"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE - FOUR TRUTHS ABOUT THE FEAR OF THE LORD"
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, To turn one away from the snares of death.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These verses are of course from God's book of Wisdom for living. The Proverbs. And in these two verses, there are 4 wonderful truths about what the fear is, and the blessings of walking in the fear of the Lord.
1. In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence. Or to say it another way, those who walk in the fear of the LORD are secure. We live in a world filled with an enemy. The devil, and his demons. They are against the Lord, the people who know and follow the Lord. When we walk in respect and reverence, awe and submission to God's will, we find ourselves with a strong confidence day by day, and we are secure.
Jeremiah 17:7 “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.
2. And, His children will have a place of refuge. This verse is telling us that God is that place of refuge. God Himself is our refuge. A place of safety from danger. Psalm 142:5 Then I pray to you, O LORD. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. Isaiah 25:4 But to the poor, O LORD, you are a refuge from the storm. To the needy in distress, you are a shelter from the rain and the heat. For the oppressive acts of ruthless people are like a storm beating against a wall,
3. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life. Here is another benefit that comes from the fear of the Lord. What a beautiful word picture this is for us. A fountain of life. God meets the thirsts in our lives as we walk in the fear of the Lord. He quenches our thirst. Being satisfied when thirsty is so comforting. Psalm 36:9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see.
4. The fear of the LORD will turn one away from the snares of death. When a person walks in, and lives in the fear of the Lord, one of the primary effects and benefits is, that person will be turned away from the snares of death. Snares are traps that catch a person into sin. One can't see them. But, when one is looking up to God in worship, He is the light that shines to the safe path of life. In other words, the fear of the Lord offers escape from the snares of death.
Some questions:
1. Do you believe at this time in your life, You are finding God to be that place of refuge and shelter?
2. If so, would You take just a moment to say "Thank You Lord for Your protection in my life.
3. How would you describe to someone what it means to walk in the fear of the Lord? Is that something you feel comfortable with, and believe you understand what it means?
4. The fear of the Lord keeps us from the snares of death. Can you think of times you have felt ensnared by death and sin? What a joy to realize that God Himself will keep you from those snares as You walk in the fear of the Lord.
A prayer:
Father, Your Book of Wisdom, the Book of Proverbs is always a blessing to read. Thank You for showing us how to live on a practical day to day basis. You address almost every area of life in these 31 chapters. Please give us that hunger to take Your Word, read it, study it, believe it, and put it into practice. Again, thank You Father. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD"
John 4:31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”
John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
The above verses were spoken by Jesus following a conversation that He had with a woman of Samaria. And, then a talk He had with His own disciples. The disciples were urging Jesus to have something to eat. And, that led into what He said to them about the will of God. Let's see what our Lord said.
1. Jesus said He had food to eat that they did not know of or about. John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” As we are going to see, He was talking about the will of God being the food for His soul.
The disciples were wondering if someone had brought Him some food. John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” They just like us did not easily understand many things that Jesus said. But the passage reveals it to us in terms we can understand. Let's see what Jesus meant.
(1) Jesus called His food, "to do the will of Him who sent me.
(2) Jesus called His food "and to finish His work"
(3) Jesus said, not to think that the harvest of mens souls was off in the distance, but rather it was right now.
2. Of course Jesus ate real food just like we do. And, He received nourishment and strength from eating just like we do, but here He is speaking of spiritual nourishment. And, He was speaking of spiritual hunger. He was nourished by doing God's Will. And, so are we. He was hungry for God's will. And, God would have us to have that same hunger.
3. Jesus wanted to not only do the will of God, but He wanted to finish the will of God for His life. And, in this context, He was referencing going to the cross to die for our sins. He was hungry to do that. He wanted to do that. He loves us so much.
4. Jesus was also explaining that men's souls were ready now to be harvested. There was no need to wait. No time to waste as it were. People need salvation now. And, He wanted His disciples to have a sense of urgency and mission.
Some questions:
1. How often do you think about God's will for your life?
2. Are you confident and truly believing He does have a will for you?
3. Would You today ask Him to begin/or continue revealing His will for your life.?
4. Are you hungry like Jesus was for God's will to be done in your life?
5. Will You today, thank the Lord that He does have a will for you?
6. Will you today, do whatever it is that God is calling you to do?
A prayer:
Father, we never, ever tire of Your wonderful Word. It is so refreshing, and so timely for us. We love You, and Lord Jesus, how can we ever thank You for what You have done for us. Will You please make us like Jesus. Will You put in us a hunger for and an urgency to do Your will. There are countless people all around us who need salvation, and encouragement. Use us we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
John 4:31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.”
John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.”
John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?”
John 4:34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.
John 4:35 “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
The above verses were spoken by Jesus following a conversation that He had with a woman of Samaria. And, then a talk He had with His own disciples. The disciples were urging Jesus to have something to eat. And, that led into what He said to them about the will of God. Let's see what our Lord said.
1. Jesus said He had food to eat that they did not know of or about. John 4:32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” As we are going to see, He was talking about the will of God being the food for His soul.
The disciples were wondering if someone had brought Him some food. John 4:33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?” They just like us did not easily understand many things that Jesus said. But the passage reveals it to us in terms we can understand. Let's see what Jesus meant.
(1) Jesus called His food, "to do the will of Him who sent me.
(2) Jesus called His food "and to finish His work"
(3) Jesus said, not to think that the harvest of mens souls was off in the distance, but rather it was right now.
2. Of course Jesus ate real food just like we do. And, He received nourishment and strength from eating just like we do, but here He is speaking of spiritual nourishment. And, He was speaking of spiritual hunger. He was nourished by doing God's Will. And, so are we. He was hungry for God's will. And, God would have us to have that same hunger.
3. Jesus wanted to not only do the will of God, but He wanted to finish the will of God for His life. And, in this context, He was referencing going to the cross to die for our sins. He was hungry to do that. He wanted to do that. He loves us so much.
4. Jesus was also explaining that men's souls were ready now to be harvested. There was no need to wait. No time to waste as it were. People need salvation now. And, He wanted His disciples to have a sense of urgency and mission.
Some questions:
1. How often do you think about God's will for your life?
2. Are you confident and truly believing He does have a will for you?
3. Would You today ask Him to begin/or continue revealing His will for your life.?
4. Are you hungry like Jesus was for God's will to be done in your life?
5. Will You today, thank the Lord that He does have a will for you?
6. Will you today, do whatever it is that God is calling you to do?
A prayer:
Father, we never, ever tire of Your wonderful Word. It is so refreshing, and so timely for us. We love You, and Lord Jesus, how can we ever thank You for what You have done for us. Will You please make us like Jesus. Will You put in us a hunger for and an urgency to do Your will. There are countless people all around us who need salvation, and encouragement. Use us we pray. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD DEALS WITH OUR SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD DEALS WITH OUR SINS"
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
Psalm 103: 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Some Explanatory thoughts/Application/Question, and a Prayer:
The Scriptures above are taken from the from the New Living Translation. And, this particular Psalm, is a magnificent hymn of praises, ( believed to be written by King David ) in which he speaks of God's personal, and national blessing, and about His forgiving love, and His eternal love.
1. God has not given us what we deserve.
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
The Lord not giving us what we deserve, is also called mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve for our sins.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve for our sins. God has been, and is merciful towards us.
And, His mercies are new every morning, and they are everlasting.
2. God loves us with an unfailing love. Psalm 103: 11a For his unfailing love toward those who fear him'
How wonderful, that His love is unfailing. God is love, and, He never fails to love us. He cannot but love us, because God is love. And, nothing can separate us from His love. See Rom 8
4. God's love for those who fear Him is great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 11b as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
This helps us to somewhat understand the greatness of His loves. It's as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Today, just take a look up during the day time, and then when it turns night. It will help you to see this verse in action. What you will see is a measurement of how great His love is for you.
5. God has removed our sins and rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
How beautiful is the word removed. It means, to become far, distant, go far away. To send away, to be gone far away. To put far away. And, how far is the east from the west? We can't measure it. It's limitless.
That's how far our sins have been removed, they are gone.
6. God is father, treats us as His children with tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Our God is also our Father. He has adopted us into His family. And, though some may not have had good fathers here on earth, please be comforted in knowing that Your heavenly Father treats you with tender compassion.
He knows we are weak, and He treats us accordingly.
A question or two:
1. Would you take a moment to reflect on God's forgiveness and thank Him for it today?
2. Do you still think about the sins you have committed, but, please try and realize that God has removed them, and as far as He is concerned they are gone, gone, gone. Forever, and ever.
3. Do you need something right now in your life? Would you please ask God for it today. He is Your father, and He knows Your needs, and wants to minister to those needs.
A prayer:
Father, these scriptures bring our hearts such comfort, and the elicit great praise to You. Thank You for who You are, and for what You have done for us. Please help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to share the good news of what You will do with a persons sins who would come to Christ in faith. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
Psalm 103: 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Some Explanatory thoughts/Application/Question, and a Prayer:
The Scriptures above are taken from the from the New Living Translation. And, this particular Psalm, is a magnificent hymn of praises, ( believed to be written by King David ) in which he speaks of God's personal, and national blessing, and about His forgiving love, and His eternal love.
1. God has not given us what we deserve.
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
The Lord not giving us what we deserve, is also called mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve for our sins.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve for our sins. God has been, and is merciful towards us.
And, His mercies are new every morning, and they are everlasting.
2. God loves us with an unfailing love. Psalm 103: 11a For his unfailing love toward those who fear him'
How wonderful, that His love is unfailing. God is love, and, He never fails to love us. He cannot but love us, because God is love. And, nothing can separate us from His love. See Rom 8
4. God's love for those who fear Him is great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 11b as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
This helps us to somewhat understand the greatness of His loves. It's as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Today, just take a look up during the day time, and then when it turns night. It will help you to see this verse in action. What you will see is a measurement of how great His love is for you.
5. God has removed our sins and rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
How beautiful is the word removed. It means, to become far, distant, go far away. To send away, to be gone far away. To put far away. And, how far is the east from the west? We can't measure it. It's limitless.
That's how far our sins have been removed, they are gone.
6. God is father, treats us as His children with tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Our God is also our Father. He has adopted us into His family. And, though some may not have had good fathers here on earth, please be comforted in knowing that Your heavenly Father treats you with tender compassion.
He knows we are weak, and He treats us accordingly.
A question or two:
1. Would you take a moment to reflect on God's forgiveness and thank Him for it today?
2. Do you still think about the sins you have committed, but, please try and realize that God has removed them, and as far as He is concerned they are gone, gone, gone. Forever, and ever.
3. Do you need something right now in your life? Would you please ask God for it today. He is Your father, and He knows Your needs, and wants to minister to those needs.
A prayer:
Father, these scriptures bring our hearts such comfort, and the elicit great praise to You. Thank You for who You are, and for what You have done for us. Please help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to share the good news of what You will do with a persons sins who would come to Christ in faith. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, May 2, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS"
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
This verse is right out of the first part of the Gospel of John. And, it deals with the very most important problem we have in this world, SIN. And, it deals with how God has dealt with this problem of SIN.
1. God can and will use you ( Just make yourself available to Him ) just like He used John the Baptist to point others to Christ, so that He can help them with their sin.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
2. God takes away our sins through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
3. Our sins have been placed upon Jesus Christ, and He died in our place, paying the full payment for our sins, which is physical and spiritual death, or separation from God. God has provided the answer to our sins, it's called forgiveness. Please notice what it says Jesus does. "Who takes away the sin of the world"
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
4. Seven truths about the Forgiveness of your sins as a believer in Jesus Christ.
(1) God forgives you of your sins.
Ps 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
(2) Forgiveness belongs to God.
Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
(3) God gives repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
(4) God wants you to know about His forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
(5) God wants you to by faith receive the forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
(6) We have forgiveness of our sins through Christ's blood being shed for us.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
(7) We also have been redeemed or purchased by God through the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ into this world to die on the cross for our sins. What a price You payed for our sins. We thank You now, and will thank You forever and forever. Someday, we will see You Father, and You Jesus face to face. We will at that time be able to tell you both in person, how much we appreciate the true fact, that our sins have been forgiven. We do not have to suffer the consequences of our sins. You have suffered in our place. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
This verse is right out of the first part of the Gospel of John. And, it deals with the very most important problem we have in this world, SIN. And, it deals with how God has dealt with this problem of SIN.
1. God can and will use you ( Just make yourself available to Him ) just like He used John the Baptist to point others to Christ, so that He can help them with their sin.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
2. God takes away our sins through Jesus Christ's death on the cross.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
3. Our sins have been placed upon Jesus Christ, and He died in our place, paying the full payment for our sins, which is physical and spiritual death, or separation from God. God has provided the answer to our sins, it's called forgiveness. Please notice what it says Jesus does. "Who takes away the sin of the world"
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
4. Seven truths about the Forgiveness of your sins as a believer in Jesus Christ.
(1) God forgives you of your sins.
Ps 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
(2) Forgiveness belongs to God.
Daniel 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
(3) God gives repentance and forgiveness of sins.
Acts 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
(4) God wants you to know about His forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
(5) God wants you to by faith receive the forgiveness of your sins.
Acts 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
(6) We have forgiveness of our sins through Christ's blood being shed for us.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
(7) We also have been redeemed or purchased by God through the blood of Christ shed on the cross.
Colossians 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ into this world to die on the cross for our sins. What a price You payed for our sins. We thank You now, and will thank You forever and forever. Someday, we will see You Father, and You Jesus face to face. We will at that time be able to tell you both in person, how much we appreciate the true fact, that our sins have been forgiven. We do not have to suffer the consequences of our sins. You have suffered in our place. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE"
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
The apostle John is giving us a brief, but very comprehensive understanding of what God has done in the lives of those who have responded to His love and grace in Jesus Christ. Let's look at these blessings in detail.
1. "But as many"John 1:12a But as many as received Him. Please notice, that we are told that "as many" this would include each and every person who has come to faith. It includes you if you have come to faith. You are one of the many.
2. "But as many as received Him." John 12:12b. This is another way of saying "repent and believe in Jesus Christ"
The word received, means, to take, to have, to catch. To take to oneself. To receive what is offered. So, received means, to have believed in, and to have accepted Jesus Christ.
3. "To them He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12c For each and every person who has believed in, and accepted Jesus Christ, God has then given them the right, or He has entrusted You to become one of His own children. You are now a child of God. Just as much as any other believer in Jesus Christ.
4. "Who were born etc" John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This means that you have been reborn, or born again, born anew, born afresh, spiritually reborn. And, please notice that this new birth you have has nothing to do with what any human being has done, but rather, your rebirth comes directly from God. How wonderful. All praise and honor belongs to and goes to God Himself for what He has given to those who believe.
5. In summary. God has sent His Son to save those who would believe in Him. And, for those who have believed in Him, God has made them His children. They are born again, and this new birth not a physical birth caused by man, but rather, it's a spiritual rebirth caused by God alone.
A prayer:
Father, and indeed how appropriate to call You Father. For You have made us who have believed Your children.
We are now in Your family. And, You have made us heirs of God. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This life here, this physical temporary life, is just that, temporary. But, You have united us with Yourself, and we will dwell with You forever, and forever. What a glorious future we have as Your children. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace towards us Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
The apostle John is giving us a brief, but very comprehensive understanding of what God has done in the lives of those who have responded to His love and grace in Jesus Christ. Let's look at these blessings in detail.
1. "But as many"John 1:12a But as many as received Him. Please notice, that we are told that "as many" this would include each and every person who has come to faith. It includes you if you have come to faith. You are one of the many.
2. "But as many as received Him." John 12:12b. This is another way of saying "repent and believe in Jesus Christ"
The word received, means, to take, to have, to catch. To take to oneself. To receive what is offered. So, received means, to have believed in, and to have accepted Jesus Christ.
3. "To them He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12c For each and every person who has believed in, and accepted Jesus Christ, God has then given them the right, or He has entrusted You to become one of His own children. You are now a child of God. Just as much as any other believer in Jesus Christ.
4. "Who were born etc" John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. This means that you have been reborn, or born again, born anew, born afresh, spiritually reborn. And, please notice that this new birth you have has nothing to do with what any human being has done, but rather, your rebirth comes directly from God. How wonderful. All praise and honor belongs to and goes to God Himself for what He has given to those who believe.
5. In summary. God has sent His Son to save those who would believe in Him. And, for those who have believed in Him, God has made them His children. They are born again, and this new birth not a physical birth caused by man, but rather, it's a spiritual rebirth caused by God alone.
A prayer:
Father, and indeed how appropriate to call You Father. For You have made us who have believed Your children.
We are now in Your family. And, You have made us heirs of God. Joint heirs with Jesus Christ. This life here, this physical temporary life, is just that, temporary. But, You have united us with Yourself, and we will dwell with You forever, and forever. What a glorious future we have as Your children. Thank You for Your mercy and Your grace towards us Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE NEEDING ENCOURAGEMENT"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE NEEDING ENCOURAGEMENT"
Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
In this Psalm, much is said about our LORD. May these truths be a real encouragement to you today. Please take a moment to prayerfully reflect on what is said here about God, and may they minister greatly to your soul.
1. God is the LORD (meaning the existing one) He made you, and you belong to Him, and you are the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
God created You, and then He bought you through the precious blood of Christ, and He has placed you as one of His own sheep in His pasture, i.e His family, in the kingdom of God, His church.
2. God can be approached by you. You can enter into His courts (His presence) with praise. You can be thankful to Him, and you can bless His name.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
What a joy to know that we have this great privilege and access to our God. You can approach Him this very moment. And, You can give Him praise, ( just think about all the blessings He has brought into your life ) and, you can be thankful to Him, ( for all of those blessings )
3. Here are three more wonderful truths about our God.
(1) The LORD is good. This word "good" means, better, goodness, precious, beautiful. And, it carries the idea of benefit and prosperity, of being right, and pleasant. He is all of that, and so much more. The LORD is good.
(2) His mercy is everlasting. Or to put it another way, His kindness, his goodness, His favor, His faithfulness, and His love are unfailing. How wonderful He is, and He never changes. He is merciful this very day, and His mercy is towards you personally. His unfailing love is towards you this day also.
(3) His truth endures to all generations. Truth here, has the idea of faithfulness. God is faithful, stable, dependable, truthful. He is firm, loyal, steadfast, and just plain steady. He is all of these things each and every day, to every generation, including the one we live in. And, you as an individual, are the beneficiary of His truth this very day.
A prayer:
Father, You are our God, and we are Your people. You have made us to be Yours. You have placed us as Your children, and as the sheep of Your pasture. There is not better shepherd than You Lord. Thank You for who You are, and thank You for helping us to understand You, and to enjoy You, and to be encouraged by You.
We pray for ourselves, and any we know that are this very day in need of encouragement, ( and surely there are many ), that You would flood them with that encouragement and comfort. Father if you want us to contact someone today, and just tell them hello, we love them, we are thinking of them, we are praying for them, would You put them on our hearts. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
Psalm 100:5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
In this Psalm, much is said about our LORD. May these truths be a real encouragement to you today. Please take a moment to prayerfully reflect on what is said here about God, and may they minister greatly to your soul.
1. God is the LORD (meaning the existing one) He made you, and you belong to Him, and you are the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
God created You, and then He bought you through the precious blood of Christ, and He has placed you as one of His own sheep in His pasture, i.e His family, in the kingdom of God, His church.
2. God can be approached by you. You can enter into His courts (His presence) with praise. You can be thankful to Him, and you can bless His name.
Psalm 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
What a joy to know that we have this great privilege and access to our God. You can approach Him this very moment. And, You can give Him praise, ( just think about all the blessings He has brought into your life ) and, you can be thankful to Him, ( for all of those blessings )
3. Here are three more wonderful truths about our God.
(1) The LORD is good. This word "good" means, better, goodness, precious, beautiful. And, it carries the idea of benefit and prosperity, of being right, and pleasant. He is all of that, and so much more. The LORD is good.
(2) His mercy is everlasting. Or to put it another way, His kindness, his goodness, His favor, His faithfulness, and His love are unfailing. How wonderful He is, and He never changes. He is merciful this very day, and His mercy is towards you personally. His unfailing love is towards you this day also.
(3) His truth endures to all generations. Truth here, has the idea of faithfulness. God is faithful, stable, dependable, truthful. He is firm, loyal, steadfast, and just plain steady. He is all of these things each and every day, to every generation, including the one we live in. And, you as an individual, are the beneficiary of His truth this very day.
A prayer:
Father, You are our God, and we are Your people. You have made us to be Yours. You have placed us as Your children, and as the sheep of Your pasture. There is not better shepherd than You Lord. Thank You for who You are, and thank You for helping us to understand You, and to enjoy You, and to be encouraged by You.
We pray for ourselves, and any we know that are this very day in need of encouragement, ( and surely there are many ), that You would flood them with that encouragement and comfort. Father if you want us to contact someone today, and just tell them hello, we love them, we are thinking of them, we are praying for them, would You put them on our hearts. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD RULING OVER YOUR LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD RULING OVER YOUR LIFE"
Judges 8:22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”
Judges 8:23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
Gideon was a man the Lord raised up to deliver Israel out of it's troubles, and he did. The people wanted him to rule over them, but he would not. He knew better. He directed them towards God's leadership.
1. We need leadership in our lives, but can often look for it in the wrong places, specifically to man, and not to God. Judges
8:22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”
2. In this passage, Gideon knew better than to take the place that truly belonged to God, and thus he refused the request of the people, and directed them towards the Lord.
Judges 8:23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
3. We as people have a tendency to be just like the people in Gideon's day. We will look to man to rule over us, when in fact, we ought to look to the Lord to perform that great need in our lives.
Isa 42:16* I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will make the darkness bright before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.
4. God is more than willing to rule over you, and your life. In fact, there is no one better than God to do this, and He alone rightly deserves that place of leadership in your life.
Col 2:10 and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.
5. God will most gladly lead you, but you must sincerely give yourself to Him, and then You will find yourself in the middle of His most wonderful will. It's the only logical thing to do, in light of what He has done for you in dying on the cross for your sins, and rising from the dead, that You might have eternal life by grace through faith.
Rom 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Rom 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
A prayer:
Father, left to our own wisdom we do not do well. You want to provide for us what we cannot find or produce on our own. We thank You that You desire to not only save us, but to be our Lord and our Master. Please keep us from seeking that leadership from other sources, and direct our hearts day by day away from our own wisdom, and lead us to be led by You, and Your wisdom. We want to this day, submit ourselves to You, and to follow You with all of our hearts in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Judges 8:22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”
Judges 8:23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
Gideon was a man the Lord raised up to deliver Israel out of it's troubles, and he did. The people wanted him to rule over them, but he would not. He knew better. He directed them towards God's leadership.
1. We need leadership in our lives, but can often look for it in the wrong places, specifically to man, and not to God. Judges
8:22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.”
2. In this passage, Gideon knew better than to take the place that truly belonged to God, and thus he refused the request of the people, and directed them towards the Lord.
Judges 8:23 But Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you.”
3. We as people have a tendency to be just like the people in Gideon's day. We will look to man to rule over us, when in fact, we ought to look to the Lord to perform that great need in our lives.
Isa 42:16* I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will make the darkness bright before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.
4. God is more than willing to rule over you, and your life. In fact, there is no one better than God to do this, and He alone rightly deserves that place of leadership in your life.
Col 2:10 and you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe.
5. God will most gladly lead you, but you must sincerely give yourself to Him, and then You will find yourself in the middle of His most wonderful will. It's the only logical thing to do, in light of what He has done for you in dying on the cross for your sins, and rising from the dead, that You might have eternal life by grace through faith.
Rom 12:1 And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Rom 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
A prayer:
Father, left to our own wisdom we do not do well. You want to provide for us what we cannot find or produce on our own. We thank You that You desire to not only save us, but to be our Lord and our Master. Please keep us from seeking that leadership from other sources, and direct our hearts day by day away from our own wisdom, and lead us to be led by You, and Your wisdom. We want to this day, submit ourselves to You, and to follow You with all of our hearts in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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