"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JEALOUSY AND VENGEANCE OF GOD"
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is a jealous God
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
It's not often we hear this about God, but it's true.
God is a jealous God.
He has every right to be jealous.
He loves His people and is jealous for them.
And, how thankful we are that He is this way.
2. God also avenges and is furious.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Here is another aspect of God's nature.
He avenges and is furious.
We often read that Vengeance belongs to the Lord and it does.
God is also furious.
The context here has to do with God's actions towards the enemies of His people
3. God will indeed take vengeance on His adversaries.
Nahum 1:2 “God is jealous, and the LORD avenges; The LORD avenges and is furious. The LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, And He reserves wrath for His enemies;”
Along the same line as above.
There is no question that God is going to take vengeance upon His enemies.
He has reserved His wrath for His enemies.
One only has to read through the Old Testament to see what God did to the enemies of Israel and Judah.
And one only has to read through the book of Revelation to see what God is going to do towards His enemies.
It's a terrible time that is coming on the earth, upon those who reject His love and grace.
4. God is slow to anger and great in power but will not acquit the wicked.
Nahum 1:3 “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.”
Along with God's jealousy, and vengeance here is another truth about Him.
God is slow to anger.
Aren't you happy He is?
I am.
God does not fly off the handle like people do.
He is very measured.
He is slow to anger.
But at the end of the day, this does not mean he will acquit the wicked.
No, He will not acquit the wicked.
He will judge them.
Not a popular subject even in the church today.
But, it's clearly all through Scripture.
God will one day punish the guilty.
Questions.
1. Can you see why it's so important to be saved?
2. Can you see how gracious God is in extending His patience against a wicked world?
3. Can you personally thank God that He has saved You from the wrath to come?
4. Can you see why it's important that we do all we can to share the gospel so people can be saved from the wrath to come.?
A Prayer:
Father, we are living in the day of Grace as it were. But there is coming a time when You will pour out Your wrath on the wicked. Today is the day of salvation. And today is the day when time is to be redeemed, and we the church are to be awake and ready to share Christ with those You bring along our path. May we be moved with a sobering fear of what is coming upon those who do not know You, and be filled with joy to share the life saving Gospel with them.
Lord, please use us in these last days. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORD AND GOD HIMSELF"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORD AND GOD HIMSELF"
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Each and every Word of God is pure.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
The Bible is God's Word.
Every part of it is God's Word.
And every word in the Bible is pure.
Or to put it another way, every word in God's Word proves to be true.
God's Word can be depended on from start to finish.
2. God Himself is a shield to those put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Here is another blessing about and from God.
Not only is everything He says true and dependable, but He is a shield.
God is a shield or will defend all who put their trust in Him,
He can be trusted because He is true and dependable.
How wonderful of God to protect us.
3. We are warned to leave God's Word as it is.
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Here God tells us what not to do.
We are not to add to His words.
In other we are to leave His Word as it is.
God's Word is complete, and does not need anything added to it.
All we need God has given us in His Word.
There is this warning here to those who might try to add to God's Word.
He may rebuke that person.
And that person will be found a liar.
This is a good warning to take heed to.
What God says does not need human additions.
Or that human will get themselves into trouble with God.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you find it comforting to know that God's Word is pure and true?
2. And, don't you also find it comforting to know that God is Your shield and Your protector?
3. Have you run across anyone who has tried to add to God's Word?
4. If you have found anyone like that will you please pray for them?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Thank You for giving us Jesus and the the written Word of God also.
Thank You that You are pure, Your Word is pure and it's do beneficial to us. There is nothing like it in the entire world.
Lord, help us to not stray from Your Word by thinking we need to add anything to it, or correct it to fit our own thinking.
Father, You feed us and You protect us. Thank You for what You do. You are true and cannot lie. We love You Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Each and every Word of God is pure.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
The Bible is God's Word.
Every part of it is God's Word.
And every word in the Bible is pure.
Or to put it another way, every word in God's Word proves to be true.
God's Word can be depended on from start to finish.
2. God Himself is a shield to those put their trust in Him.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”
Here is another blessing about and from God.
Not only is everything He says true and dependable, but He is a shield.
God is a shield or will defend all who put their trust in Him,
He can be trusted because He is true and dependable.
How wonderful of God to protect us.
3. We are warned to leave God's Word as it is.
Proverbs 30:6 “Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Here God tells us what not to do.
We are not to add to His words.
In other we are to leave His Word as it is.
God's Word is complete, and does not need anything added to it.
All we need God has given us in His Word.
There is this warning here to those who might try to add to God's Word.
He may rebuke that person.
And that person will be found a liar.
This is a good warning to take heed to.
What God says does not need human additions.
Or that human will get themselves into trouble with God.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you find it comforting to know that God's Word is pure and true?
2. And, don't you also find it comforting to know that God is Your shield and Your protector?
3. Have you run across anyone who has tried to add to God's Word?
4. If you have found anyone like that will you please pray for them?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Thank You for giving us Jesus and the the written Word of God also.
Thank You that You are pure, Your Word is pure and it's do beneficial to us. There is nothing like it in the entire world.
Lord, help us to not stray from Your Word by thinking we need to add anything to it, or correct it to fit our own thinking.
Father, You feed us and You protect us. Thank You for what You do. You are true and cannot lie. We love You Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, December 15, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BLESSING OUR GREAT GOD AND BEING BLESSED BY HIM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BLESSING OUR GREAT GOD AND BEING BLESSED BY HIM"
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Taken from todays reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God's servants can bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
This is a call for God's servants to bless or exalt the Lord.
God's servants in the temple worked in shifts.
There were always some servants in the temple serving God.
They were all called to bless the Lord.
God has His servants all around the world today.
Somewhere when it's night here, it's daytime somewhere else.
And God's servants are blessing Him.
Today is a day when you and I, who are servants of His, can bless Him.
We want to exalt and revere our God.
2. God's servants can lift up their hands and bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
This lifting of the hands was one of the ways the Jews would show their praise to God.
Even in the New Testament, we are called to "lift up holy hands" to God.
It's a way of showing reverence and submission to Him.
It's a way to acknowledge that He alone is above all.
Let's today be those who show that same respect to our God.
3. God's servants can pray to be blessed by the Lord our creator.
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Now a different thought.
Rather than God's servants blessing Him, God is being asked to bless them.
We also can ask the Lord to bless us.
We can do this day by day.
His blessings come in many forms.
He is the great blesser of men's souls.
May God bless you today from heaven itself.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it very amazing that we humans can actually bless our God?
2. Isn't it amazing that He takes great delight in our looking to Him and blessing Him?
3. And isn't it amazing that we can also ask God to bless us from heaven where He is?
4. Will you please bless the Lord today, and will you ask Him to bless you today?
A Prayer:
Father, You are in heaven above, and we are here on earth below. Someday we will join You in heaven, and be with You forevermore. In the meantime, may our lives be a reflection of Your love, grace, and mercy to this sin sick world we live in.
May we represent You in a way that blesses You, and may You show us how to do that, and give us the love and grace to do so. And finally, Lord, would You this very day, bestow many blessings on each of us who are reading and praying this prayer? We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Taken from todays reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God's servants can bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:1 “Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD!”
This is a call for God's servants to bless or exalt the Lord.
God's servants in the temple worked in shifts.
There were always some servants in the temple serving God.
They were all called to bless the Lord.
God has His servants all around the world today.
Somewhere when it's night here, it's daytime somewhere else.
And God's servants are blessing Him.
Today is a day when you and I, who are servants of His, can bless Him.
We want to exalt and revere our God.
2. God's servants can lift up their hands and bless the Lord.
Psalm 134:2 “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.”
This lifting of the hands was one of the ways the Jews would show their praise to God.
Even in the New Testament, we are called to "lift up holy hands" to God.
It's a way of showing reverence and submission to Him.
It's a way to acknowledge that He alone is above all.
Let's today be those who show that same respect to our God.
3. God's servants can pray to be blessed by the Lord our creator.
Psalm 134:3 “The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!”
Now a different thought.
Rather than God's servants blessing Him, God is being asked to bless them.
We also can ask the Lord to bless us.
We can do this day by day.
His blessings come in many forms.
He is the great blesser of men's souls.
May God bless you today from heaven itself.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it very amazing that we humans can actually bless our God?
2. Isn't it amazing that He takes great delight in our looking to Him and blessing Him?
3. And isn't it amazing that we can also ask God to bless us from heaven where He is?
4. Will you please bless the Lord today, and will you ask Him to bless you today?
A Prayer:
Father, You are in heaven above, and we are here on earth below. Someday we will join You in heaven, and be with You forevermore. In the meantime, may our lives be a reflection of Your love, grace, and mercy to this sin sick world we live in.
May we represent You in a way that blesses You, and may You show us how to do that, and give us the love and grace to do so. And finally, Lord, would You this very day, bestow many blessings on each of us who are reading and praying this prayer? We ask it in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 13, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ANGER, PRIDE AND HUMILITY"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ANGER, PRIDE AND HUMILITY"
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Angry or hot tempered men start fights.
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Starting fights is only one thing angry men do.
That's bad enough, but there is more said here.
They also abound in transgression.
Or they get into all kinds of sin.
So, anger is seen here as being a root cause for two things.
Fights and lot's of sin.
Anger is very dangerous.
I'm certain we can all attest to the facts spoken of here.
2. Pride is another big problem we have to deal with.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Pride or conceit will bring a man low.
Low here means humiliation.
When men lift themselves up, they wind up going down.
It's something that God has built into life.
Pride brings us low.
Pride by the way was the devil's problem, and look what trouble it got him into.
He was one of God's primary angels, and in pride he rebelled and was separated from God forever.
3. Humility in Spirit is a great virtue to pursue.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Humility brings honor
What is humility anyway?
It comes from a word meaning low or down, abase, put lower.
And it simply means low, basest, low in condition of spirit.
It's an attitude that God honors.
It's the opposite of pride.
It's simply seeing yourself as you really are.
God blesses the humble in heart.
Questions:
1. Do you ever think much about these two things, anger, and pride?
2. Isn't it true that most of us have had some experience with anger?
3. And, isn't it true that most of us would like to be more humble?
4. Do you know that God will help you to deal with anger, and to help you be humble?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus who is the model of humility for us. We know that pride gets us into lot's of trouble and sin, and that humility opens the doorway for grace. So, Lord, help us turn away from the sin and sins associated with anger, and lead us in the ways of humility, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Angry or hot tempered men start fights.
Proverbs 29:22 “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.”
Starting fights is only one thing angry men do.
That's bad enough, but there is more said here.
They also abound in transgression.
Or they get into all kinds of sin.
So, anger is seen here as being a root cause for two things.
Fights and lot's of sin.
Anger is very dangerous.
I'm certain we can all attest to the facts spoken of here.
2. Pride is another big problem we have to deal with.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Pride or conceit will bring a man low.
Low here means humiliation.
When men lift themselves up, they wind up going down.
It's something that God has built into life.
Pride brings us low.
Pride by the way was the devil's problem, and look what trouble it got him into.
He was one of God's primary angels, and in pride he rebelled and was separated from God forever.
3. Humility in Spirit is a great virtue to pursue.
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.”
Humility brings honor
What is humility anyway?
It comes from a word meaning low or down, abase, put lower.
And it simply means low, basest, low in condition of spirit.
It's an attitude that God honors.
It's the opposite of pride.
It's simply seeing yourself as you really are.
God blesses the humble in heart.
Questions:
1. Do you ever think much about these two things, anger, and pride?
2. Isn't it true that most of us have had some experience with anger?
3. And, isn't it true that most of us would like to be more humble?
4. Do you know that God will help you to deal with anger, and to help you be humble?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus who is the model of humility for us. We know that pride gets us into lot's of trouble and sin, and that humility opens the doorway for grace. So, Lord, help us turn away from the sin and sins associated with anger, and lead us in the ways of humility, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOPING IN THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOPING IN THE LORD"
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God hears us when we cry to Him out of the depths.
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
David found himself in the depths, just like we do.
He cried to the Lord and the Lord heard him, just as He does you also.
God is very attentive to us, He listens, He hears us when we pray.
2. God does not mark our iniquities (He forgives and forgets them).
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
David understood that God does not keep a record of our sins.
If God did, who would ever survive?
Instead, what God does is He forgives. He offers this to us.
He does this (forgiving) so He may be feared.
3. We can wait upon the Lord and Hope in His Word.
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Here is something we can do, and God calls us to it.
Like David, we can wait on the Lord. or wait for Him.
He is not on our schedule, but on His.
God is faithful and never early or late, but always right on time.
We not only can wait but we can hope in the Lord.
The two really go together.
David uses the example of those who are waiting for the morning to come.
They know it will come, it always does.
We can wait and hope in the Lord, He always comes through.
4. We wait for our God who is so merciful and is our redeemer, and who will redeem us.
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Again, a call to hope in the Lord.
The reason? Because He is so merciful.
Because He is our redeemer.
Because of His unfailing love.
Because of the overflowing supply of salvation.
God Himself is the one who will free us from every kind of sin.
Questions:
1. Aren't these great and encouraging verses?
2. Can you see the many great truths about our God?
3. Do you need to talk with Him today about your troubles?
4. Do you know He will hear You and help You?
5. Do you have some particular sin that you want to repent of and be set free from?
6. Will you come to God today, believe what His Word says, and ask Him to set you free?
7. Do you believe He can do it? Will You ask Him right now? And will You then obey Him as He leads You?
A Prayer:
Father, the Psalms are such a blessing to our souls. They speak to us so deeply. They encourage us so much.
Thank You for giving them to us. Perhaps they are read more than any other books in the Bible.
When we read them, something always seems to come through and hit home with us.
Our prayer is that You would find us not just listening, but responding in obedience to what You are telling us to do.
Obedience is like a doorway that when walked through takes us into a beautiful garden. That garden is a deeper walk with You. So, Lord, show us the doors You want us to walk through, and we will do it. Help us to follow through, Lord.
In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God hears us when we cry to Him out of the depths.
Psalm 130:1 “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD;”
Psalm 130:2 “Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.”
David found himself in the depths, just like we do.
He cried to the Lord and the Lord heard him, just as He does you also.
God is very attentive to us, He listens, He hears us when we pray.
2. God does not mark our iniquities (He forgives and forgets them).
Psalm 130:3 “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?”
Psalm 130:4 “But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.”
David understood that God does not keep a record of our sins.
If God did, who would ever survive?
Instead, what God does is He forgives. He offers this to us.
He does this (forgiving) so He may be feared.
3. We can wait upon the Lord and Hope in His Word.
Psalm 130:5 “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.”
Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning-- Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.”
Here is something we can do, and God calls us to it.
Like David, we can wait on the Lord. or wait for Him.
He is not on our schedule, but on His.
God is faithful and never early or late, but always right on time.
We not only can wait but we can hope in the Lord.
The two really go together.
David uses the example of those who are waiting for the morning to come.
They know it will come, it always does.
We can wait and hope in the Lord, He always comes through.
4. We wait for our God who is so merciful and is our redeemer, and who will redeem us.
Psalm 130:7 “O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption.”
Psalm 130:8 “And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.”
Again, a call to hope in the Lord.
The reason? Because He is so merciful.
Because He is our redeemer.
Because of His unfailing love.
Because of the overflowing supply of salvation.
God Himself is the one who will free us from every kind of sin.
Questions:
1. Aren't these great and encouraging verses?
2. Can you see the many great truths about our God?
3. Do you need to talk with Him today about your troubles?
4. Do you know He will hear You and help You?
5. Do you have some particular sin that you want to repent of and be set free from?
6. Will you come to God today, believe what His Word says, and ask Him to set you free?
7. Do you believe He can do it? Will You ask Him right now? And will You then obey Him as He leads You?
A Prayer:
Father, the Psalms are such a blessing to our souls. They speak to us so deeply. They encourage us so much.
Thank You for giving them to us. Perhaps they are read more than any other books in the Bible.
When we read them, something always seems to come through and hit home with us.
Our prayer is that You would find us not just listening, but responding in obedience to what You are telling us to do.
Obedience is like a doorway that when walked through takes us into a beautiful garden. That garden is a deeper walk with You. So, Lord, show us the doors You want us to walk through, and we will do it. Help us to follow through, Lord.
In Your powerful name we pray, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME"
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Jesus calls His people to hold fast, or tightly, to what we have.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
These words were spoken to the believers in the church of Thyatira.
This was a church that was being attacked with sexual immorality.
And not much was being done to stand against this sin.
Jesus warned them of the consequences of allowing this teaching to continue.
But, He also exhorted, or instructed, the faithful who were not interested in this sin, to stand fast.
He says to hold fast, or to hold tightly to what they had.
We also are to simply hold fast to the Word of God until Jesus comes.
This is how we stand against satan’s attacks.
Stick with the Word of God with all you have.
2. Jesus make a promise to him who overcomes, or are victorious.
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
A promise is made by Jesus to those who overcome, or are victorious.
For the person who keeps His works until the end the future is very very bright.
The over comers will rule with Christ during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
Jesus is going to rule the entire earth with a rod of iron.
He will not allow evil to do it's thing while He reigns.
3. An additional promise to God's people who overcome.
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Here the Lord is promising to give us the morning star.
What is the morning star?
I'm not quite sure.
But, Jesus is using an earthly analogy that we can understand.
The morning star is the first start to appear each morning after the dark night.
We are living in a dark night in this world.
It's a world where light is not evident but darkness is ruling.
That is all going to change.
And Jesus is going to give His over comers this Morning Star.
Also, Jesus exhorts those who have an ear to use it by hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches.
That applies to us today.
The Holy Spirit is speaking through God's Word to those who are part of the body of Christ.
Not everyone really chooses to listen.
That's why Jesus gives this exhortation.
Imagine, God asking you to listen to Him.
How kind of Him.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever think about the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth?
2. Do you know the Bible is very clear about the fact that this is going to happen?
3. Do you know that God wants you to overcome and rule with Him at that time?
4. Do you know that you can overcome if you simply do what Jesus said to do?
5. What He said to do was to "hold fast”, that is to the truth of Jesus in the Word of God.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wonderful hope we have in Jesus Christ. It's a living hope we have right now, and into eternity.
Can you imagine if you will what it will be like to rule and reign with Jesus during His kingdom on the earth for 1000 years? Lord, it's such a wonderful future that You have in store for us. And thank You that You have promised to make us overcomes through our simple faith in Jesus Christ. He is the great overcomer who makes us overcome as we trust in Him. In His name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
1. Jesus calls His people to hold fast, or tightly, to what we have.
Revelation 2:25 “But hold fast what you have till I come.”
These words were spoken to the believers in the church of Thyatira.
This was a church that was being attacked with sexual immorality.
And not much was being done to stand against this sin.
Jesus warned them of the consequences of allowing this teaching to continue.
But, He also exhorted, or instructed, the faithful who were not interested in this sin, to stand fast.
He says to hold fast, or to hold tightly to what they had.
We also are to simply hold fast to the Word of God until Jesus comes.
This is how we stand against satan’s attacks.
Stick with the Word of God with all you have.
2. Jesus make a promise to him who overcomes, or are victorious.
Revelation 2:26 “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—“
Revelation 2:27 “He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’--as I also have received from My Father;”
A promise is made by Jesus to those who overcome, or are victorious.
For the person who keeps His works until the end the future is very very bright.
The over comers will rule with Christ during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
Jesus is going to rule the entire earth with a rod of iron.
He will not allow evil to do it's thing while He reigns.
3. An additional promise to God's people who overcome.
Revelation 2:28 “and I will give him the morning star.”
Revelation 2:29 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Here the Lord is promising to give us the morning star.
What is the morning star?
I'm not quite sure.
But, Jesus is using an earthly analogy that we can understand.
The morning star is the first start to appear each morning after the dark night.
We are living in a dark night in this world.
It's a world where light is not evident but darkness is ruling.
That is all going to change.
And Jesus is going to give His over comers this Morning Star.
Also, Jesus exhorts those who have an ear to use it by hearing what the Holy Spirit is saying to the churches.
That applies to us today.
The Holy Spirit is speaking through God's Word to those who are part of the body of Christ.
Not everyone really chooses to listen.
That's why Jesus gives this exhortation.
Imagine, God asking you to listen to Him.
How kind of Him.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever think about the 1000 year reign of Christ on the earth?
2. Do you know the Bible is very clear about the fact that this is going to happen?
3. Do you know that God wants you to overcome and rule with Him at that time?
4. Do you know that you can overcome if you simply do what Jesus said to do?
5. What He said to do was to "hold fast”, that is to the truth of Jesus in the Word of God.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wonderful hope we have in Jesus Christ. It's a living hope we have right now, and into eternity.
Can you imagine if you will what it will be like to rule and reign with Jesus during His kingdom on the earth for 1000 years? Lord, it's such a wonderful future that You have in store for us. And thank You that You have promised to make us overcomes through our simple faith in Jesus Christ. He is the great overcomer who makes us overcome as we trust in Him. In His name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SALVATION"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SALVATION"
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is telling us what will come to pass.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
God is the God of salvation.
Even in the Old Testament He was the God of Salvation.
He is the God of salvation today.
He will be the God of salvation during the tribulation.
He will be the God of salvation during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
God is the savior.
2. God tells us that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Whoever wants to be saved can be.
Whoever will ask God to save them shall be saved.
Whoever the person is, no matter what sins they have committed shall be saved if they ask God to save them.
To call upon the name of the LORD is to ask God to save you from your sins.
You can be sure He will save you because He has promised to do so.
To be saved, means to be delivered from sin and it's consequence.
You are no longer guilty of your sins, for they are forgiven you if you have asked God to save you.
You also will not perish in hell, but are now bound for heaven because of His saving You.
Some Questions:
1. Are you personally saved?
2. Are you absolutely sure you are saved?
3. Who do you know that needs to be saved?
4. Will you pray for them to be saved?
5. Will you ask God to empower you and open a door to share Christ with them?
6. Do you know that God will use you in such a way if You ask Him to do so?
A Prayer:
Father, You are the God who saves. You have promised to do so. You have delivered on Your promise innumerable times.
Most of the people reading this right now can attest to Your faithfulness to save. And we ask, Lord, that You fill us with a constraining sense of Your love and the need people have to be saved, and give us power to be bold and not hold back from telling others what You can and will do for them if they will but ask. We ask these things because we believe them to be in Your will. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is telling us what will come to pass.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
God is the God of salvation.
Even in the Old Testament He was the God of Salvation.
He is the God of salvation today.
He will be the God of salvation during the tribulation.
He will be the God of salvation during His 1000 year reign on the earth.
God is the savior.
2. God tells us that whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.
Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.”
Whoever wants to be saved can be.
Whoever will ask God to save them shall be saved.
Whoever the person is, no matter what sins they have committed shall be saved if they ask God to save them.
To call upon the name of the LORD is to ask God to save you from your sins.
You can be sure He will save you because He has promised to do so.
To be saved, means to be delivered from sin and it's consequence.
You are no longer guilty of your sins, for they are forgiven you if you have asked God to save you.
You also will not perish in hell, but are now bound for heaven because of His saving You.
Some Questions:
1. Are you personally saved?
2. Are you absolutely sure you are saved?
3. Who do you know that needs to be saved?
4. Will you pray for them to be saved?
5. Will you ask God to empower you and open a door to share Christ with them?
6. Do you know that God will use you in such a way if You ask Him to do so?
A Prayer:
Father, You are the God who saves. You have promised to do so. You have delivered on Your promise innumerable times.
Most of the people reading this right now can attest to Your faithfulness to save. And we ask, Lord, that You fill us with a constraining sense of Your love and the need people have to be saved, and give us power to be bold and not hold back from telling others what You can and will do for them if they will but ask. We ask these things because we believe them to be in Your will. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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