to kill David many times. David on the other hand, demonstrated an entirely different heart and character. He did not retaliate, he continuously looked to God for direction and protection, and received it. However, trials and difficulties kept coming his way, and this verse describes one of them. Now, David's own people were out to kill him, for a perceived evil he had done, ( which he had not ). David's response is found in the end of the verse.
1. God's people can find themselves greatly distressed.
1st Samuel 30:6a Now David was greatly distressed.
The word distressed here, means, to bind, to be cramped, be narrow, be in straits, besiege, to suffer distress.
And, the word "greatly" means just what you think it means. Literally, it is muchness, exceedingly, up to abundance, to a great degree. In other words, David was in very serious trouble.
It's not unusual for God's people to find themselves in serious trouble, especially if they are doing God's will.
Satan will come against the child of God, and unleash all the power he has against that person. A person can become like David, in very serious trouble. He was in danger of actually losing his life.
Jesus taught about this to His disciples. And, also in the Book of Revelation, to the Church of Smyrna, known as the suffering church, and often used a symbol of the suffering Christian.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
2. God's people themselves can turn against one another as was the case here.
1st Samuel 30:6b Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.
David's distress was due to the fact that his own people wanted to execute him by stoning. They were so grieved at their own loss of family and possessions by the enemies of Israel, that they were blaming David for their misfortune and pain.
Often people will as you no doubt know, will "take it out" on their own family or friends, when they are suffering.
Imagine for a moment if you were the object of such grief, that your friends wanted to kill you. The fact is, that David was not responsible for what had happened. It happened through no fault of his. But, the people were so upset that they wanted to kill David.
The people could have chosen to act in another manner, but they did not. You and I can make choices as well when the pressure and pain of life is taking place. May our choices not be like these people. But like David as we see below.
3. God's people can do what David did, which is that "David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
1st Samuel 30:6c But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. Or David found strength in the the LORD his God. And, of course this is what you can do also. You can find that same strength in your Lord as well.
A few things about God's strength.
(1) Our God is strong.
Micah 5:4 And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth;
(2) We can access God's strength personally.
Psalm 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
(3) The Bible gives countless accounts of people doing this, and explicitly teaches us to do so.
1st Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
2nd Tim 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
4. David wound up finding strength in the Lord, and so can you.
1st Sam 30:6d "But David found strength in the LORD his God." NLT
We receive strength in the Lord by asking Him for it, and then believing He will give it to us, and by submitting to His will and His Word, and walking in the path that He shows us to walk in. God is your strength, and wants to give His strength to you, all you need to do is to ask Him for it.
Some questions:
1. Are you in some kind of serious trouble and distress at the moment?
2. Do you identify more with the people who wanted to kill David, or with David himself?
3. Has God helped you in the past in similar instances?
4. Do you believe God will help you now?
5. Will you take a moment to pause, bow your heart before God and ask Him to help you right this minute?
A prayer:
Father, thank you for these wonderful true stories in the Old Testament. You gave them to us, that we might gain patience and learning through the comfort of the Scriptures. And, indeed we do. Thank You.
Also Father, help us to be like David. We know that You never change, and Your power is always available to us.
You are so gracious and giving. You will give us the strength we need to meet the challenge of the day.
Thank You Father for Your care, and Your love. Give us Your power this very day, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
1st Samuel 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This incident is one of many that had been taking place in David's life. God had already chosen him to be the next king of Israel, but the current King, Saul, who had disobeyed God, and the kingdom was therefore taken from him, had become jealous, enraged, and had sought to kill David many times. David on the other hand, demonstrated an entirely different heart and character. He did not retaliate, he continuously looked to God for direction and protection, and received it. However, trials and difficulties kept coming his way, and this verse describes one of them. Now, David's own people were out to kill him, for a perceived evil he had done, ( which he had not ). David's response is found in the end of the verse.
1. God's people can find themselves greatly distressed.
1st Samuel 30:6a Now David was greatly distressed.
The word distressed here, means, to bind, to be cramped, be narrow, be in straits, besiege, to suffer distress.
And, the word "greatly" means just what you think it means. Literally, it is muchness, exceedingly, up to abundance, to a great degree. In other words, David was in very serious trouble.
It's not unusual for God's people to find themselves in serious trouble, especially if they are doing God's will.
Satan will come against the child of God, and unleash all the power he has against that person. A person can become like David, in very serious trouble. He was in danger of actually losing his life.
Jesus taught about this to His disciples. And, also in the Book of Revelation, to the Church of Smyrna, known as the suffering church, and often used a symbol of the suffering Christian.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
2. God's people themselves can turn against one another as was the case here.
1st Samuel 30:6b Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.
David's distress was due to the fact that his own people wanted to execute him by stoning. They were so grieved at their own loss of family and possessions by the enemies of Israel, that they were blaming David for their misfortune and pain.
Often people will as you no doubt know, will "take it out" on their own family or friends, when they are suffering.
Imagine for a moment if you were the object of such grief, that your friends wanted to kill you. The fact is, that David was not responsible for what had happened. It happened through no fault of his. But, the people were so upset that they wanted to kill David.
The people could have chosen to act in another manner, but they did not. You and I can make choices as well when the pressure and pain of life is taking place. May our choices not be like these people. But like David as we see below.
3. God's people can do what David did, which is that "David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
1st Samuel 30:6c But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. Or David found strength in the the LORD his God. And, of course this is what you can do also. You can find that same strength in your Lord as well.
A few things about God's strength.
(1) Our God is strong.
Micah 5:4 And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth;
(2) We can access God's strength personally.
Psalm 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
(3) The Bible gives countless accounts of people doing this, and explicitly teaches us to do so.
1st Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
2nd Tim 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
4. David wound up finding strength in the Lord, and so can you.
1st Sam 30:6d "But David found strength in the LORD his God." NLT
We receive strength in the Lord by asking Him for it, and then believing He will give it to us, and by submitting to His will and His Word, and walking in the path that He shows us to walk in. God is your strength, and wants to give His strength to you, all you need to do is to ask Him for it.
Some questions:
1. Are you in some kind of serious trouble and distress at the moment?
2. Do you identify more with the people who wanted to kill David, or with David himself?
3. Has God helped you in the past in similar instances?
4. Do you believe God will help you now?
5. Will you take a moment to pause, bow your heart before God and ask Him to help you right this minute?
A prayer:
Father, thank you for these wonderful true stories in the Old Testament. You gave them to us, that we might gain patience and learning through the comfort of the Scriptures. And, indeed we do. Thank You.
Also Father, help us to be like David. We know that You never change, and Your power is always available to us.
You are so gracious and giving. You will give us the strength we need to meet the challenge of the day.
Thank You Father for Your care, and Your love. Give us Your power this very day, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JESUS BEING THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JESUS BEING THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE"
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
The verses in this devotional were spoken by Jesus to Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Lazarus had just died, and Martha had called for Jesus to come. What ensued was a teaching by Jesus about Himself, who He is, and what happens to those who believe in Him.
1. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
In talking with Martha, Jesus explained what is no doubt the most wonderful, powerful and amazingly true truth in the entire world. And, that is, that He is the resurrection and the life. These are found in no one else but Jesus. Let's just look a little closer at each one.
(1) I am the resurrection.
In saying this, Jesus was explaining that while sin that had entered the world and had brought physical and spiritual death to all men, See Rom 5, He is the one who is the resurrection. That is, He came and would conquer death, and has conquered death, by rising from the dead. He is more powerful than satan, than sin, and than death itself. While men die from sin, Jesus who also was a man, having died on the cross, then rose from the dead. He was able to do this, because He is the resurrection. He is the one who alone, and on His own, has the power to conquer what no one else can. And, He did it by rising on the third day after His death.
(2) And the life.
Jesus is telling us that He is in Himself life. Sin, as mentioned above, brought death into the world. God sent Jesus who is life, to bring victory over death. Jesus was no ordinary man, He was a man to be sure, but He was also God. He was the God Man. And, being who He is, He has life in Himself. He is the creator, the giver of life.
So, our Lord, is the one who is both the resurrection and the life. He is the conquerer of death, and He is the giver of life, eternal life.
2. The person who believes in Jesus will live.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
Jesus was explaining what happens to the person who makes the choice to believe in Him. It's very simple. Since He is the life, than it follows that anyone who believes in Him will also live. By believing in Jesus, we live. We pass from the realm of death and darkness, into the realm of light and life. We are naturally born dead in our sins and trespasses, but upon believing in Jesus Christ, we become alive. Because He is life. He becomes our Savior, and as such, we then become alive from the dead. Believers receive life by believing in Jesus. Life in this context, means that the separation that existed between the sinner and God is now gone. The believing sinner, by believing in Jesus is now united with God. Jesus is the bridge between God and man. And, when a sinner turns to Christ and believes in Him, it's as if we walk across the separation between us and God and come into a real and eternal union with God Himself.
3. Whoever lives and believes in Jesus will never die.
John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
This statement was made directly to Martha. But, it's for each of us as well. There is a lot said here by Jesus.
Whoever lives and believes in Him shall never die. How amazing. It's important to keep in mind that when Jesus speaks of dying or death, or uses the word "die" He is speaking of separation. Death means separation. Not only of the soul from the body, but of the soul from God.
So, when Jesus says, that whoever lives and makes a choice to believe in Him, that person will never die, He means that that person will never be separated from God. Believers are joined to God through Christ.
Believing in Jesus brings a dead, separated soul into life, and into union with God. The separation is gone, and it will remain gone.
4. Do you believe this?
John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus was asking Martha this question, but it's one He is asking you and I as well. Do you believe what He has said about Himself, and about what happens to the person who believes in Him?. Do you?
I believe it, I believe it because Jesus said it. It's in the Holy Bible, the Word of God. God cannot lie.
I know that because of my faith in Jesus Christ, that I will never die (be separated from God) I'm with Him now, and will be with Him in the days ahead, and will be with Him when I leave this world, and go into the hereafter.
Some questions:
1. Are you going through a hard time in your life right now?. Martha was, she had just lost her brother.
2. Isn't it interesting that in Martha's sorrow over death, that Jesus talked to her about life?
3. Can you think of anything more important than what Jesus was saying to Martha?
4. Will you please take a few moments, and re-read these two verses, and ponder them, and then talk with God about what He has said?
5. Have you believed in Jesus Christ? Than You are alive in Him, and You will not die, You will be with Him forever and ever. You will not be separated from Him ever.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son into this world to save us. Lord Jesus thank You for being who You are. Thank You that You are the resurrection, and that You are the life. Thank You for giving each of us a measure of faith. I thank You that I have come to believe in You. And, I thank You for anyone reading this prayer, who has also believed in You. They are saved just like me. Thank You Lord that we as believers will never, ever be apart from You. And, thank You that the best is yet to come. Lord, help us to realize what You have done for us, and what it means for us, and where we are headed. Lord, would You even in this very moment, fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit of God. Would You please lead us and guide us into Your will, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. We want to glorify You now and forever. In Your name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
The verses in this devotional were spoken by Jesus to Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Lazarus had just died, and Martha had called for Jesus to come. What ensued was a teaching by Jesus about Himself, who He is, and what happens to those who believe in Him.
1. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
In talking with Martha, Jesus explained what is no doubt the most wonderful, powerful and amazingly true truth in the entire world. And, that is, that He is the resurrection and the life. These are found in no one else but Jesus. Let's just look a little closer at each one.
(1) I am the resurrection.
In saying this, Jesus was explaining that while sin that had entered the world and had brought physical and spiritual death to all men, See Rom 5, He is the one who is the resurrection. That is, He came and would conquer death, and has conquered death, by rising from the dead. He is more powerful than satan, than sin, and than death itself. While men die from sin, Jesus who also was a man, having died on the cross, then rose from the dead. He was able to do this, because He is the resurrection. He is the one who alone, and on His own, has the power to conquer what no one else can. And, He did it by rising on the third day after His death.
(2) And the life.
Jesus is telling us that He is in Himself life. Sin, as mentioned above, brought death into the world. God sent Jesus who is life, to bring victory over death. Jesus was no ordinary man, He was a man to be sure, but He was also God. He was the God Man. And, being who He is, He has life in Himself. He is the creator, the giver of life.
So, our Lord, is the one who is both the resurrection and the life. He is the conquerer of death, and He is the giver of life, eternal life.
2. The person who believes in Jesus will live.
John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
Jesus was explaining what happens to the person who makes the choice to believe in Him. It's very simple. Since He is the life, than it follows that anyone who believes in Him will also live. By believing in Jesus, we live. We pass from the realm of death and darkness, into the realm of light and life. We are naturally born dead in our sins and trespasses, but upon believing in Jesus Christ, we become alive. Because He is life. He becomes our Savior, and as such, we then become alive from the dead. Believers receive life by believing in Jesus. Life in this context, means that the separation that existed between the sinner and God is now gone. The believing sinner, by believing in Jesus is now united with God. Jesus is the bridge between God and man. And, when a sinner turns to Christ and believes in Him, it's as if we walk across the separation between us and God and come into a real and eternal union with God Himself.
3. Whoever lives and believes in Jesus will never die.
John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
This statement was made directly to Martha. But, it's for each of us as well. There is a lot said here by Jesus.
Whoever lives and believes in Him shall never die. How amazing. It's important to keep in mind that when Jesus speaks of dying or death, or uses the word "die" He is speaking of separation. Death means separation. Not only of the soul from the body, but of the soul from God.
So, when Jesus says, that whoever lives and makes a choice to believe in Him, that person will never die, He means that that person will never be separated from God. Believers are joined to God through Christ.
Believing in Jesus brings a dead, separated soul into life, and into union with God. The separation is gone, and it will remain gone.
4. Do you believe this?
John 11:26 “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Jesus was asking Martha this question, but it's one He is asking you and I as well. Do you believe what He has said about Himself, and about what happens to the person who believes in Him?. Do you?
I believe it, I believe it because Jesus said it. It's in the Holy Bible, the Word of God. God cannot lie.
I know that because of my faith in Jesus Christ, that I will never die (be separated from God) I'm with Him now, and will be with Him in the days ahead, and will be with Him when I leave this world, and go into the hereafter.
Some questions:
1. Are you going through a hard time in your life right now?. Martha was, she had just lost her brother.
2. Isn't it interesting that in Martha's sorrow over death, that Jesus talked to her about life?
3. Can you think of anything more important than what Jesus was saying to Martha?
4. Will you please take a few moments, and re-read these two verses, and ponder them, and then talk with God about what He has said?
5. Have you believed in Jesus Christ? Than You are alive in Him, and You will not die, You will be with Him forever and ever. You will not be separated from Him ever.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Your only begotten Son into this world to save us. Lord Jesus thank You for being who You are. Thank You that You are the resurrection, and that You are the life. Thank You for giving each of us a measure of faith. I thank You that I have come to believe in You. And, I thank You for anyone reading this prayer, who has also believed in You. They are saved just like me. Thank You Lord that we as believers will never, ever be apart from You. And, thank You that the best is yet to come. Lord, help us to realize what You have done for us, and what it means for us, and where we are headed. Lord, would You even in this very moment, fill us afresh with the Holy Spirit of God. Would You please lead us and guide us into Your will, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. We want to glorify You now and forever. In Your name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, May 19, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR GOOD SHEPHERD JESUS CHRIST"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR GOOD SHEPHERD JESUS CHRIST"
John 10:26 “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This part of John's Gospel is chock full of Jesus teaching us many things. In this particular part of chapter 10, Jesus is explaining His role as the good shepherd, and His relationship with His sheep ( those who believe in Him, and those who do not ) Jesus tells us some very comforting truths about what He has given to us, and of His grip on our saved lives.
1. We become one Jesus's sheep by believing in Him.
John 10:26 “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
Jesus was talking with the Pharisees who thought they knew the Lord and were right with Him. But, they were rejecting Jesus and did not believe in Him. Thus, Jesus explains the consequence of unbelief, and how it affects a person. Simply put, He told them, John 10:26 “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
Believing is a possibility for anyone, and it is also a choice for everyone. A person chooses to believe in Jesus or not. For the person who believes they become saved, and Jesus calls believers "My Sheep" So, if You have believed in Jesus Christ to save you, if you have come to faith as it were, You are one of Jesus's sheep. You belong to Him, and You are in His sheepfold, you are part of His flock.
2. Jesus says 3 things about His sheep.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
(1) They belong to Him, and they hear or recognize His voice.
As mentioned before you came to faith, You were not one of His sheep. But when you turned to Jesus and believed in Him, and received Him then, at that very moment, You became one of His sheep.
In Jesus's day, shepherds would speak to their sheep, and their sheep would recognize their shepherds voice. They did not recognize the voice of other shepherds, only their own. Jesus's point here, is that we are not only His sheep, but we hear His voice, or we can understand Him when He speaks to us. Before you became one of His sheep, you may have heard sermons or read the Bible, but it did not come through to You. You were not one of His sheep, but, now being saved, You can hear His voice. We hear, or recognize His voice through His wonderful Word.
(2) And I know them.
Here is another lovely truth about Jesus's sheep. He knows them. He knows You. Shepherds were intimately aware of which sheep belonged to them, and which ones did not. As a believer, being one of His sheep, Jesus knows You. In fact, He knows everything about You, when you get up, when you sit down, what you are going to think before you think it, how many hairs are on your head, and every circumstance that is taking place in your life. He knows You.
(3) And they follow me.
Sheep follow their shepherd. And, believers are marked by following Jesus. Those who don't believe, don't follow, or obey Jesus, but those who are His sheep follow Him. And, by the way, He leads His sheep, and He leads us to still waters and to green pastures, and in the paths of righteousness. And, eventually, He will lead you right on up into heaven.
3. Jesus has given us eternal life, and we are in His hand, and in the Father's hand. And no one can take us out of their hands.
John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Here's how this reads in the NLT.
John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me,
John 10:29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me.
for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me.
Jesus has given you eternal life. This happened the very moment you turned to Him. You are united with Him, and with the Father, and You know them. You have a relationship with them.
Jesus says, You will never perish, you will not wind up in eternal judgement, but in heaven. And, furthermore, no one can take you out of His hand. You are secure in His loving hand. You have been given to Jesus by the Father, and He is more powerful than anyone else. And, thus, no one can take you away from Jesus. You are also in the Father's hand, and no one can take you out of His hand either.
Believers are in good hands to say the least. The hand of Jesus, and the hand of God the Father.
Some questions:
1. Can you remember when you did not believe in Christ, and can you remember when you came to believe in Him?
2. Can you remember when You started to understand the Bible, it started making sense to You?
3. Are you following Jesus today, are you seeking to obey His voice today.
4. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus knows you?
5. Do you realize that God has given you the greatest gift possible, and that is eternal life?
6. Would you take a moment to say thank You to God today for what He has given you, and to thank Him for the fact that you are not going to perish, and that You are safe and sound in the hands of Jesus and of God the Father?
A prayer:
Our Father, who is greater than You? Who has done for us what You have? Thank You for giving us to Jesus.
Thank You for Your promise to keep us and not let anyone take us out of Your hands, or the hand of Jesus.
What better place to be than in your hands. We once were lost, but now we are found.
Father, as we hear You speaking to us through Your Word, we want to not only hear You, but we want to do what You tell us. We want to follow, we want obey You. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 10:26 “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This part of John's Gospel is chock full of Jesus teaching us many things. In this particular part of chapter 10, Jesus is explaining His role as the good shepherd, and His relationship with His sheep ( those who believe in Him, and those who do not ) Jesus tells us some very comforting truths about what He has given to us, and of His grip on our saved lives.
1. We become one Jesus's sheep by believing in Him.
John 10:26 “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
Jesus was talking with the Pharisees who thought they knew the Lord and were right with Him. But, they were rejecting Jesus and did not believe in Him. Thus, Jesus explains the consequence of unbelief, and how it affects a person. Simply put, He told them, John 10:26 “But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you.
Believing is a possibility for anyone, and it is also a choice for everyone. A person chooses to believe in Jesus or not. For the person who believes they become saved, and Jesus calls believers "My Sheep" So, if You have believed in Jesus Christ to save you, if you have come to faith as it were, You are one of Jesus's sheep. You belong to Him, and You are in His sheepfold, you are part of His flock.
2. Jesus says 3 things about His sheep.
John 10:27 “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
(1) They belong to Him, and they hear or recognize His voice.
As mentioned before you came to faith, You were not one of His sheep. But when you turned to Jesus and believed in Him, and received Him then, at that very moment, You became one of His sheep.
In Jesus's day, shepherds would speak to their sheep, and their sheep would recognize their shepherds voice. They did not recognize the voice of other shepherds, only their own. Jesus's point here, is that we are not only His sheep, but we hear His voice, or we can understand Him when He speaks to us. Before you became one of His sheep, you may have heard sermons or read the Bible, but it did not come through to You. You were not one of His sheep, but, now being saved, You can hear His voice. We hear, or recognize His voice through His wonderful Word.
(2) And I know them.
Here is another lovely truth about Jesus's sheep. He knows them. He knows You. Shepherds were intimately aware of which sheep belonged to them, and which ones did not. As a believer, being one of His sheep, Jesus knows You. In fact, He knows everything about You, when you get up, when you sit down, what you are going to think before you think it, how many hairs are on your head, and every circumstance that is taking place in your life. He knows You.
(3) And they follow me.
Sheep follow their shepherd. And, believers are marked by following Jesus. Those who don't believe, don't follow, or obey Jesus, but those who are His sheep follow Him. And, by the way, He leads His sheep, and He leads us to still waters and to green pastures, and in the paths of righteousness. And, eventually, He will lead you right on up into heaven.
3. Jesus has given us eternal life, and we are in His hand, and in the Father's hand. And no one can take us out of their hands.
John 10:28 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
Here's how this reads in the NLT.
John 10:28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them away from me,
John 10:29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me.
for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. So no one can take them from me.
Jesus has given you eternal life. This happened the very moment you turned to Him. You are united with Him, and with the Father, and You know them. You have a relationship with them.
Jesus says, You will never perish, you will not wind up in eternal judgement, but in heaven. And, furthermore, no one can take you out of His hand. You are secure in His loving hand. You have been given to Jesus by the Father, and He is more powerful than anyone else. And, thus, no one can take you away from Jesus. You are also in the Father's hand, and no one can take you out of His hand either.
Believers are in good hands to say the least. The hand of Jesus, and the hand of God the Father.
Some questions:
1. Can you remember when you did not believe in Christ, and can you remember when you came to believe in Him?
2. Can you remember when You started to understand the Bible, it started making sense to You?
3. Are you following Jesus today, are you seeking to obey His voice today.
4. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus knows you?
5. Do you realize that God has given you the greatest gift possible, and that is eternal life?
6. Would you take a moment to say thank You to God today for what He has given you, and to thank Him for the fact that you are not going to perish, and that You are safe and sound in the hands of Jesus and of God the Father?
A prayer:
Our Father, who is greater than You? Who has done for us what You have? Thank You for giving us to Jesus.
Thank You for Your promise to keep us and not let anyone take us out of Your hands, or the hand of Jesus.
What better place to be than in your hands. We once were lost, but now we are found.
Father, as we hear You speaking to us through Your Word, we want to not only hear You, but we want to do what You tell us. We want to follow, we want obey You. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD"
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” New Living Translation.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
The Lord Jesus had just healed a blind man on the Sabbath. This was against the tradition of the Pharisees, but not against the law of God. Nonetheless, it caused a big stir among the Pharisees, who wound up questioning the blind man (now healed of blindness) parents, and the blind man himself. They wanted to know what had happened and who was this that had healed him and so on. So, this verse comes at the end of a back and forth between Jesus and the Pharisees. And, in this verse, Jesus explains why He came into the world, and He uses the issue of seeing to help explain Himself.
1. Jesus did come into this world.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
Before Jesus became a man, He dwelt eternally with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. But the Bible teaches that God who loves the world sent Jesus into the world, and He was born as a man, while remaining God.
God came to the world of men. How amazing that our creator would come into this world, but He did, and He did it because of His love for each and every human being including You and I.
Joh 3:16* “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2. Jesus came into the world with a specific purpose.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
Jesus makes it clear why He came into the world. In fact, there are 3 things that He says about why He came into the world.
(1) Jesus came into the world to judge the world.
Jesus came to bring judgement. Not the judgement that is coming one day at the great white throne, but to bring judgement against sin in the world now. By coming into the world and going to the cross, Jesus was judging or revealing how God sees sin, and what sin does to man, and that through Christ sin would not only be judged but payed for.
John 16:11 “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. By dying on the cross, Jesus also judged Satan as evil, and He destroyed the works of Satan by rising from the dead.
Jesus's coming into the world, and going to cross shows us how God regards sin. It's so eternally destructive, that it took sending His own Son to rescue man from sin's terrible and eternal effects. God does not want man to be separated from Him because of sin.
(2) Jesus came into the world to give sight to the blind.
2nd Cor 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Sin has brought spiritual blindness to man, by the work of Satan. Satan does not want people to see the truth, he his afraid they may get saved if they do. By the way, one of the best things we can pray for, is that God would remove the blindness in the eyes of the unsaved, so they can at least see the truth of Jesus, and hopefully the will yield their lives to Jesus. But, until they can see Him, they are blind.
But, Christ has come to shed light, to remove blindness, so that man can see and be saved.
Like the hymn Amazing Grace says, " I once was blind but now I see" Thank You Lord Jesus.
(3) Jesus came into the world to show those who think they see that they are blind.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
This tells us about another class of people Jesus came to help. He came to show those who think they see and know the truth, that they really are blind, and don't know the truth. Jesus loves these people also. The very religious leaders who tried to and eventually have Jesus crucified were not only blind to the truth, but loved by Christ. He wanted them to see also.
Jesus is amazing. He loves all men, including those who are very clearly His enemies. We were all enemies of the Lord before Salvation, but these men were aggressively and passionately aggressive towards the only one who could save them. My what power sin has, in that it blinds a person from the one who alone can save them, and all the while they are thinking they see things clearly. These folks need our prayers. Just as we needed to be prayed for before we were saved also.
Some questions:
1. How often do you stop to realize how much God loves You, that He sent Jesus into this world to save you?.
2. Can you remember when you were spiritually blind, and can you remember when your blindness was removed and you could see the truth for the very first time?.
3. Would you take just a moment to bow your heart and mind before God and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has done for you, and to acknowledge the great price that God payed in sending Jesus.
4. Do you know people who think they see and know the truth, but are indeed spiritually blind?
5. Will you pray for them by name right now, and ask God Himself to remove the blindness from their eyes, so that they can at least see the wonderful truth of who Jesus is, and that they need a Savior, and that Jesus will save them if they will turn to Him and believe in Him?
A prayer:
Father, not only were we once blind, and now we see, but we were lost, and now we are found. All because of Your love and Your sending Christ into the world to die for our sins. Thank You Father for bringing conviction into our lives, and showing us our true condition. Where would we be today if it were not for what You have done for us. We shudder to think about it. But, we give You praise this day, and we thank You this day, for providing judgement against sin, and against Satan, and giving us the hope of eternal life. We love You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” New Living Translation.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
The Lord Jesus had just healed a blind man on the Sabbath. This was against the tradition of the Pharisees, but not against the law of God. Nonetheless, it caused a big stir among the Pharisees, who wound up questioning the blind man (now healed of blindness) parents, and the blind man himself. They wanted to know what had happened and who was this that had healed him and so on. So, this verse comes at the end of a back and forth between Jesus and the Pharisees. And, in this verse, Jesus explains why He came into the world, and He uses the issue of seeing to help explain Himself.
1. Jesus did come into this world.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
Before Jesus became a man, He dwelt eternally with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. But the Bible teaches that God who loves the world sent Jesus into the world, and He was born as a man, while remaining God.
God came to the world of men. How amazing that our creator would come into this world, but He did, and He did it because of His love for each and every human being including You and I.
Joh 3:16* “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2. Jesus came into the world with a specific purpose.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
Jesus makes it clear why He came into the world. In fact, there are 3 things that He says about why He came into the world.
(1) Jesus came into the world to judge the world.
Jesus came to bring judgement. Not the judgement that is coming one day at the great white throne, but to bring judgement against sin in the world now. By coming into the world and going to the cross, Jesus was judging or revealing how God sees sin, and what sin does to man, and that through Christ sin would not only be judged but payed for.
John 16:11 “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. By dying on the cross, Jesus also judged Satan as evil, and He destroyed the works of Satan by rising from the dead.
Jesus's coming into the world, and going to cross shows us how God regards sin. It's so eternally destructive, that it took sending His own Son to rescue man from sin's terrible and eternal effects. God does not want man to be separated from Him because of sin.
(2) Jesus came into the world to give sight to the blind.
2nd Cor 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
Sin has brought spiritual blindness to man, by the work of Satan. Satan does not want people to see the truth, he his afraid they may get saved if they do. By the way, one of the best things we can pray for, is that God would remove the blindness in the eyes of the unsaved, so they can at least see the truth of Jesus, and hopefully the will yield their lives to Jesus. But, until they can see Him, they are blind.
But, Christ has come to shed light, to remove blindness, so that man can see and be saved.
Like the hymn Amazing Grace says, " I once was blind but now I see" Thank You Lord Jesus.
(3) Jesus came into the world to show those who think they see that they are blind.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”
This tells us about another class of people Jesus came to help. He came to show those who think they see and know the truth, that they really are blind, and don't know the truth. Jesus loves these people also. The very religious leaders who tried to and eventually have Jesus crucified were not only blind to the truth, but loved by Christ. He wanted them to see also.
Jesus is amazing. He loves all men, including those who are very clearly His enemies. We were all enemies of the Lord before Salvation, but these men were aggressively and passionately aggressive towards the only one who could save them. My what power sin has, in that it blinds a person from the one who alone can save them, and all the while they are thinking they see things clearly. These folks need our prayers. Just as we needed to be prayed for before we were saved also.
Some questions:
1. How often do you stop to realize how much God loves You, that He sent Jesus into this world to save you?.
2. Can you remember when you were spiritually blind, and can you remember when your blindness was removed and you could see the truth for the very first time?.
3. Would you take just a moment to bow your heart and mind before God and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has done for you, and to acknowledge the great price that God payed in sending Jesus.
4. Do you know people who think they see and know the truth, but are indeed spiritually blind?
5. Will you pray for them by name right now, and ask God Himself to remove the blindness from their eyes, so that they can at least see the wonderful truth of who Jesus is, and that they need a Savior, and that Jesus will save them if they will turn to Him and believe in Him?
A prayer:
Father, not only were we once blind, and now we see, but we were lost, and now we are found. All because of Your love and Your sending Christ into the world to die for our sins. Thank You Father for bringing conviction into our lives, and showing us our true condition. Where would we be today if it were not for what You have done for us. We shudder to think about it. But, we give You praise this day, and we thank You this day, for providing judgement against sin, and against Satan, and giving us the hope of eternal life. We love You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, May 16, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE TO HELP A PERSON KNOW IF THEY REALLY ARE A CHRISTIAN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE TO HELP A PERSON KNOW IF THEY REALLY ARE A CHRISTIAN"
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
John 8:47 “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
In this 8th chapter of John, there was a fierce back and forth between those who were against Jesus. Jesus was explaining who He was, and how to know if someone is truly a follower, a believer, a true Christian of not. There are many other ways of identifying the birthmarks of a Christian, so, here are just a few. This is also a chapter, the 8th of John, that is filled with many other important truths, i.e about Satan.
1. Those who know the Lord abide in His Words. keep obeying His teachings.
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
Here Jesus is explaining that those who are truly His disciples, ( those who are learning about Him ) abide, or remain in, and or keep on obeying His teachings. It's not our abiding in His Word, or our obedience to His teachings that make us a christian, no, we are made christians by repenting, and believing in Jesus Christ. But, if a person truly has come to faith, then this is one of the characteristics that will be clearly seen in their lives.
This is one of those birthmarks found in the person who has truly come to faith and is following the Lord as a disciple. They abide in His Word, and they obey what He teaches.
In fact, one time Jesus asked this very penetrating and revealing question to those around Him.
Lu 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?
Think about that question. Put yourselves in the shoes of those Jesus was talking to. What would be the right way to answer that question.
2. Those who know the Lord love Him.
John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
Here again, Jesus is describing the person who has God as their father. ( which by the way His detractors did not ) Simply put, if a person has truly come to faith, and God is not only their creator, but has now become their father, they will love Jesus. That's it, they will love Him. To love Jesus means, to have a have a true affection for Him. To dote upon Him. To welcome Him, to be fond of Him, to be well pleased and contented with Him.
3. Those who know the Lord hear God's Word, and those who don't do not hear His Word.
John 8:47 “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
Here's how it reads in the NLT. John 8:47 Anyone whose Father is God listens gladly to the words of God. Since you don’t, it proves you aren’t God’s children.”
To listen to, to hear means, to hearken, to give audience to, to attend to, consider what is or has been said. to comprehend, to understand.
Notice, that Jesus said to those who did not know Him, that they did not hear because they were not of God, i.e they did not truly know God. They thought they did, but here they were arguing with God himself, that is Jesus, and were attempting to trap God Himself, and ultimately, demanded that Jesus be put to death. They actually hated God.
4. Those who know the Lord, obey His teachings and will never die.
John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.
Jesus is actually repeating one thing He has said, but then adds another truth about those who know Him.
The person who knows the Lord will keep His Word, or abide in His Word, or obey His Word.
John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. Again, here are three important things to consider about this matter of obeying Jesus.
(1) Obedience to Christ, is not what saves you, but, it is one of the marks of a person who is saved.
(2) Obedience to Christ is not perfect obedience, but, it is what generally characterizes a saved persons life.
(3) Obedience to Christ, Keeping His Word, means, You will never die, or experience the 2nd death, that is being separated from Him forever, in the lake of fire. It means you have eternal life now, and will leave this world and go right into heaven itself and be with Your Savior forever and ever.
Some questions:
1. Do you ever wonder if you truly are saved?
2. Have you in the past had more of an assurance about being saved than you do now, or are you very assured that You know the Lord.?
3. Have these 4 Scriptures helped you in giving you assurance of your salvation?
4. Do you know anyone who is struggling with assurance of salvation? And, would you be able to reach out to them and help them by sharing these wonderful and simple verses with them. ?
5. How would You describe the way in which these verses have helped you today?
6. Do you personally have any doubts about your salvation?. If so, please read through the verses again, and talk to the Lord about them, and about your doubts, and ask Him to clarify where you really are with Him.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is our daily bread. And, no matter where we open it up day by day, it speaks to us and we learn of You. Thank You for the verses today, and how they are so comforting, and encouraging. Lord You want people to be saved, and You don't want anyone to go around thinking they are saved if they are not. You want them to know the truth, and these verses sure help lay the truth out. Please help us personally if we have any doubts, or are confused, or deceived about where we stand with You, and help us to help others who may have the same or similar struggles. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
John 8:47 “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
In this 8th chapter of John, there was a fierce back and forth between those who were against Jesus. Jesus was explaining who He was, and how to know if someone is truly a follower, a believer, a true Christian of not. There are many other ways of identifying the birthmarks of a Christian, so, here are just a few. This is also a chapter, the 8th of John, that is filled with many other important truths, i.e about Satan.
1. Those who know the Lord abide in His Words. keep obeying His teachings.
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
Here Jesus is explaining that those who are truly His disciples, ( those who are learning about Him ) abide, or remain in, and or keep on obeying His teachings. It's not our abiding in His Word, or our obedience to His teachings that make us a christian, no, we are made christians by repenting, and believing in Jesus Christ. But, if a person truly has come to faith, then this is one of the characteristics that will be clearly seen in their lives.
This is one of those birthmarks found in the person who has truly come to faith and is following the Lord as a disciple. They abide in His Word, and they obey what He teaches.
In fact, one time Jesus asked this very penetrating and revealing question to those around Him.
Lu 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?
Think about that question. Put yourselves in the shoes of those Jesus was talking to. What would be the right way to answer that question.
2. Those who know the Lord love Him.
John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.
Here again, Jesus is describing the person who has God as their father. ( which by the way His detractors did not ) Simply put, if a person has truly come to faith, and God is not only their creator, but has now become their father, they will love Jesus. That's it, they will love Him. To love Jesus means, to have a have a true affection for Him. To dote upon Him. To welcome Him, to be fond of Him, to be well pleased and contented with Him.
3. Those who know the Lord hear God's Word, and those who don't do not hear His Word.
John 8:47 “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”
Here's how it reads in the NLT. John 8:47 Anyone whose Father is God listens gladly to the words of God. Since you don’t, it proves you aren’t God’s children.”
To listen to, to hear means, to hearken, to give audience to, to attend to, consider what is or has been said. to comprehend, to understand.
Notice, that Jesus said to those who did not know Him, that they did not hear because they were not of God, i.e they did not truly know God. They thought they did, but here they were arguing with God himself, that is Jesus, and were attempting to trap God Himself, and ultimately, demanded that Jesus be put to death. They actually hated God.
4. Those who know the Lord, obey His teachings and will never die.
John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.
Jesus is actually repeating one thing He has said, but then adds another truth about those who know Him.
The person who knows the Lord will keep His Word, or abide in His Word, or obey His Word.
John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. Again, here are three important things to consider about this matter of obeying Jesus.
(1) Obedience to Christ, is not what saves you, but, it is one of the marks of a person who is saved.
(2) Obedience to Christ is not perfect obedience, but, it is what generally characterizes a saved persons life.
(3) Obedience to Christ, Keeping His Word, means, You will never die, or experience the 2nd death, that is being separated from Him forever, in the lake of fire. It means you have eternal life now, and will leave this world and go right into heaven itself and be with Your Savior forever and ever.
Some questions:
1. Do you ever wonder if you truly are saved?
2. Have you in the past had more of an assurance about being saved than you do now, or are you very assured that You know the Lord.?
3. Have these 4 Scriptures helped you in giving you assurance of your salvation?
4. Do you know anyone who is struggling with assurance of salvation? And, would you be able to reach out to them and help them by sharing these wonderful and simple verses with them. ?
5. How would You describe the way in which these verses have helped you today?
6. Do you personally have any doubts about your salvation?. If so, please read through the verses again, and talk to the Lord about them, and about your doubts, and ask Him to clarify where you really are with Him.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is our daily bread. And, no matter where we open it up day by day, it speaks to us and we learn of You. Thank You for the verses today, and how they are so comforting, and encouraging. Lord You want people to be saved, and You don't want anyone to go around thinking they are saved if they are not. You want them to know the truth, and these verses sure help lay the truth out. Please help us personally if we have any doubts, or are confused, or deceived about where we stand with You, and help us to help others who may have the same or similar struggles. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN FACING GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN FACING GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE"
1st Samuel 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
1st Samuel 17:44 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
In that day, it was common for armies to pick one man from each other's armies, and let them fight it out.
The one who prevailed, meant their army prevailed. This was done so as to avoid unneeded bloodshed and the like.
In this situation, the Philistines had made the request for Israel to sent their representative, but the entire nation, including the king were afraid to send a man.
But, along came David, but a lad, who took the Philistine giants threatening request and stepped forward to fight and prevailed. It's believed that Goliath may have been 9 ft tall, and as mentioned, David was just a very young man.
But, he wound up defeating this giant. And, there are reasons for his victory, and we will look at them in this devotional. They are principles that can be part of your life, and can and will lead you to prevail against your Goliaths, our enemies. Let's look at them. Some of these principles are in the previous chapters. I'll reference them for your own study.
1. David had been chosen by God, and so have you, if you have believed in Jesus Christ.
1st Samuel 16:11
David was the youngest son of Jesse. His family did not even think much of him, but Samuel asked for him, and he was brought to Samuel. No one may have thought you were anything either. But God did. God loves you, and He sent Jesus to die for your sins, He convicted you of sin, gave you faith and the gift of repentance, and you believed, and guess what, you are now one of God's chosen people.
2. David had been anointed with the Holy Spirit, and you can be as well. ( be empowered by the Holy Spirit)
This is also in 1st Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
This incident was the start of David later becoming the king of Israel. But, what's important here, is that this young boy chosen by God was also anointed with oil. This is a symbol of God's Holy Spirit coming into your life at salvation, giving you new life, and as you yield to the Spirit day by day, and let Him fill you, you also will then have access to God's diving power and guidance in your life. So, David was chosen by God, and then given God's power if you will.
3. David was not discouraged by the discouragement of others. His family, the soldiers, and even Goliath. None of them thought David was able to fight this battle, but David. You and I also may face Goliaths, or Giants in our lives, and discouraged people are all around us. No one believes that you can do what you believe God wants you to do. In fact, you may even be discouraged. But, David was not. He had courage and faith in God. That's one of the reasons he was able to prevail. See 1st Sam 16:28-30
4. David took courage and went right after the giant. ( and so can you )
1st Samuel 17:32 Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
” Notice what David said here. " Let no man's heart fail because of him" Or as the NLT reads. "Don’t worry about a thing,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight this Philistine!”
David was not overcome by worry, and he simply decided he would go and fight the giant. You can be the same way. God has told us plainly in His Word not to worry, and He has told us also to simply have faith in Him. Not worrying, and having faith add up to, or equal, or produce courage. That's what David had, and so can you.
Ps 31:24 So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!
5. David came to the battle in the name of the LORD of hosts. ( Or in the power of God, not his own power )
1st Samuel 17:44 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
This verse really sums it up. The Giant came in his own strength, full of pride and arrogance. David came in humility, not trusting in himself but in God and His strength and power.
This is truly the way that God has called us to fight giants. Trust the Lord. He is able. Don't depend on yourself.
Put your faith in God.
Some questions:
1. Are you facing a giant or giants ( problems, trials, challenges ) in your life right now?
2. Can you see how David acted, will you choose to do what he did and trust the Lord?
3. Are there people who seek to discourage you, or have no faith in you?
4. Will you look away from discouragement, and look to the Lord as David did?
5. Do you believe God can help you?
6. Will you ask Him to right now, and will you come under His leadership and ask for His power today?
A prayer:
Father, the greatest giant in the world was sin and the devil. Both have been defeated by Jesus at the cross. Jesus is our Lord, and He is our deliverer. You do not call us to fight battles in our own strength, but in Yours.
Lord today, would You renew our courage, and our faith, and empower us to be like David, and face the day and the giants in Your name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1st Samuel 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”
1st Samuel 17:44 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
In that day, it was common for armies to pick one man from each other's armies, and let them fight it out.
The one who prevailed, meant their army prevailed. This was done so as to avoid unneeded bloodshed and the like.
In this situation, the Philistines had made the request for Israel to sent their representative, but the entire nation, including the king were afraid to send a man.
But, along came David, but a lad, who took the Philistine giants threatening request and stepped forward to fight and prevailed. It's believed that Goliath may have been 9 ft tall, and as mentioned, David was just a very young man.
But, he wound up defeating this giant. And, there are reasons for his victory, and we will look at them in this devotional. They are principles that can be part of your life, and can and will lead you to prevail against your Goliaths, our enemies. Let's look at them. Some of these principles are in the previous chapters. I'll reference them for your own study.
1. David had been chosen by God, and so have you, if you have believed in Jesus Christ.
1st Samuel 16:11
David was the youngest son of Jesse. His family did not even think much of him, but Samuel asked for him, and he was brought to Samuel. No one may have thought you were anything either. But God did. God loves you, and He sent Jesus to die for your sins, He convicted you of sin, gave you faith and the gift of repentance, and you believed, and guess what, you are now one of God's chosen people.
2. David had been anointed with the Holy Spirit, and you can be as well. ( be empowered by the Holy Spirit)
This is also in 1st Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.
This incident was the start of David later becoming the king of Israel. But, what's important here, is that this young boy chosen by God was also anointed with oil. This is a symbol of God's Holy Spirit coming into your life at salvation, giving you new life, and as you yield to the Spirit day by day, and let Him fill you, you also will then have access to God's diving power and guidance in your life. So, David was chosen by God, and then given God's power if you will.
3. David was not discouraged by the discouragement of others. His family, the soldiers, and even Goliath. None of them thought David was able to fight this battle, but David. You and I also may face Goliaths, or Giants in our lives, and discouraged people are all around us. No one believes that you can do what you believe God wants you to do. In fact, you may even be discouraged. But, David was not. He had courage and faith in God. That's one of the reasons he was able to prevail. See 1st Sam 16:28-30
4. David took courage and went right after the giant. ( and so can you )
1st Samuel 17:32 Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.
” Notice what David said here. " Let no man's heart fail because of him" Or as the NLT reads. "Don’t worry about a thing,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight this Philistine!”
David was not overcome by worry, and he simply decided he would go and fight the giant. You can be the same way. God has told us plainly in His Word not to worry, and He has told us also to simply have faith in Him. Not worrying, and having faith add up to, or equal, or produce courage. That's what David had, and so can you.
Ps 31:24 So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!
5. David came to the battle in the name of the LORD of hosts. ( Or in the power of God, not his own power )
1st Samuel 17:44 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
This verse really sums it up. The Giant came in his own strength, full of pride and arrogance. David came in humility, not trusting in himself but in God and His strength and power.
This is truly the way that God has called us to fight giants. Trust the Lord. He is able. Don't depend on yourself.
Put your faith in God.
Some questions:
1. Are you facing a giant or giants ( problems, trials, challenges ) in your life right now?
2. Can you see how David acted, will you choose to do what he did and trust the Lord?
3. Are there people who seek to discourage you, or have no faith in you?
4. Will you look away from discouragement, and look to the Lord as David did?
5. Do you believe God can help you?
6. Will you ask Him to right now, and will you come under His leadership and ask for His power today?
A prayer:
Father, the greatest giant in the world was sin and the devil. Both have been defeated by Jesus at the cross. Jesus is our Lord, and He is our deliverer. You do not call us to fight battles in our own strength, but in Yours.
Lord today, would You renew our courage, and our faith, and empower us to be like David, and face the day and the giants in Your name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"
Psalm 108:12 Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.
Psalm 108:13 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This 108th Psalm was written by King David. It is a Psalm where he praises God, and expresses his faith and confidence in God, and in God's ability and strength. He is also looking to God for help in the midst of trouble.
1. God will give you help when you are in trouble.
Psalm 108:12a Give us help from trouble,
David was specifically asking God to give him help from the trouble he was experiencing. We are not told what the trouble was, but David needed help, and he was looking to God for help in that trouble and with that trouble.
The word trouble here, means, enemy, adversary, distress, affliction, foes, narrow, strait. It was used to speak of being in a narrow and tight spot, to be in hard times. To be experiencing oppression.
2. The help of man is really useless.
Psalm 108:12b For the help of man is useless.
David was not discounting the love and support of his friends and of his armies. But, rather, he was comparing what God can do with what man can do. And, there is no comparison. God can do what man cannot do.
And, God does not call us to put our hope and trust in either ourselves, or in others, but rather in God Himself.
And, that's what David was seeking to do.
3. With God's help we can do mighty things.
Psalm 108:13a Through God we will do valiantly,
Here David expresses what man can do with God as his helper. This is what David was counting on, and it's what we can count on as well. That through God we can do valiantly. Or as the NLT reads, "With God’s help we will do mighty things," How true this is. Is there anything that is too hard for the Lord. Nothing is impossible with God, even though circumstances may look otherwise. God is all powerful. There is no one greater than He is. No one can thwart the plans and the intentions of God. And, God want us to put our trust in Him.
4. God is the one who will deal with our enemies.
Psalm 108:13b For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
Now David specifies why he needed God's help. It was because of the enemies of David. David did not want to try and deal with his enemies by his own strength, or in his own power. Rather, He was looking to God to deal with them. He realized that God could tread them down. He knew that God could trample down His foes.
This is also how God calls us to act and to trust. Leave your enemies in God's hands. If anything, pray for them as Christ has instructed us. But, leave them with God. Let the Lord take care of the situation. He is faithful. He will deal with them in His own way, and in His own time, of that you can be sure. David was.
Some questions:
1. Are you in some kind of trouble at this very time?
2. Do you know that God will help you if you look to Him?
3. You can try to fix it yourself, and even enlist the help of others, but God is the better one to look to.
4. God is able to really help you. His power is unlimited. Will you take a moment and pray right now.
5. Also, it is good to pray for our enemies. As mentioned, this is what Jesus told us to do. Will you do it now?
A prayer:
Father, You never told us that life would be without trouble. In fact, You have told us just the opposite. But, You have also told us to look to You during times of trouble, and to cast our cares upon You, because You care for us. So, today, we would like to take whatever trouble we may be facing or dealing with, or that has come upon us, and give that over to You by prayer and faith. Lord, help us through the day, to continually look to You, and to remember how great You are, and how You are able to deal with our troubles. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 108:12 Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.
Psalm 108:13 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:
This 108th Psalm was written by King David. It is a Psalm where he praises God, and expresses his faith and confidence in God, and in God's ability and strength. He is also looking to God for help in the midst of trouble.
1. God will give you help when you are in trouble.
Psalm 108:12a Give us help from trouble,
David was specifically asking God to give him help from the trouble he was experiencing. We are not told what the trouble was, but David needed help, and he was looking to God for help in that trouble and with that trouble.
The word trouble here, means, enemy, adversary, distress, affliction, foes, narrow, strait. It was used to speak of being in a narrow and tight spot, to be in hard times. To be experiencing oppression.
2. The help of man is really useless.
Psalm 108:12b For the help of man is useless.
David was not discounting the love and support of his friends and of his armies. But, rather, he was comparing what God can do with what man can do. And, there is no comparison. God can do what man cannot do.
And, God does not call us to put our hope and trust in either ourselves, or in others, but rather in God Himself.
And, that's what David was seeking to do.
3. With God's help we can do mighty things.
Psalm 108:13a Through God we will do valiantly,
Here David expresses what man can do with God as his helper. This is what David was counting on, and it's what we can count on as well. That through God we can do valiantly. Or as the NLT reads, "With God’s help we will do mighty things," How true this is. Is there anything that is too hard for the Lord. Nothing is impossible with God, even though circumstances may look otherwise. God is all powerful. There is no one greater than He is. No one can thwart the plans and the intentions of God. And, God want us to put our trust in Him.
4. God is the one who will deal with our enemies.
Psalm 108:13b For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.
Now David specifies why he needed God's help. It was because of the enemies of David. David did not want to try and deal with his enemies by his own strength, or in his own power. Rather, He was looking to God to deal with them. He realized that God could tread them down. He knew that God could trample down His foes.
This is also how God calls us to act and to trust. Leave your enemies in God's hands. If anything, pray for them as Christ has instructed us. But, leave them with God. Let the Lord take care of the situation. He is faithful. He will deal with them in His own way, and in His own time, of that you can be sure. David was.
Some questions:
1. Are you in some kind of trouble at this very time?
2. Do you know that God will help you if you look to Him?
3. You can try to fix it yourself, and even enlist the help of others, but God is the better one to look to.
4. God is able to really help you. His power is unlimited. Will you take a moment and pray right now.
5. Also, it is good to pray for our enemies. As mentioned, this is what Jesus told us to do. Will you do it now?
A prayer:
Father, You never told us that life would be without trouble. In fact, You have told us just the opposite. But, You have also told us to look to You during times of trouble, and to cast our cares upon You, because You care for us. So, today, we would like to take whatever trouble we may be facing or dealing with, or that has come upon us, and give that over to You by prayer and faith. Lord, help us through the day, to continually look to You, and to remember how great You are, and how You are able to deal with our troubles. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES"
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These are some of Samuel's closing words the Children of Israel. They had been so blessed by the Lord in so many ways, yet they had gone astray, and gone after other gods. But, now they were coming to their senses as it were. And, Samuel is giving them words of wisdom. Wisdom that would bring blessing into their lives from God.
And, He gives them a warning about how to stay out of trouble also.
1. Do not fear, and do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
The children of Israel had done many great evils. And in this case, it was rejecting God, and wanting a man to rule over them. But, they began to see what they had done, and were seeking Samuel's counsel and help.
The above verse is his answer to them.
Essentially, he was saying, "Yes, you have done all this wickedness" Yet, he encouraged them not to fear, and not to turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart. In other words, seeing what you have done, is one thing, but move forward now, you have confessed your sins, and here is the path to follow and pursue.
2. Don't turn aside from the Lord, because they you will be going after empty things.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
Samuel continues to guide them with God's wisdom. In other words, don't go back to worshipping worthless things. These things, these idols cannot help you, nor can they rescue you. They are entirely useless. So, don't turn aside from the Lord. Don't go after empty things.
3. The LORD will not forsake you.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
In other words, God is not going to abandon His people. If He did, that would dishonor His name. God has made you as a special people for Himself. He will not forsake You.
4. Keep praying, and be teachable. That's what Samuel said.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
In fact, Samuel considered it a sin to not pray. He also wanted to teach the people the good and the right way.
These are two very important activities in the life of the Christian. To talk to God, and let God teach you what is good and what is right. That's what you will find in His Word.
5. Fear God, Serve God in truth with all your heart. And, remember what He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Here Samuel is saying a number of things.
(1) Be sure to fear the LORD.
(2) And sincerely worship Him.
(3) Think about all the wonderful things He has done for you.
6. If you do wickedly, you will be swept away.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
This is Samuel's warning to the people. Or as the NLT puts it, " But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.”
They had sinned, and were now acknowledging their sin, and were being taught and encouraged to move forward in God's will. But, this is a reminder, to not repeat what they had done, or the same consequences would come upon them. Don't forsake the Lord to Your own hurt is the idea. It will only bring destruction into your lives.
Some questions:
1. Do you know, that even when we sin, and do wickedly, that God still loves us and, wants us to come back to Him.
2. Can you see all of the many simple and clear steps to take that bring you into the realm where God is able to bless your life?.
3. Please take a moment to just go back over the verses and pause a little, and consider the instruction of God that leads to the blessing of God.
4. Remember, warnings are good for us. Warnings serve to help keep us out of trouble. Would You take just a moment, to see if God is warning you about anything, and if He is, would you thank Him, and then let Him know You want to obey and respond to His warnings?.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so rich and encouraging. You have given these wonderful true OT stories for our learning.
Please help us to not take them lightly, or for granted. But, to be sober minded, and to be serious about our walk with You. You are serious about wanting to bless and lead us in Your ways. May we reciprocate by being serious believers and doers of Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These are some of Samuel's closing words the Children of Israel. They had been so blessed by the Lord in so many ways, yet they had gone astray, and gone after other gods. But, now they were coming to their senses as it were. And, Samuel is giving them words of wisdom. Wisdom that would bring blessing into their lives from God.
And, He gives them a warning about how to stay out of trouble also.
1. Do not fear, and do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
The children of Israel had done many great evils. And in this case, it was rejecting God, and wanting a man to rule over them. But, they began to see what they had done, and were seeking Samuel's counsel and help.
The above verse is his answer to them.
Essentially, he was saying, "Yes, you have done all this wickedness" Yet, he encouraged them not to fear, and not to turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart. In other words, seeing what you have done, is one thing, but move forward now, you have confessed your sins, and here is the path to follow and pursue.
2. Don't turn aside from the Lord, because they you will be going after empty things.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
Samuel continues to guide them with God's wisdom. In other words, don't go back to worshipping worthless things. These things, these idols cannot help you, nor can they rescue you. They are entirely useless. So, don't turn aside from the Lord. Don't go after empty things.
3. The LORD will not forsake you.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
In other words, God is not going to abandon His people. If He did, that would dishonor His name. God has made you as a special people for Himself. He will not forsake You.
4. Keep praying, and be teachable. That's what Samuel said.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
In fact, Samuel considered it a sin to not pray. He also wanted to teach the people the good and the right way.
These are two very important activities in the life of the Christian. To talk to God, and let God teach you what is good and what is right. That's what you will find in His Word.
5. Fear God, Serve God in truth with all your heart. And, remember what He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Here Samuel is saying a number of things.
(1) Be sure to fear the LORD.
(2) And sincerely worship Him.
(3) Think about all the wonderful things He has done for you.
6. If you do wickedly, you will be swept away.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
This is Samuel's warning to the people. Or as the NLT puts it, " But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.”
They had sinned, and were now acknowledging their sin, and were being taught and encouraged to move forward in God's will. But, this is a reminder, to not repeat what they had done, or the same consequences would come upon them. Don't forsake the Lord to Your own hurt is the idea. It will only bring destruction into your lives.
Some questions:
1. Do you know, that even when we sin, and do wickedly, that God still loves us and, wants us to come back to Him.
2. Can you see all of the many simple and clear steps to take that bring you into the realm where God is able to bless your life?.
3. Please take a moment to just go back over the verses and pause a little, and consider the instruction of God that leads to the blessing of God.
4. Remember, warnings are good for us. Warnings serve to help keep us out of trouble. Would You take just a moment, to see if God is warning you about anything, and if He is, would you thank Him, and then let Him know You want to obey and respond to His warnings?.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so rich and encouraging. You have given these wonderful true OT stories for our learning.
Please help us to not take them lightly, or for granted. But, to be sober minded, and to be serious about our walk with You. You are serious about wanting to bless and lead us in Your ways. May we reciprocate by being serious believers and doers of Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, May 12, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGER, AND OTHER BITS OF WISDOM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGER, AND OTHER BITS OF WISDOM"
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
It has been said, that the " Book of Psalms, was written mostly by King David tells us how to look up", and that the Book of Proverbs, largely authored by David's Son, King Solomon, "tells us how to wise up"
"The Book of Psalms helps us to fill us with praise to God, but we also need guidance in the most practical of matters each day. These two books are at the heart of the Bible. Psalms keep our thoughts on heaven; Proverbs keeps our feet on earth" Dr. David Jeremiah.
These 3 verses give us God's guidance on several issues we as we walk this pilgrim path towards our heavenly home with Jesus Christ.
1. Here's God's wisdom on how to deal with an angry person.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Or, to put it another way, if we answer someone with a gentle answer, it will help to turn away their wrath, or their anger. But, if we answer them in a harsh way, it will stir up anger. Perhaps in them, and in us.
There is no end to the potential angry encounters we might face on any given day. But, what we have here is God's prescription on how to deal with those angry encounters. God is the wisest person there is. And, He does not lie, in fact, He cannot. So, His teaching for us on how to deal with an angry encounter is found right here.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Soft means, tender, delicate, gentle. Harsh on the other hand, means, sorrow, labour, grievous, pain, hardship.
2. Here's how to be wise in the use of our tongues. And, also what a fool does with his tongue.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
A wise man will use knowledge in the right way. Or, as the NLT says, " The wise person makes learning a joy"
Isn't that interesting. We can actually, by God's grace, power, and guidance, use the knowledge He has given us, and, when speaking actually experience joy. We can learn as we speak, and have joy in doing so,
But, and, how many times have we experienced this next part.
Proverbs 15:2b But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Or again, as the NLT says, "Fools spout only foolishness"
Wise means, a wise man, cunning, subtle, skillful, learned, prudent. Wise ethically and religiously.
Fools means, foolish, stupid, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one.
Lord, please help us to be wise, and not foolish.
3. Here is a comforting or uncomfortable truth about our LORD and His eyes.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Now, I say comforting, but, it may not sound comforting if a person is trying to hide something, something they know is not right. On the other hand, it is comforting to know that God who is all knowledgeable is constantly watching everywhere, and He is keeping His eye on both the evil and the good.
We can't see everything, but God can without any trouble. He is very aware of everything that is happening.
He sees both the evil and the good.
Sometimes we wonder about evil that is going on, and think where is the Lord, doesn't He see this? Yes, He does. And, what a joy to also know, that He sees the good that is taking place. What a great and awesome God we serve and know.
Some questions:
1. Can you remember the last time you "flew off the handle?. A nice way of saying, "you lost your self control, or temper?
2. Do you remember how it made you feel? I'm sure you do. It's not very pleasant.
3. Do you know that God is not mad at you for getting mad?
4. Do you know that God will help you if you ask Him to?.
5. How would you measure the use of your tongue at this time in your life?. Are you using it wisely, or foolishly?.
6. Are you concerned about someone or some persons who are doing evil things?.
7. Will you please take comfort in knowing that God knows about it. And, He will deal with it in His own perfect timing.
8. How about this. What about the good that is being done, either towards you, or by you towards others.
Will you take great delight in knowing that God sees it, and it matters to Him. And, He is very aware of every detail involved.
A prayer:
Father, Your Proverbs through Solomon and others are so close to home. They hit us right where we live.
Thank You for giving them to us. And, we ask that in Your giving them to us, that You would also give us hearts that understand Your wisdom, and want to put it into practice in our day to day lives. Thank You in advance, In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
It has been said, that the " Book of Psalms, was written mostly by King David tells us how to look up", and that the Book of Proverbs, largely authored by David's Son, King Solomon, "tells us how to wise up"
"The Book of Psalms helps us to fill us with praise to God, but we also need guidance in the most practical of matters each day. These two books are at the heart of the Bible. Psalms keep our thoughts on heaven; Proverbs keeps our feet on earth" Dr. David Jeremiah.
These 3 verses give us God's guidance on several issues we as we walk this pilgrim path towards our heavenly home with Jesus Christ.
1. Here's God's wisdom on how to deal with an angry person.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Or, to put it another way, if we answer someone with a gentle answer, it will help to turn away their wrath, or their anger. But, if we answer them in a harsh way, it will stir up anger. Perhaps in them, and in us.
There is no end to the potential angry encounters we might face on any given day. But, what we have here is God's prescription on how to deal with those angry encounters. God is the wisest person there is. And, He does not lie, in fact, He cannot. So, His teaching for us on how to deal with an angry encounter is found right here.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Soft means, tender, delicate, gentle. Harsh on the other hand, means, sorrow, labour, grievous, pain, hardship.
2. Here's how to be wise in the use of our tongues. And, also what a fool does with his tongue.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
A wise man will use knowledge in the right way. Or, as the NLT says, " The wise person makes learning a joy"
Isn't that interesting. We can actually, by God's grace, power, and guidance, use the knowledge He has given us, and, when speaking actually experience joy. We can learn as we speak, and have joy in doing so,
But, and, how many times have we experienced this next part.
Proverbs 15:2b But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Or again, as the NLT says, "Fools spout only foolishness"
Wise means, a wise man, cunning, subtle, skillful, learned, prudent. Wise ethically and religiously.
Fools means, foolish, stupid, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one.
Lord, please help us to be wise, and not foolish.
3. Here is a comforting or uncomfortable truth about our LORD and His eyes.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
Now, I say comforting, but, it may not sound comforting if a person is trying to hide something, something they know is not right. On the other hand, it is comforting to know that God who is all knowledgeable is constantly watching everywhere, and He is keeping His eye on both the evil and the good.
We can't see everything, but God can without any trouble. He is very aware of everything that is happening.
He sees both the evil and the good.
Sometimes we wonder about evil that is going on, and think where is the Lord, doesn't He see this? Yes, He does. And, what a joy to also know, that He sees the good that is taking place. What a great and awesome God we serve and know.
Some questions:
1. Can you remember the last time you "flew off the handle?. A nice way of saying, "you lost your self control, or temper?
2. Do you remember how it made you feel? I'm sure you do. It's not very pleasant.
3. Do you know that God is not mad at you for getting mad?
4. Do you know that God will help you if you ask Him to?.
5. How would you measure the use of your tongue at this time in your life?. Are you using it wisely, or foolishly?.
6. Are you concerned about someone or some persons who are doing evil things?.
7. Will you please take comfort in knowing that God knows about it. And, He will deal with it in His own perfect timing.
8. How about this. What about the good that is being done, either towards you, or by you towards others.
Will you take great delight in knowing that God sees it, and it matters to Him. And, He is very aware of every detail involved.
A prayer:
Father, Your Proverbs through Solomon and others are so close to home. They hit us right where we live.
Thank You for giving them to us. And, we ask that in Your giving them to us, that You would also give us hearts that understand Your wisdom, and want to put it into practice in our day to day lives. Thank You in advance, In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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