"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHO NOT TO FEAR, AND HOW GOD VALUES HIS CHILDREN"
Matt 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Matt 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”
Matt 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Matt 10:31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus tells us who not to fear, and who to fear.
Matt 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
The reason Jesus even talked about not fearing, was due to the fact that He knew murderous persecution would come upon His followers. And thus He was preparing them.
In preparing them he said there was someone greater to fear than those who could kill your body.
He of course was speaking of fearing God.
God is able to destroy both the soul and the body in hell.
Man can only kill your body, but they cannot touch your soul.
So do not fear man, but fear God.
God is greater than any enemy we might have.
And therefore we can take comfort in trusting Him.
2. Jesus tells us about God being in control of all things and knowing all things.
Matt 10:29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.”
Matt 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Jesus asked His disciples a question about sparrows.
Sparrows by the way were considered worthless in that society, or near worthless.
But, Jesus said that these near worthless creatures cannot die and fall to the ground without Your Father knowing about it.
In fact, Jesus not one sparrow dies apart from the will of God.
Even sparrows are in God's will, and under His control.
God attends the funeral of every sparrow.
Jesus goes on to say that the very hairs of our head are numbered.
So, God knows when a sparrow dies, and He knows the exact number of hairs on your head at any one time.
So, the Lord is in control of even a little birds life.
And, the Lord knows every detail of your life, using the number of your hairs as an illustration of His complete knowledge..
3. Jesus tells us again not to fear, but states the value He places upon us.
Matt 10:31 “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Wrapping up what Jesus was trying to get across, He tells His followers not to fear.
They either were fearing, or certainly would in the days ahead have to deal with fear.
Here's God's reasoning for us.
We are not to fear, because we are of more value than many sparrows.
In other words, don't be afraid, because we are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Some Questions:
1. Are you afraid at this present time?
2. Do you know exactly what you are afraid of?
3. Have you thought it through carefully to identify just exactly what it is you are afraid of?
4. How have these verses made you feel about your fear?
5. Will you read through the devotional again, and prayerfully ask God to help you with your fear?
A Prayer:
Father, how helpful and comforting Your Word is to us. There is so much in this life to make us afraid. But, there is so much in Your Word to help us not to be afraid. Thank You for helping us with our fears. You are in control of our lives, and You have good plans for our lives, You have no evil thoughts towards us, but only good ones, to give us a hope and a future. Thank You, Father. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FINDING REST FOR OUR SOULS"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FINDING REST FOR OUR SOULS"
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus invites people to come to Him, especially those who are weary and carrying heavy burdens.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
"Come to Me" That is the invitation.
The invitation is given to anyone who is bearing a heavy load, and who is laboring.
Jesus is reaching out to those who ware weary and carrying heavy burdens.
What a wonderful Lord we have to invite us to come to Himself.
The Word come, means to come here, to come now, and to follow.
2. Jesus makes a promise of giving rest to the weary who come to Him.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Notice what Jesus says He will do for the persons who come to Him.
"And I will give you rest”.
Or "I will rest you" In other words, He actually promises to change our burdened souls into restful souls, and promises to do it Himself.
The word rest means to refresh, to take your ease.
That is what He will do.
3. Jesus explains what those who come to Him are to do, and how it will bring rest to their souls.
Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Now Jesus explains how all this works.
We come to Him by faith, trusting Him.
We also take His yoke, or let Him lead us, or surrender our wills and souls and lives to His loving hands.
We come underneath His leadership if you will.
He then asks us to "Let Him teach us”.
He also explains that He is a humble and gentle person.
The result of our coming and taking etc, is rest for our souls.
Jesus also has a word or two about His yoke.
He says My yoke fits perfectly, it will not have splinters in it as it were.
It will not hurt to place ourselves under His leadership.
Finally, His burden is light.
The burden that He gives in return for the load we bring to Him is light.
How delightful.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it such a pleasant blessing to hear the Words of Jesus Christ?
2. Would you agree that we continually forget just how loving and caring He really is about us?
3. And, I'm certain we can all agree that the load of life gets to be pretty darn heavy at times.
4. Are you going through something right now that fits the words of Jesus in these verses?
5. Will you take just a moment to bow your head and heart and reach out to Christ?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for reaching out to us in our times of need, and offering to help us. We so desperately need it.
Jesus, You are the wonderful Savior and Rest giver. Thank You that You will receive us as we humble ourselves under Your loving leadership. And thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. What a difference from the yokes we can find ourselves under and the burdens we can be squashed down under. Lord, we come to You right now, either for ourselves, or for others we may know. Would You please pour out in a measurable way, and a way that can be felt and not missed, Your wonderful grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus invites people to come to Him, especially those who are weary and carrying heavy burdens.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
"Come to Me" That is the invitation.
The invitation is given to anyone who is bearing a heavy load, and who is laboring.
Jesus is reaching out to those who ware weary and carrying heavy burdens.
What a wonderful Lord we have to invite us to come to Himself.
The Word come, means to come here, to come now, and to follow.
2. Jesus makes a promise of giving rest to the weary who come to Him.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Notice what Jesus says He will do for the persons who come to Him.
"And I will give you rest”.
Or "I will rest you" In other words, He actually promises to change our burdened souls into restful souls, and promises to do it Himself.
The word rest means to refresh, to take your ease.
That is what He will do.
3. Jesus explains what those who come to Him are to do, and how it will bring rest to their souls.
Matthew 11:29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Now Jesus explains how all this works.
We come to Him by faith, trusting Him.
We also take His yoke, or let Him lead us, or surrender our wills and souls and lives to His loving hands.
We come underneath His leadership if you will.
He then asks us to "Let Him teach us”.
He also explains that He is a humble and gentle person.
The result of our coming and taking etc, is rest for our souls.
Jesus also has a word or two about His yoke.
He says My yoke fits perfectly, it will not have splinters in it as it were.
It will not hurt to place ourselves under His leadership.
Finally, His burden is light.
The burden that He gives in return for the load we bring to Him is light.
How delightful.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it such a pleasant blessing to hear the Words of Jesus Christ?
2. Would you agree that we continually forget just how loving and caring He really is about us?
3. And, I'm certain we can all agree that the load of life gets to be pretty darn heavy at times.
4. Are you going through something right now that fits the words of Jesus in these verses?
5. Will you take just a moment to bow your head and heart and reach out to Christ?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for reaching out to us in our times of need, and offering to help us. We so desperately need it.
Jesus, You are the wonderful Savior and Rest giver. Thank You that You will receive us as we humble ourselves under Your loving leadership. And thank You that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light. What a difference from the yokes we can find ourselves under and the burdens we can be squashed down under. Lord, we come to You right now, either for ourselves, or for others we may know. Would You please pour out in a measurable way, and a way that can be felt and not missed, Your wonderful grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HAPPINESS OF FINDING WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HAPPINESS OF FINDING WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING"
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”
Proverbs 3:14 “For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.”
Proverbs 3:15 “She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. A man is happy who finds God's Wisdom.
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”
What a joy to know that we can find God's Wisdom.
The result of having it is happiness, or blessedness.
God will give it to the man who asks and seeks for it.
2. A man is happy who finds God's Understanding.
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”
There is an additional joy to having God's understanding.
Understanding is defined as discretion, reasoning, skill, insight.
Those are all blessings we need as we travel through this life.
And God is happy to give them to us.
3. A man benefits of wisdom and understanding are better than silver and gold.
Proverbs 3:14 “For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.”
God's Wisdom and Understanding are of tremendous value.
God Himself says they are more valuable than silver or gold.
Having God's Wisdom and Understanding give us what God calls proceeds.
Proceeds means profit, or gain.
We gain from God what we cannot gain from money.
And what we gain from God is much better.
4. A man can't find or desire anything to compare to God's Wisdom and Understanding.
Proverbs 3:15 “She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
God's Wisdom and Understanding are much better than anything you could try to compare them to.
God says they are more precious than rubies, which were highly valued then, and now.
God says you can't find anything to compare with the value of His Wisdom and Understanding.
Some Questions:
1. What is one of the things we need most of most of the time?
2. Isn't it to have wisdom and understanding?
3. Don't you agree that God is so willing to give these blessings to us?
4. The book of Proverbs and James both encourage us that we can find these if we seek and ask.
A Prayer:
Lord, You are so gracious and who is like You. There is no one who has the wisdom and understanding that You give.
And You promise to give them to the persons who seek them. Thank You for the joy and happiness that comes into our souls as we receive Your wisdom and understanding. We agree with You, Lord, that nothing compares to them.
They are so beneficial to us. We pray for any today who may be reading this Devotional, and are in great need of Your Wisdom and Understanding that You would lead them to seek You diligently. Because You promise they will be finders of what they are looking for. In Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”
Proverbs 3:14 “For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.”
Proverbs 3:15 “She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. A man is happy who finds God's Wisdom.
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”
What a joy to know that we can find God's Wisdom.
The result of having it is happiness, or blessedness.
God will give it to the man who asks and seeks for it.
2. A man is happy who finds God's Understanding.
Proverbs 3:13 “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;”
There is an additional joy to having God's understanding.
Understanding is defined as discretion, reasoning, skill, insight.
Those are all blessings we need as we travel through this life.
And God is happy to give them to us.
3. A man benefits of wisdom and understanding are better than silver and gold.
Proverbs 3:14 “For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.”
God's Wisdom and Understanding are of tremendous value.
God Himself says they are more valuable than silver or gold.
Having God's Wisdom and Understanding give us what God calls proceeds.
Proceeds means profit, or gain.
We gain from God what we cannot gain from money.
And what we gain from God is much better.
4. A man can't find or desire anything to compare to God's Wisdom and Understanding.
Proverbs 3:15 “She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
God's Wisdom and Understanding are much better than anything you could try to compare them to.
God says they are more precious than rubies, which were highly valued then, and now.
God says you can't find anything to compare with the value of His Wisdom and Understanding.
Some Questions:
1. What is one of the things we need most of most of the time?
2. Isn't it to have wisdom and understanding?
3. Don't you agree that God is so willing to give these blessings to us?
4. The book of Proverbs and James both encourage us that we can find these if we seek and ask.
A Prayer:
Lord, You are so gracious and who is like You. There is no one who has the wisdom and understanding that You give.
And You promise to give them to the persons who seek them. Thank You for the joy and happiness that comes into our souls as we receive Your wisdom and understanding. We agree with You, Lord, that nothing compares to them.
They are so beneficial to us. We pray for any today who may be reading this Devotional, and are in great need of Your Wisdom and Understanding that You would lead them to seek You diligently. Because You promise they will be finders of what they are looking for. In Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"
Proverbs 3:11 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;”
Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells His children two things not to do.
Proverbs 3:11 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;”
First of all we are told not to despise the chastening of the LORD.
Or to put it another way, as God's child, we are not to ignore it when God disciplines us.
Ignoring God is something we can do, and it's something we ought not to do.
The second thing we are told not to do, is to detest His correction.
Or to not be discouraged when He corrects us.
It's easy to get discouraged when we are reaping the consequences of our actions.
So, not to ignore and not to become discouraged when God is correcting us.
Why?
See the next point.
2. God explains something about Himself to His children.
Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
God loves you as His child.
And whom the Lord loves He corrects.
Just as a father would correct his son, so the Lord corrects us.
Notice please that God both loves us and that He delights in us.
So, God deals with us to correct us because He loves us.
Thank You, Lord.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think the word chastisement means punishment?
2. Do you know that it does not mean punishment?
3. Did you know that the word chastisement means to instruct, to correct, to check, to discipline?
4. Isn't it a blessing to know that His correction of our lives is proof positive that He loves us?
5. Do you generally find that you pay attention to His correction, or do you tend to ignore it?
A Prayer:
Lord, first of all, we thank You for being our Father. We once were lost, but now we are found. We once were blind, but now we see. What amazing grace to save a wretch like (us) me. And thank You for these verses that explain to us what not to do when You are correcting us, and what it means that You would correct us. Help us, Lord, not to ignore you, or misunderstand what You are doing when You are dealing with us.
We want You to know, Lord, that we also delight in You. And one day our delight meter is going to go off the charts when we see You face to face in heaven. Thank You for saving us, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 3:11 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;”
Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells His children two things not to do.
Proverbs 3:11 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;”
First of all we are told not to despise the chastening of the LORD.
Or to put it another way, as God's child, we are not to ignore it when God disciplines us.
Ignoring God is something we can do, and it's something we ought not to do.
The second thing we are told not to do, is to detest His correction.
Or to not be discouraged when He corrects us.
It's easy to get discouraged when we are reaping the consequences of our actions.
So, not to ignore and not to become discouraged when God is correcting us.
Why?
See the next point.
2. God explains something about Himself to His children.
Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
God loves you as His child.
And whom the Lord loves He corrects.
Just as a father would correct his son, so the Lord corrects us.
Notice please that God both loves us and that He delights in us.
So, God deals with us to correct us because He loves us.
Thank You, Lord.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think the word chastisement means punishment?
2. Do you know that it does not mean punishment?
3. Did you know that the word chastisement means to instruct, to correct, to check, to discipline?
4. Isn't it a blessing to know that His correction of our lives is proof positive that He loves us?
5. Do you generally find that you pay attention to His correction, or do you tend to ignore it?
A Prayer:
Lord, first of all, we thank You for being our Father. We once were lost, but now we are found. We once were blind, but now we see. What amazing grace to save a wretch like (us) me. And thank You for these verses that explain to us what not to do when You are correcting us, and what it means that You would correct us. Help us, Lord, not to ignore you, or misunderstand what You are doing when You are dealing with us.
We want You to know, Lord, that we also delight in You. And one day our delight meter is going to go off the charts when we see You face to face in heaven. Thank You for saving us, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, January 12, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HONORING THE LORD WITH YOUR POSSESSIONS"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HONORING THE LORD WITH YOUR POSSESSIONS"
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God deserves to be honored and these verses give us teaching on how to do that.
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
This verse from Proverbs teaches us to honor the Lord.
We can honor or glorify God by our giving of our possessions to Him.
The word "first-fruits" means to tithe.
It means the top of the heap.
Honoring the Lord with our possessions truly does say we respect Him, and recognize He is Lord over all, and all that we have has come from Him.
So, you can use your wealth and the best part of everything your land produces to glorify God.
2. God also promises to bless those who honor Him with their possessions.
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
As we honor the Lord He makes a promise to us.
It's been said a person can never out give the Lord.
That is essentially what is being said here.
As we give to the Lord He promises to give back to us in a greater way.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 3:10 “Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it sad that when the issue of money and giving to God comes up, people bristle?
2. Why do you think that is the case?
3. Isn't all of God's Word true?
4. Is this an area of your life where you are in sync with what the Bible says?
5. It's not a bad idea for all of us to consider where we stand with our resources and God's Word.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Word, it's all so true and wonderful for our lives. In this particular area, would You please help us not to bristle if we are doing so. Mostly, we pray that we would simply take Your Word and take it to heart, and truly honor and glorify You by giving to You as is stated in these verses. And, we thank You that we can never out give You.
You always wind up being the greater giver. Thank You for that. You are so good, and You will continue to be good, and one day, we are going to see You face to face. We Love You, Lord. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God deserves to be honored and these verses give us teaching on how to do that.
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
This verse from Proverbs teaches us to honor the Lord.
We can honor or glorify God by our giving of our possessions to Him.
The word "first-fruits" means to tithe.
It means the top of the heap.
Honoring the Lord with our possessions truly does say we respect Him, and recognize He is Lord over all, and all that we have has come from Him.
So, you can use your wealth and the best part of everything your land produces to glorify God.
2. God also promises to bless those who honor Him with their possessions.
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
As we honor the Lord He makes a promise to us.
It's been said a person can never out give the Lord.
That is essentially what is being said here.
As we give to the Lord He promises to give back to us in a greater way.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 3:10 “Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it sad that when the issue of money and giving to God comes up, people bristle?
2. Why do you think that is the case?
3. Isn't all of God's Word true?
4. Is this an area of your life where you are in sync with what the Bible says?
5. It's not a bad idea for all of us to consider where we stand with our resources and God's Word.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Word, it's all so true and wonderful for our lives. In this particular area, would You please help us not to bristle if we are doing so. Mostly, we pray that we would simply take Your Word and take it to heart, and truly honor and glorify You by giving to You as is stated in these verses. And, we thank You that we can never out give You.
You always wind up being the greater giver. Thank You for that. You are so good, and You will continue to be good, and one day, we are going to see You face to face. We Love You, Lord. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Sunday, January 11, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S LEADING AND DIRECTION"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S LEADING AND DIRECTION"
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. What God calls us to do about being led by Him.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Here God gives us plain and easy to understand instruction about what to do with ourselves.
We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Or a full and complete faith in God.
Secondly, we are not to lean on our own understanding.
Or to put it another way, we are not to depend on our understanding.
Ot to put it even another way, we are to seek His will in all that we do.
We can depend on Him, but we must first trust in Him.
2. What God promises to do for those who receive His Word.
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Now we have the promise of what God will do for those who do put their trust in Him.
We are promised that God will direct our paths.
The idea here behind this word "direct" is actually one that means to clear the way, and open up the way, to make the way straight and easier to do on.
It would be the picture of having debris removed from the road, and making your travel easier.
It's easier to travel through this life by trusting in God than by trusting in ourselves.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that trust or faith comes to us from the Bible?
2. Have you ever wondered why God calls people to be people of His Word?
3. Have you found direction and help from God as You have taken His Word seriously in your heart?
4. Will you ask Him today to help You put your complete trust in Him?
5. Trusting God is the same as surrounding to Him, will you do that this day?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You that we do not have to travel through this life alone. We have You with us, and we can engage with You day by day by giving our lives to You and depending on You. We do not have to depend on our own wisdom, but we can look to You to guide us and to direct us. Help us, Lord, to start each day this way, and thank You that we can be assured that You who cannot lie will do Your part. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. What God calls us to do about being led by Him.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Here God gives us plain and easy to understand instruction about what to do with ourselves.
We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Or a full and complete faith in God.
Secondly, we are not to lean on our own understanding.
Or to put it another way, we are not to depend on our understanding.
Ot to put it even another way, we are to seek His will in all that we do.
We can depend on Him, but we must first trust in Him.
2. What God promises to do for those who receive His Word.
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Now we have the promise of what God will do for those who do put their trust in Him.
We are promised that God will direct our paths.
The idea here behind this word "direct" is actually one that means to clear the way, and open up the way, to make the way straight and easier to do on.
It would be the picture of having debris removed from the road, and making your travel easier.
It's easier to travel through this life by trusting in God than by trusting in ourselves.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that trust or faith comes to us from the Bible?
2. Have you ever wondered why God calls people to be people of His Word?
3. Have you found direction and help from God as You have taken His Word seriously in your heart?
4. Will you ask Him today to help You put your complete trust in Him?
5. Trusting God is the same as surrounding to Him, will you do that this day?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You that we do not have to travel through this life alone. We have You with us, and we can engage with You day by day by giving our lives to You and depending on You. We do not have to depend on our own wisdom, but we can look to You to guide us and to direct us. Help us, Lord, to start each day this way, and thank You that we can be assured that You who cannot lie will do Your part. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, January 8, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT NOT HAVING TO WORRY"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT NOT HAVING TO WORRY"
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus plainly tells us not to worry about certain things and He tells us why not to worry.
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Jesus tells us not to worry.
Jesus tells us what not to worry about.
Jesus says, don't worry about having enough food, drink, or clothing.
Jesus explains that this is what pagans (unbelievers) do.
Jesus says that these are all the things that pagans are deeply concerned about.
Jesus tells us why we do not need to worry.
It's because our heavenly Father already knows all of our needs.
He knows what we need.
He will take care of providing what we need.
He will take care of literally all of our needs.
2. Jesus tells us what to do with our lives, giving us a promise and another reminder not to worry.
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Jesus teaches us to live for Him.
As we live for Him, He will take care of our needs from day to day.
We are to make His kingdom (the reign and the rule of Christ) our primary concern.
Putting Jesus first in our lives day by day.
And the final reminder about not worrying.
Here He specifies what not to worry about.
It's called tomorrow.
He gives us a reason, if you will.
Tomorrow will have it's own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
So don't add to your problems today by worrying about tomorrow.
Leave tomorrow alone.
Leave it in God's hands.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you agree that some things are easier said then done?
2. Would you agree that worrying would fall into that category?
3. And would you agree that God can help us with what is difficult?
4. Hasn't God told us that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth?
5. Doesn't that then make Him able to fulfill all His promises to us?
A Prayer:
Lord, Your Word is so encompassing. One day we read it, and it deals with one important area of our life. And the next day we read it, and it deals with another important area of our lives. Thank You so much. You are so gracious, loving, caring, and able to do all that You promise. We love You and want to stay close to You and have You in our minds through the day. Help us especially when surprising and difficult things come our way. They rock us and can knock us down. But, Lord, pick us up quickly, and help us to turn our minds and hearts to You quickly. And to believe You, and not look at or trust in our feelings or lean to our own understand. You cannot lie. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus plainly tells us not to worry about certain things and He tells us why not to worry.
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Jesus tells us not to worry.
Jesus tells us what not to worry about.
Jesus says, don't worry about having enough food, drink, or clothing.
Jesus explains that this is what pagans (unbelievers) do.
Jesus says that these are all the things that pagans are deeply concerned about.
Jesus tells us why we do not need to worry.
It's because our heavenly Father already knows all of our needs.
He knows what we need.
He will take care of providing what we need.
He will take care of literally all of our needs.
2. Jesus tells us what to do with our lives, giving us a promise and another reminder not to worry.
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Jesus teaches us to live for Him.
As we live for Him, He will take care of our needs from day to day.
We are to make His kingdom (the reign and the rule of Christ) our primary concern.
Putting Jesus first in our lives day by day.
And the final reminder about not worrying.
Here He specifies what not to worry about.
It's called tomorrow.
He gives us a reason, if you will.
Tomorrow will have it's own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
So don't add to your problems today by worrying about tomorrow.
Leave tomorrow alone.
Leave it in God's hands.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you agree that some things are easier said then done?
2. Would you agree that worrying would fall into that category?
3. And would you agree that God can help us with what is difficult?
4. Hasn't God told us that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth?
5. Doesn't that then make Him able to fulfill all His promises to us?
A Prayer:
Lord, Your Word is so encompassing. One day we read it, and it deals with one important area of our life. And the next day we read it, and it deals with another important area of our lives. Thank You so much. You are so gracious, loving, caring, and able to do all that You promise. We love You and want to stay close to You and have You in our minds through the day. Help us especially when surprising and difficult things come our way. They rock us and can knock us down. But, Lord, pick us up quickly, and help us to turn our minds and hearts to You quickly. And to believe You, and not look at or trust in our feelings or lean to our own understand. You cannot lie. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSING YOU WITH TWO BLESSINGS"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSING YOU WITH TWO BLESSINGS"
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us how to regard His Word in order to receive His blessings.
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Please notice what God says about how we can relate to His Word.
We are to receive it.
We are to treasure it.
We are to incline our ear to His wisdom.
We are to apply our hearts to His understanding.
We can cry out for discernment
We can lift up our voice for understanding.
We can seek understanding as we would for silver.
We can search for understanding as we would for hidden treasures.
In other words.
We can listen to God and treasure His instructions.
We can tune in our ears to His wisdom and concentrate on understanding.
We can ask for insight and search for it as we would for lost money or hidden treasure.
2. God tells us what blessings He will bring into our lives and why He will bless us.
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
We are promised to understand the fear of the Lord.
We are promised to find the knowledge of God.
Or to put it another way, we will understand what it means to fear the Lord.
And, we will assuredly gain the knowledge of God.
All of this will happen because God has promised that it will.
He grants wisdom, and from His mouth or His Word come knowledge and understanding.
Some Questions:
1. Aren't these verses encouraging?
2. Isn't God gracious to make this promise to us?
3. Can you see why it's important to be a person who is in the Word?
4. Are you someone who is moving in this direction?
5. How is your particular church body doing in regard to these verses?
6. Will you pray for yourself and your church to hunger for God's Word?
A Prayer:
Father, Your promises are so wonderful to read. And they are wonderful because they are true.
You are so gracious and giving to us. Your Word is so important, and yet, Father, we often do not pay attention to it.
In fact, Lord, You know the condition of our hearts and our interest or lack for Your Word. We have to be honest and say that there is a great need today for the body of Christ to be revived and renewed in our hunger for You, and for Your Word.
Would You please start with each of us who are reading this devotional and prayer this very day. Create a new hunger in our hearts, Lord, for what You want for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us how to regard His Word in order to receive His blessings.
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Please notice what God says about how we can relate to His Word.
We are to receive it.
We are to treasure it.
We are to incline our ear to His wisdom.
We are to apply our hearts to His understanding.
We can cry out for discernment
We can lift up our voice for understanding.
We can seek understanding as we would for silver.
We can search for understanding as we would for hidden treasures.
In other words.
We can listen to God and treasure His instructions.
We can tune in our ears to His wisdom and concentrate on understanding.
We can ask for insight and search for it as we would for lost money or hidden treasure.
2. God tells us what blessings He will bring into our lives and why He will bless us.
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
We are promised to understand the fear of the Lord.
We are promised to find the knowledge of God.
Or to put it another way, we will understand what it means to fear the Lord.
And, we will assuredly gain the knowledge of God.
All of this will happen because God has promised that it will.
He grants wisdom, and from His mouth or His Word come knowledge and understanding.
Some Questions:
1. Aren't these verses encouraging?
2. Isn't God gracious to make this promise to us?
3. Can you see why it's important to be a person who is in the Word?
4. Are you someone who is moving in this direction?
5. How is your particular church body doing in regard to these verses?
6. Will you pray for yourself and your church to hunger for God's Word?
A Prayer:
Father, Your promises are so wonderful to read. And they are wonderful because they are true.
You are so gracious and giving to us. Your Word is so important, and yet, Father, we often do not pay attention to it.
In fact, Lord, You know the condition of our hearts and our interest or lack for Your Word. We have to be honest and say that there is a great need today for the body of Christ to be revived and renewed in our hunger for You, and for Your Word.
Would You please start with each of us who are reading this devotional and prayer this very day. Create a new hunger in our hearts, Lord, for what You want for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
“SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WISDOM FROM GOD CONCERNING TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE”
“SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WISDOM FROM GOD CONCERNING TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE”
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us about a certain group of people.
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
This group of people actually hate the knowledge of God.
And, they choose not to fear the Lord.
They do not want God's counsel of advice.
And, they pay no attention to God when He tries to correct them.
They reject God's advice. And go with their own wisdom.
2. God tells us what will happen to this group of people.
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Because of their choices, they will eat the bitter fruit of living their own way.
They will experience the full terror of the path they have chosen.
They will be filled with their own fancies.
What a sad future awaits this group of people.
Their choice to turn away will slay them.
They are turning from life to death.
The Bible says they are fools and that their own complacency will destroy them.
3. God tells us about another group of people.
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
This is the group to be in right here.
These people listen to God.
These people are promised to dwell in safety.
These are the people who hear and respond to God's Word.
They will live in peace and safety and be unafraid of harm.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it startling to read about these two groups of people?
2. Do you see the two groups of people around you?
3. We who are in Christ were once in that first group.
4. Let's pray for those we know who are rejecting God that they will repent and turn to Christ. Will You pray for them?
A Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your Word makes no bones about reality. You tell us plainly what's what, and who is who. We thank You for teaching us the truth. We also pray to be walking in the truth ourselves, and not just reading about it, or talking about it, or being self deceived. We pray for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc, who are rejecting You at that this time. Lord, we were once rejectors, but Your grace made us receivers of Jesus Christ.
Please make them receivers also. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us about a certain group of people.
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
This group of people actually hate the knowledge of God.
And, they choose not to fear the Lord.
They do not want God's counsel of advice.
And, they pay no attention to God when He tries to correct them.
They reject God's advice. And go with their own wisdom.
2. God tells us what will happen to this group of people.
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Because of their choices, they will eat the bitter fruit of living their own way.
They will experience the full terror of the path they have chosen.
They will be filled with their own fancies.
What a sad future awaits this group of people.
Their choice to turn away will slay them.
They are turning from life to death.
The Bible says they are fools and that their own complacency will destroy them.
3. God tells us about another group of people.
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
This is the group to be in right here.
These people listen to God.
These people are promised to dwell in safety.
These are the people who hear and respond to God's Word.
They will live in peace and safety and be unafraid of harm.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it startling to read about these two groups of people?
2. Do you see the two groups of people around you?
3. We who are in Christ were once in that first group.
4. Let's pray for those we know who are rejecting God that they will repent and turn to Christ. Will You pray for them?
A Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your Word makes no bones about reality. You tell us plainly what's what, and who is who. We thank You for teaching us the truth. We also pray to be walking in the truth ourselves, and not just reading about it, or talking about it, or being self deceived. We pray for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc, who are rejecting You at that this time. Lord, we were once rejectors, but Your grace made us receivers of Jesus Christ.
Please make them receivers also. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, January 5, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT MEETING WITH GOD PERSONALLY"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT MEETING WITH GOD PERSONALLY"
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. As we journey through life, it's good to pause and call on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Abram was actually moving from one location to another.
He would often return to places he had been before.
Our lives are not so transient, yet we have a new day, day by day.
What we see Abram doing is a good picture for us of what we can do.
He would pause or camp at the altar of worship he made, and worship God.
We can do the same thing morning by morning. Pause and worship our Savior.
2. We are on a journey, and God can be approached day by day.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
We need to connect with God regularly.
Abram did this frequently.
He is again a good example of consistently worshipping and fellowshipping with God.
We can connect with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the way the the truth and the life.
And no man comes to the Father but by Him.
Thank You, Jesus, for being our mediator to the Father.
3. We can call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Abram had built an altar.
He did this to worship God.
He came back to the altar he had built.
And at the altar he would call upon the name of the LORD.
We can have our own altars, if you will.
Perhaps it's the chair in your living room where you sit in the mornings to read your Bible.
Or maybe it's some other location.
But, it's also an altar in your heart, as it were, where you day by day call upon the God who you need and who hears You.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that like Abram we are on a journey that will take us to heaven one day?
2. Do you feel the need in your life for God today?
3. Why do you think Abram would regularly pause at the altar he built and call upon God?
4. Because he was a man just like you or me, and he knew he could not live his life without God at the center of his life.
5. May we all be encouraged to develop the practice of seeking the Lord day by day and calling upon Him. He listens.
A Prayer:
Father, some days are bright and some days are cloudy spiritually. It's easy to call upon you on a bright day, but a little more difficult, and in fact, often very very difficult to turn our minds away from what may be troubling us and turn them to You, and fix our thoughts and hearts upon You, and upon Your Word. Help us, Lord, to build an altar each morning, regardless of the color of our day, i.e our souls. Be they happy or troubled, we can build that altar and there meet with You, and You meet with us. You love us much more than we love You. But help us, Lord, to grow more and more in our love to You. It won't be long before we will be in heaven, and the troubles of this life will be over. Thank You that in the mean time we can pause and connect with You and find a little bit, or a lot of heavenly influence in our lives to help us on our journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. As we journey through life, it's good to pause and call on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Abram was actually moving from one location to another.
He would often return to places he had been before.
Our lives are not so transient, yet we have a new day, day by day.
What we see Abram doing is a good picture for us of what we can do.
He would pause or camp at the altar of worship he made, and worship God.
We can do the same thing morning by morning. Pause and worship our Savior.
2. We are on a journey, and God can be approached day by day.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
We need to connect with God regularly.
Abram did this frequently.
He is again a good example of consistently worshipping and fellowshipping with God.
We can connect with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the way the the truth and the life.
And no man comes to the Father but by Him.
Thank You, Jesus, for being our mediator to the Father.
3. We can call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Abram had built an altar.
He did this to worship God.
He came back to the altar he had built.
And at the altar he would call upon the name of the LORD.
We can have our own altars, if you will.
Perhaps it's the chair in your living room where you sit in the mornings to read your Bible.
Or maybe it's some other location.
But, it's also an altar in your heart, as it were, where you day by day call upon the God who you need and who hears You.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that like Abram we are on a journey that will take us to heaven one day?
2. Do you feel the need in your life for God today?
3. Why do you think Abram would regularly pause at the altar he built and call upon God?
4. Because he was a man just like you or me, and he knew he could not live his life without God at the center of his life.
5. May we all be encouraged to develop the practice of seeking the Lord day by day and calling upon Him. He listens.
A Prayer:
Father, some days are bright and some days are cloudy spiritually. It's easy to call upon you on a bright day, but a little more difficult, and in fact, often very very difficult to turn our minds away from what may be troubling us and turn them to You, and fix our thoughts and hearts upon You, and upon Your Word. Help us, Lord, to build an altar each morning, regardless of the color of our day, i.e our souls. Be they happy or troubled, we can build that altar and there meet with You, and You meet with us. You love us much more than we love You. But help us, Lord, to grow more and more in our love to You. It won't be long before we will be in heaven, and the troubles of this life will be over. Thank You that in the mean time we can pause and connect with You and find a little bit, or a lot of heavenly influence in our lives to help us on our journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE MAN NOAH"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE MAN NOAH"
Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Genesis 6:9 “This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”
Genesis 6:22 “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Noah, (even though all around him was corrupt) found grace or favor with the Lord.
Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
We are living in days very similar to Noah's day.
Everyone is pretty much doing what they want to, instead of seeking to do what God wants them to do.
Even though life is as it is, God is the grace or favor giver.
Grace is undeserved favor.
You can find grace from God.
You can ask God for grace.
You can be sure God will give you grace.
Because God is gracious and loves to give His grace.
2. God noted three things about Noah.
Genesis 6:9 “This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”
Noah was a just man, or a righteous man, that is, he walked in the path God laid out for him.
Noah was perfect in his generation, or the only blameless man living on the earth at that time.
Noah walked with God. That is, he consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with Him.
What Noah was, we can be.
Remember, Noah lived by grace.
Grace enables a man to live the way Noah lived.
3. Noah was obedient to God's will for him.
Genesis 6:22 “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”
God has something for each of us to do also.
Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him.
Remember Noah did all this by grace.
What a man Noah was.
What an example Noah was.
What a pattern for us to follow.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know what grace means?
2. Do you know that God wants to give you grace today?
3. Do you know you cannot or need not try to earn grace?
4. Do you know that grace means unmerited favor, or undeserved favor?
5. Do you know what God wants you to do with your life right now?
6. Will you aspire to be like Noah and do exactly as God commands You?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for being so full of grace and compassion, and love and mercy. We need all of these each day, and throughout each day. May we find what Noah did, Your grace and Your favor. Thank You for this example of what grace can do in a man's life. We pray that Your grace would show itself in our lives just as it did Noah's. Show us Your will, and give us grace and power to do it, Lord. That is our request and desire towards You this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
Genesis 6:9 “This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”
Genesis 6:22 “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Noah, (even though all around him was corrupt) found grace or favor with the Lord.
Genesis 6:8 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
We are living in days very similar to Noah's day.
Everyone is pretty much doing what they want to, instead of seeking to do what God wants them to do.
Even though life is as it is, God is the grace or favor giver.
Grace is undeserved favor.
You can find grace from God.
You can ask God for grace.
You can be sure God will give you grace.
Because God is gracious and loves to give His grace.
2. God noted three things about Noah.
Genesis 6:9 “This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God.”
Noah was a just man, or a righteous man, that is, he walked in the path God laid out for him.
Noah was perfect in his generation, or the only blameless man living on the earth at that time.
Noah walked with God. That is, he consistently followed God's will and enjoyed a close relationship with Him.
What Noah was, we can be.
Remember, Noah lived by grace.
Grace enables a man to live the way Noah lived.
3. Noah was obedient to God's will for him.
Genesis 6:22 “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.”
God has something for each of us to do also.
Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him.
Remember Noah did all this by grace.
What a man Noah was.
What an example Noah was.
What a pattern for us to follow.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know what grace means?
2. Do you know that God wants to give you grace today?
3. Do you know you cannot or need not try to earn grace?
4. Do you know that grace means unmerited favor, or undeserved favor?
5. Do you know what God wants you to do with your life right now?
6. Will you aspire to be like Noah and do exactly as God commands You?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for being so full of grace and compassion, and love and mercy. We need all of these each day, and throughout each day. May we find what Noah did, Your grace and Your favor. Thank You for this example of what grace can do in a man's life. We pray that Your grace would show itself in our lives just as it did Noah's. Show us Your will, and give us grace and power to do it, Lord. That is our request and desire towards You this day. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING THE FEAR OF THE LORD AND IT'S BLESSING"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE CONCERNING THE FEAR OF THE LORD AND IT'S BLESSING"
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs 1:9 “For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. To fear God is the beginning of having knowledge.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The fear spoken of here, is not one of being terrified.
Rather it speaks of respect for God.
That respect can and ought to include a healthy fear of Him.
But, having this respect/fear of God is the beginning of having knowledge.
There is much knowledge to be gained in this life.
But this knowledge is the most valuable.
And it becomes ours as we learn to respect God and walk in that respect day by day.
2. Only fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
A man can be wise, or he can be foolish.
The choice is up to him.
God wants us to be wise.
A wise man respects/fears God.
A foolish man on the other hand despises wisdom and instruction.
God is wise, God is wisdom, and His instruction is pure and the greatest there is.
How foolish to think we might know better than God.
I'm afraid sometimes we do.
3. We ought to listen to what our Father teaches us.
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs was written by Solomon and is a record of a father speaking to his son.
But, it's good application to view Proverbs as our heavenly Father speaking to His earthly children.
And, here we are simply encouraged to listen to what our Father would say to us.
And contextually for children not to forsake the teaching of their mothers.
God does speak to us through His Word.
It serves us well, and brings joy to God's heart when we listen to Him, and do what He says to do.
4. What we learn from God will be a crown of grace and honor in our lives.
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
The blessing of fearing God and listening to Him is stated here.
What we learn from God will crown our lives if you will.
God will crown our lives with grace and honor.
It sure makes sense to fear God and listen to Him day by day.
Who is wiser than God?
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing to know that we can actually have the best knowledge available to man?
2. And isn't it a blessing to know that God wants to give us this knowledge?
3. Do you ever struggle with the concept of fearing God?
4. If you do struggle with it, will you ask Him to give you insight and wisdom into your struggle?
5. Will you please look forward to God's crowing your life with grace and honor this coming year?
A Prayer:
Father, like the Psalms, how we enjoy the Proverbs. The Psalms lift us up to the heavens, and the Proverbs help us walk carefully and wisely down here on earth. You connect heaven and earth for us through these two books in Your holy Bible.
Thank You for them both. May we take to heart Your instruction, and learn to walk in the fear of the Lord. May we respect You and obey You. And may we thank You in advance for your crowning grace and honor in our lives as You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs 1:9 “For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. To fear God is the beginning of having knowledge.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The fear spoken of here, is not one of being terrified.
Rather it speaks of respect for God.
That respect can and ought to include a healthy fear of Him.
But, having this respect/fear of God is the beginning of having knowledge.
There is much knowledge to be gained in this life.
But this knowledge is the most valuable.
And it becomes ours as we learn to respect God and walk in that respect day by day.
2. Only fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
A man can be wise, or he can be foolish.
The choice is up to him.
God wants us to be wise.
A wise man respects/fears God.
A foolish man on the other hand despises wisdom and instruction.
God is wise, God is wisdom, and His instruction is pure and the greatest there is.
How foolish to think we might know better than God.
I'm afraid sometimes we do.
3. We ought to listen to what our Father teaches us.
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
Proverbs was written by Solomon and is a record of a father speaking to his son.
But, it's good application to view Proverbs as our heavenly Father speaking to His earthly children.
And, here we are simply encouraged to listen to what our Father would say to us.
And contextually for children not to forsake the teaching of their mothers.
God does speak to us through His Word.
It serves us well, and brings joy to God's heart when we listen to Him, and do what He says to do.
4. What we learn from God will be a crown of grace and honor in our lives.
Proverbs 1:8 “My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother;”
The blessing of fearing God and listening to Him is stated here.
What we learn from God will crown our lives if you will.
God will crown our lives with grace and honor.
It sure makes sense to fear God and listen to Him day by day.
Who is wiser than God?
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing to know that we can actually have the best knowledge available to man?
2. And isn't it a blessing to know that God wants to give us this knowledge?
3. Do you ever struggle with the concept of fearing God?
4. If you do struggle with it, will you ask Him to give you insight and wisdom into your struggle?
5. Will you please look forward to God's crowing your life with grace and honor this coming year?
A Prayer:
Father, like the Psalms, how we enjoy the Proverbs. The Psalms lift us up to the heavens, and the Proverbs help us walk carefully and wisely down here on earth. You connect heaven and earth for us through these two books in Your holy Bible.
Thank You for them both. May we take to heart Your instruction, and learn to walk in the fear of the Lord. May we respect You and obey You. And may we thank You in advance for your crowning grace and honor in our lives as You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Friday, January 2, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE MAN WHO IS BLESSED"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE MAN WHO IS BLESSED"
Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”
Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:3 “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us how a man can be blessed, or happy.
Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”
There are many other things that could be said, and are said in Scripture about being blessed, but here in Psalm 1, the Lord tells us something very foundational and important.
Blessedness is a by product of not doing certain things
Those things are given to us in Psalm 1:1
They are…
Nor walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Or not following the advice of the wicked.
Nor standing in the path of sinners. Or standing around with sinners… Hanging out with, them as it were.
Nor sitting in the seat of the scornful. Or joining in with those who scoff at the Lord and the things of the Lord.
2. Blessedness is now explained as a result of something we do.
Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
So, while the first key to being blessed or happy is to not do certain things, here we see the second key to being blessed or happy is actually found in something a man does. It's right in Psalm 1:2.
He delights in the Law of the Lord.
And in His law he meditates day and night.
It's speaking of a man who takes delight or pleasure in everything the Lord wants for him to do and be.
And this blessed man spends his life in fellowship with God day and night, thinking about the Word of God.
God's Word is foundational, consistently part of his life.
Knowing it and doing it.
3. The blessed man is described for us.
Psalm 1:3 “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”
Here we have a very simple and powerful picture of what the blessed man is like.
The blessed man is like a tree planted along the riverbank.
The blessed man bears fruit in each season of his life without fail.
The leaves of the blessed man's life never wither.
The blessed man is a man who prospers in all that he does.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you think happiness is the one thing most people really want in life?
2. Haven't you heard people interviewed and asked, what they really want?
3. Isn't the answer quite often, "I want to be happy”?
4. How many times was the word "happy” used just last night (New Years eve day and night)?
5. How many times do you think the word "happy" will be used over the next couple of weeks as people wish one another "happy new year"?
6. It's an interesting reality that it's absent from so many lives, and is indeed present in so many lives don't you think?
7. Can you say that you are truly a happy person?
8. Do you desire to be a truly happy person?
9 Will You take a moment and re-read these verses and see the clear way to happiness?
A Prayer:
Father, how often do we turn to the Psalms. Thank You for them. How they speak to us so clearly.
And it's been said that this 1st Psalm is like a key to the entire book of Psalms. And Your Word is the central part of that key, unlocking the truth of God to the soul of man. Lord, may this truly be a happy new year for us, regardless of what may come and go in our lives. You promise that we can be happy, and You do not tell lies. So, may we walk into this new year with Your Word being a regular part of our lives. And, may we take Your counsel to heart and avoid those things and people that would cause us to not enjoy the happiness that You have for us. Thank You Father. In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”
Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
Psalm 1:3 “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us how a man can be blessed, or happy.
Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”
There are many other things that could be said, and are said in Scripture about being blessed, but here in Psalm 1, the Lord tells us something very foundational and important.
Blessedness is a by product of not doing certain things
Those things are given to us in Psalm 1:1
They are…
Nor walking in the counsel of the ungodly. Or not following the advice of the wicked.
Nor standing in the path of sinners. Or standing around with sinners… Hanging out with, them as it were.
Nor sitting in the seat of the scornful. Or joining in with those who scoff at the Lord and the things of the Lord.
2. Blessedness is now explained as a result of something we do.
Psalm 1:2 “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.”
So, while the first key to being blessed or happy is to not do certain things, here we see the second key to being blessed or happy is actually found in something a man does. It's right in Psalm 1:2.
He delights in the Law of the Lord.
And in His law he meditates day and night.
It's speaking of a man who takes delight or pleasure in everything the Lord wants for him to do and be.
And this blessed man spends his life in fellowship with God day and night, thinking about the Word of God.
God's Word is foundational, consistently part of his life.
Knowing it and doing it.
3. The blessed man is described for us.
Psalm 1:3 “He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”
Here we have a very simple and powerful picture of what the blessed man is like.
The blessed man is like a tree planted along the riverbank.
The blessed man bears fruit in each season of his life without fail.
The leaves of the blessed man's life never wither.
The blessed man is a man who prospers in all that he does.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you think happiness is the one thing most people really want in life?
2. Haven't you heard people interviewed and asked, what they really want?
3. Isn't the answer quite often, "I want to be happy”?
4. How many times was the word "happy” used just last night (New Years eve day and night)?
5. How many times do you think the word "happy" will be used over the next couple of weeks as people wish one another "happy new year"?
6. It's an interesting reality that it's absent from so many lives, and is indeed present in so many lives don't you think?
7. Can you say that you are truly a happy person?
8. Do you desire to be a truly happy person?
9 Will You take a moment and re-read these verses and see the clear way to happiness?
A Prayer:
Father, how often do we turn to the Psalms. Thank You for them. How they speak to us so clearly.
And it's been said that this 1st Psalm is like a key to the entire book of Psalms. And Your Word is the central part of that key, unlocking the truth of God to the soul of man. Lord, may this truly be a happy new year for us, regardless of what may come and go in our lives. You promise that we can be happy, and You do not tell lies. So, may we walk into this new year with Your Word being a regular part of our lives. And, may we take Your counsel to heart and avoid those things and people that would cause us to not enjoy the happiness that You have for us. Thank You Father. In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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