"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S MANY BLESSINGS IN CHRIST"
Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
A few explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Paul in this verse, as with most of the first chapter of Eph, has been telling the Ephesian church, and you and I who also are in Christ, of the many blessings that we have in Christ. And, in this verse we have another one.
Ephesians 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
2. Let's take a brief look at this verse, breaking it down bit by bit.
(1) Eph 1:11a "In Him" This is speaking of the position we are now in, as those who have come to faith. When we repented of our sins, and placed our faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit placed us "In Him" That's where we are, we are in Jesus Christ. In fact, you will find the words "In Christ" mentioned some 85 times in the NT, and "In Him" We used to be without Him, and separated from Him, but, now we are in Him, that is our position. You as a Christian are in Jesus Christ, you are part of His body, His family, His flock, and His household, His army, His field, His building, etc, etc. You are in Him. 1Cor 12:13 "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit".
That is a blessing indeed.
(2) Eph 1:11b "we have obtained an inheritance," Being in Christ, also means that we are now heirs of God, in fact, Rom 8, tells us we are joint heirs with Christ. Heirs have an inheritance. I means that in the will of God we have blessings in store for us. We will receive these when we arrive in heaven. The word inheritance means, to be assigned something. God has assigned a private possession to each one of us. So, we have blessings now, and untold blessings to come when we leave this world and are finally face to face with our Savior.
(3) Eph 1:11c "being predestined according to the purpose of Him" What a great blessing this is. It's speaking of God's having planned His will for our lives. The word predestined means, to determine before, to ordain, to decide beforehand, to decree from eternity, to appoint beforehand. Thus, we are blessed in knowing that even before we were saved, much less created, God had already been planning out His will for our lives. You are today, as a Christian blessed to know that God has a plan for you, and He is working it out in your life. This is His will for you.
You can pray, Lord show me Your will, help me to know Your will, the will that You have planned out for me.
(4) Eph 1:11d "who works all things according to the counsel of His will", I happen to really love this verse. It's one of my favorites in the whole Bible, it's right there with what Paul said in Rom 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose".
What this verse in Eph means, is that God is making everything happen, or work out according to His plan.
He decided this plan, long ago, and is now carrying it out. He is working His plan out for your life. It's what He had planned from the beginning. It's what we were destined for long ago. Again what a blessing.
Here's a quote by a lady named Hannah Moore about God's blessings in our lives. "There are three requisites to the proper enjoyment of earthly blessings: a thankful reflection, on the goodness of the giver; a deep sense of our own unworthiness; and a recollection of the uncertainty of our long possessing them. The first will make us grateful; the second, humble; and the third, moderate."
A prayer:
Father, reading Your Word is like opening up a treasure chest of truth. Thank You for the many, many blessing which You have given to us by Your grace. Thank You Lord. You are so gracious. We love You Lord.
In Jesus name. Amen.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Thursday, April 10, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD FORGIVING OUR SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD FORGIVING OUR SINS"
1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. The subject matter in this verse, is about sin, confession of our sins, the faithfulness of God to forgive us, and of His cleansing us all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Let's take a closer look at what is said here.
(1) If we confess our sins. To confess, means to agree with God, it means to say the same thing that God does.
Thus when we confess to God, we are saying, we agree with what You have said about something that we have actually done, or have thought about. That's what it means to confess, to agree with God.
(2) Sins, means, when we break God's laws, or disobey His Word. The word sin, literally means, to miss the mark, to err, to be mistaken. To miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong. To wander from God's law, and violate God's law. To sin, is to do that which is wrong, it's an offense, a violation of the Divine law in thought or in act.
(3) He is faithful and just. John is now talking about our God, and describing two of His attributes, or characteristic's, and that is, He is faithful, and that He is just. 1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful. This means, that God is trustworthy, dependable, can be counted on, or can be relied on, God will do what He says He will do. God is Faithful. How wonderful to know this. The fact that God is just, means, righteous. or virtuous, faultless. In fact, only god is truly Just.
(4) To forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is telling us what God is faithful to do when we confess our sins to Him. When you agree with God about your sin, there are two things that He does, He forgives, and He cleanses. To forgive means, to send away, to let go, to let be, to leave. To give up, to remit, to keep no longer. To abandon. That's what He does with our sins. He lets them go. But, that's not all. He also cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Or to cleanse us from every wrong. It's similar to forgiveness. It's just telling us that He washes us from our sins as it were. Unrighteousness, is that which is wrong. And, through the Blood of Christ, we are forgiven, and cleansed of our sins.
A prayer:
Father, we are saved, but we still sin. And, when we do. We wish we did not sin, and sincerely ask that You help us not to sin. Forgive us when we do, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Father, we have no one to blame when we sin, except ourselves. We make the choice. But, we also can make the choice to come clean with You, and You Lord are faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to wash us clean of them.
Lord, we want to ask that this day, if there is any sin, that we have not confessed, that we would do so this very moment, and receive Your forgiveness, and Your cleansing. Thank You Father, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. The subject matter in this verse, is about sin, confession of our sins, the faithfulness of God to forgive us, and of His cleansing us all unrighteousness.
1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. Let's take a closer look at what is said here.
(1) If we confess our sins. To confess, means to agree with God, it means to say the same thing that God does.
Thus when we confess to God, we are saying, we agree with what You have said about something that we have actually done, or have thought about. That's what it means to confess, to agree with God.
(2) Sins, means, when we break God's laws, or disobey His Word. The word sin, literally means, to miss the mark, to err, to be mistaken. To miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor, to do or go wrong. To wander from God's law, and violate God's law. To sin, is to do that which is wrong, it's an offense, a violation of the Divine law in thought or in act.
(3) He is faithful and just. John is now talking about our God, and describing two of His attributes, or characteristic's, and that is, He is faithful, and that He is just. 1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful. This means, that God is trustworthy, dependable, can be counted on, or can be relied on, God will do what He says He will do. God is Faithful. How wonderful to know this. The fact that God is just, means, righteous. or virtuous, faultless. In fact, only god is truly Just.
(4) To forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
This is telling us what God is faithful to do when we confess our sins to Him. When you agree with God about your sin, there are two things that He does, He forgives, and He cleanses. To forgive means, to send away, to let go, to let be, to leave. To give up, to remit, to keep no longer. To abandon. That's what He does with our sins. He lets them go. But, that's not all. He also cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Or to cleanse us from every wrong. It's similar to forgiveness. It's just telling us that He washes us from our sins as it were. Unrighteousness, is that which is wrong. And, through the Blood of Christ, we are forgiven, and cleansed of our sins.
A prayer:
Father, we are saved, but we still sin. And, when we do. We wish we did not sin, and sincerely ask that You help us not to sin. Forgive us when we do, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Father, we have no one to blame when we sin, except ourselves. We make the choice. But, we also can make the choice to come clean with You, and You Lord are faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to wash us clean of them.
Lord, we want to ask that this day, if there is any sin, that we have not confessed, that we would do so this very moment, and receive Your forgiveness, and Your cleansing. Thank You Father, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 3 BLESSINGS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU IN CHRIST"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 3 BLESSINGS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU IN CHRIST"
Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. These three blessings belong to each and every person who is "in Christ" All of who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, and are saved, have these and of course many other blessings. But, we are going to look at just these three today.
(1) He has made us accepted in the beloved. Essentially, this means, that we are honored with blessings by Him. Also, it has the idea of being highly favored, and to make accepted. We once were not in this position, but just as Jesus ascended to the Father and was welcomed into heaven, we who are in Christ, are as accepted by God as Jesus is. And, you have to ask yourself, how accepted is Jesus by the Father?. Well, that's exactly how He accepts us. Remember, we are joint heirs with Christ.
(2) In Him we have redemption through His blood. Now, this is another blessing. We have redemption, and we have this through His blood, that is His life being given for our sins payment on the cross. Redemption means that we belong to Him, through His having purchased us. Imagine, God bought you! Wow. Why would He buy such as us? Because He loves us, and wants to know us, and wants us to not perish, but have eternal life with Him.
(3) In Him.....The forgiveness of sins. This is something that only God can give. He is the Forgiver of sins. We cannot do this for ourselves. It's impossible. The wages of sin is death. We would have to die, and be separated from Him forever to pay for our sins. But, He paid for them instead. And, now our sins are forgiven. They are gone away from us, never to be remembered anymore, and never to be held against us. The only remembrance of them, will be on our part, and that memory is, that our Great God has forgiven us for them. Thank You Lord.
A prayer:
Father, the blessings we have looked at today, are just a small sample of the many that we have from You. You are the Great Accepter, Redeemer, and Forgiver, and You are the great Blesser if you will, of all who will put their trust in You. Thank You for leading us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. These three blessings belong to each and every person who is "in Christ" All of who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, and are saved, have these and of course many other blessings. But, we are going to look at just these three today.
(1) He has made us accepted in the beloved. Essentially, this means, that we are honored with blessings by Him. Also, it has the idea of being highly favored, and to make accepted. We once were not in this position, but just as Jesus ascended to the Father and was welcomed into heaven, we who are in Christ, are as accepted by God as Jesus is. And, you have to ask yourself, how accepted is Jesus by the Father?. Well, that's exactly how He accepts us. Remember, we are joint heirs with Christ.
(2) In Him we have redemption through His blood. Now, this is another blessing. We have redemption, and we have this through His blood, that is His life being given for our sins payment on the cross. Redemption means that we belong to Him, through His having purchased us. Imagine, God bought you! Wow. Why would He buy such as us? Because He loves us, and wants to know us, and wants us to not perish, but have eternal life with Him.
(3) In Him.....The forgiveness of sins. This is something that only God can give. He is the Forgiver of sins. We cannot do this for ourselves. It's impossible. The wages of sin is death. We would have to die, and be separated from Him forever to pay for our sins. But, He paid for them instead. And, now our sins are forgiven. They are gone away from us, never to be remembered anymore, and never to be held against us. The only remembrance of them, will be on our part, and that memory is, that our Great God has forgiven us for them. Thank You Lord.
A prayer:
Father, the blessings we have looked at today, are just a small sample of the many that we have from You. You are the Great Accepter, Redeemer, and Forgiver, and You are the great Blesser if you will, of all who will put their trust in You. Thank You for leading us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING THROUGH TRIALS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING THROUGH TRIALS"
1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
1 Peter 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. We truly rejoice in what God has done for us. That's what we are told in 1 Pet 1:6. Which is speaking of our salvation. Here's how Peter put it a few verses earlier 1 Pet 1;3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
So, we rejoice that God has saved us. We have been saved by His mercy, and we are saved unto a living hope through Jesus Christ's rising from the dead.
2. So, here are five truths about trials.
(1) Trials are only temporary. 1st Pet 1:6b. "though now for a little while.” This means, they come for a season.
Just like we go through summer, then into fall, then into winter, and then into spring. There are seasons of nature, and they come, and they go. And, that is one of the truths of a trial. They come, and then at some point they are gone.
(2) Trials only come when they are needed. 1st Pet 1:6c "if need be" That is, they come when they are necessary. And, of course our Lord knows when they are needed, and He is faithful to allow them into our lives.
(3) Trials bring grief into our lives. 1 Pet 1:6d you have been grieved by various trials, In other words, they make us sorrowful, they bring sadness, they cause grief, and they make us uneasy. That's the truth isn't it.
(4) Trials come in various ways. 1 Pet 1:6e. "by various trials," There can be many trials that come all at once, or one after the other.
(5) Trials come only to test your faith. To show that your faith is strong and pure. That's what 1st Pet 1:7a says. "that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,"
(6) Trials not only test your faith, but will be the basis for much praise, and glory, and honor on the day that Jesus Christ is revealed to the entire world. 1st Pet 1:7 b "may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"
3. So, if you are in a trial right now, may I encourage you to just take a few moments and read these most descriptive and helpful verses from God that speak to what you are going through. May you simply believe what God says, and look forward to His being faithful to accomplish in You what He intends. You will be much stronger after the Lord gets you through the trial. And, He will. The 3 verses below are in the New Living Translation.
1st Pet 1:3 All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
1st Pet 1:6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
1st Pet 1:7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
A prayer:
Father, each day, Your Word is indeed the bread of life for our souls. Thank You for all that You do in us through Your Word. You give us perspective, truth, insight, understanding, comfort and hope. Thank You for all You do for us day by day. And, we particularly thank You for this teaching on "trials" We go through them, and these verses really shed light on why we go through them, and how to go through them, and the purpose you have in mind for us going through them. We love You and can hardly wait to see You face to face. In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
1 Peter 1:7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. We truly rejoice in what God has done for us. That's what we are told in 1 Pet 1:6. Which is speaking of our salvation. Here's how Peter put it a few verses earlier 1 Pet 1;3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
So, we rejoice that God has saved us. We have been saved by His mercy, and we are saved unto a living hope through Jesus Christ's rising from the dead.
2. So, here are five truths about trials.
(1) Trials are only temporary. 1st Pet 1:6b. "though now for a little while.” This means, they come for a season.
Just like we go through summer, then into fall, then into winter, and then into spring. There are seasons of nature, and they come, and they go. And, that is one of the truths of a trial. They come, and then at some point they are gone.
(2) Trials only come when they are needed. 1st Pet 1:6c "if need be" That is, they come when they are necessary. And, of course our Lord knows when they are needed, and He is faithful to allow them into our lives.
(3) Trials bring grief into our lives. 1 Pet 1:6d you have been grieved by various trials, In other words, they make us sorrowful, they bring sadness, they cause grief, and they make us uneasy. That's the truth isn't it.
(4) Trials come in various ways. 1 Pet 1:6e. "by various trials," There can be many trials that come all at once, or one after the other.
(5) Trials come only to test your faith. To show that your faith is strong and pure. That's what 1st Pet 1:7a says. "that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,"
(6) Trials not only test your faith, but will be the basis for much praise, and glory, and honor on the day that Jesus Christ is revealed to the entire world. 1st Pet 1:7 b "may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,"
3. So, if you are in a trial right now, may I encourage you to just take a few moments and read these most descriptive and helpful verses from God that speak to what you are going through. May you simply believe what God says, and look forward to His being faithful to accomplish in You what He intends. You will be much stronger after the Lord gets you through the trial. And, He will. The 3 verses below are in the New Living Translation.
1st Pet 1:3 All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.
1st Pet 1:6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while.
1st Pet 1:7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
A prayer:
Father, each day, Your Word is indeed the bread of life for our souls. Thank You for all that You do in us through Your Word. You give us perspective, truth, insight, understanding, comfort and hope. Thank You for all You do for us day by day. And, we particularly thank You for this teaching on "trials" We go through them, and these verses really shed light on why we go through them, and how to go through them, and the purpose you have in mind for us going through them. We love You and can hardly wait to see You face to face. In Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, April 7, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE"
Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. These two verses are a record of what God did for His people when they were trapped as it were. They could not go back, because Pharaoh’s army was behind them, they could not go to the left or to the right, because the terrain would not allow an escape, and they certainly could not go forward, because of the Red Sea. They were trapped. They were in the Proverbial, "Between a rock and a hard place"
2. But, God is above all rocks, and all hard places, and above all situations when a person is trapped. In fact, in this case, the Lord had led them into this location, and I'm certain it was to reveal His great power and strength to them, and to begin teaching them, that His people can look to Him, trust Him, wait on Him, for He is faithful to deliver.
3. So, here is what God said to His people through His servant Moses in the NLT Version.
Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.
Exodus 14:14 The LORD himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!”
4. Let's break this down a little bit and look closely at what was told the people.
(1) "Don't be afraid"
(2) "Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you.
(3) The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.
(4) The LORD himself will fight for you.
(5) You won't have to lift a finger in your defense.
5. And, we all know the story, God came through just as He said He would, and just as He always does. He is our faithful and true Savior. He makes promises that He makes good on, and He cannot lie.
6. May I encourage You if you are in a difficult place right now to let these words sink deep into your heart, and ask the Lord to wash your fears away, and to give You direction as to what He wants You to do. Our God, is the same God of the people in Exodus. He has not changed, and He loves You, knows all about Your situation, and is very capable of helping You.
A prayer:
Father, what a comfort it is to comforted by You. What a blessing it is, that You would give us Your Word to guide us, to calm us, to encourage us, to lift us up, and to put faith and courage in our hearts, to calm our fears.
And, what a blessing to know that You indeed are our Deliverer. We love You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Exodus 14:13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.
Exodus 14:14 “The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. These two verses are a record of what God did for His people when they were trapped as it were. They could not go back, because Pharaoh’s army was behind them, they could not go to the left or to the right, because the terrain would not allow an escape, and they certainly could not go forward, because of the Red Sea. They were trapped. They were in the Proverbial, "Between a rock and a hard place"
2. But, God is above all rocks, and all hard places, and above all situations when a person is trapped. In fact, in this case, the Lord had led them into this location, and I'm certain it was to reveal His great power and strength to them, and to begin teaching them, that His people can look to Him, trust Him, wait on Him, for He is faithful to deliver.
3. So, here is what God said to His people through His servant Moses in the NLT Version.
Exodus 14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.
Exodus 14:14 The LORD himself will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger in your defense!”
4. Let's break this down a little bit and look closely at what was told the people.
(1) "Don't be afraid"
(2) "Just stand where you are and watch the LORD rescue you.
(3) The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again.
(4) The LORD himself will fight for you.
(5) You won't have to lift a finger in your defense.
5. And, we all know the story, God came through just as He said He would, and just as He always does. He is our faithful and true Savior. He makes promises that He makes good on, and He cannot lie.
6. May I encourage You if you are in a difficult place right now to let these words sink deep into your heart, and ask the Lord to wash your fears away, and to give You direction as to what He wants You to do. Our God, is the same God of the people in Exodus. He has not changed, and He loves You, knows all about Your situation, and is very capable of helping You.
A prayer:
Father, what a comfort it is to comforted by You. What a blessing it is, that You would give us Your Word to guide us, to calm us, to encourage us, to lift us up, and to put faith and courage in our hearts, to calm our fears.
And, what a blessing to know that You indeed are our Deliverer. We love You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE"
Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Ephesians 1:5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son.
Ephesians 1:7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Paul was praising God for the fact of His blessings in the lives of the Christians in Ephesus. And these same blessings belong to each and every believer today, just as they did then. These blessings belong to those who are in Christ, ( this is the Bible's way of describing our position now that we are saved ) Here again, is what God said through Paul. Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. So, let's look at some of these blessings, and may you be blessed as you do.
2. God loves you, and He chose you to be in Christ, and has set you apart, to be without fault before Him.
Ephesians 1:4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. So, even before the world began, God loved you, and and picked you to be holy, or set apart to Himself, and that you would be without any fault before Him. Being in Christ means that there is no condemnation anymore.
3. God has adopted you into His family, as His child. See Ephesians 1:5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
Adopting you has always been His plan, and He accomplished His plan in and through Jesus Christ. And, having You as His child has given and does give Him great pleasure.
4. God has poured out His love on you. Ephesians 1:6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. What a thought. He has actually poured out His love. Not given it in drips and drabs, or now and then, but rather poured it out. And, He has done this because You belong to Jesus Christ.
5. God has both purchased us, and He has forgiven us of our sins. Ephesians 1:7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. Believers belong to God. The reason we do, is that He bought us, or He redeemed us. The price was the blood of Jesus Christ. And, not only did He purchase us, but He has forgiven us of all our sins. They are gone because of Jesus Christ's death on the cross for us. Jesus paid for our sins, and now as those who belong to Him, we are clean from our sins. They are forgiven.
6. A Recap of the blessings of God. (And, this is just a small sample of the many blessings we have in Christ)
There are many of them. Paul says, blessing(s)
We are loved by God.
God has chosen us to be His children.
The Lord adopted us into His family.
Our Father poured out His love upon us.
We have been purchased by God, and now belong to Him.
Finally, our sins have been forgiven.
A prayer:
Father, we stand in awe as we truly consider what You have done for us, and what You are doing, and what You will do for us. Thank You for all of the many, many blessings that belong to us. You have given us all of these blessing through Your Son Jesus Christ. You are the great blessing dispenser, and Jesus is the way that You have dispensed them. We are the blessed ones. And, we praise You this day for them. May our lives reflect to the world around us, of all that You have given to us. May we bring glory and honor to You, for You are worthy O Lord to receive it. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.
Ephesians 1:4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.
Ephesians 1:5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
Ephesians 1:6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son.
Ephesians 1:7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Paul was praising God for the fact of His blessings in the lives of the Christians in Ephesus. And these same blessings belong to each and every believer today, just as they did then. These blessings belong to those who are in Christ, ( this is the Bible's way of describing our position now that we are saved ) Here again, is what God said through Paul. Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. So, let's look at some of these blessings, and may you be blessed as you do.
2. God loves you, and He chose you to be in Christ, and has set you apart, to be without fault before Him.
Ephesians 1:4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. So, even before the world began, God loved you, and and picked you to be holy, or set apart to Himself, and that you would be without any fault before Him. Being in Christ means that there is no condemnation anymore.
3. God has adopted you into His family, as His child. See Ephesians 1:5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. And this gave him great pleasure.
Adopting you has always been His plan, and He accomplished His plan in and through Jesus Christ. And, having You as His child has given and does give Him great pleasure.
4. God has poured out His love on you. Ephesians 1:6 So we praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to his dearly loved Son. What a thought. He has actually poured out His love. Not given it in drips and drabs, or now and then, but rather poured it out. And, He has done this because You belong to Jesus Christ.
5. God has both purchased us, and He has forgiven us of our sins. Ephesians 1:7 He is so rich in kindness that he purchased our freedom through the blood of his Son, and our sins are forgiven. Believers belong to God. The reason we do, is that He bought us, or He redeemed us. The price was the blood of Jesus Christ. And, not only did He purchase us, but He has forgiven us of all our sins. They are gone because of Jesus Christ's death on the cross for us. Jesus paid for our sins, and now as those who belong to Him, we are clean from our sins. They are forgiven.
6. A Recap of the blessings of God. (And, this is just a small sample of the many blessings we have in Christ)
There are many of them. Paul says, blessing(s)
We are loved by God.
God has chosen us to be His children.
The Lord adopted us into His family.
Our Father poured out His love upon us.
We have been purchased by God, and now belong to Him.
Finally, our sins have been forgiven.
A prayer:
Father, we stand in awe as we truly consider what You have done for us, and what You are doing, and what You will do for us. Thank You for all of the many, many blessings that belong to us. You have given us all of these blessing through Your Son Jesus Christ. You are the great blessing dispenser, and Jesus is the way that You have dispensed them. We are the blessed ones. And, we praise You this day for them. May our lives reflect to the world around us, of all that You have given to us. May we bring glory and honor to You, for You are worthy O Lord to receive it. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, April 4, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO VIEW A TRIAL"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO VIEW A TRIAL"
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. The Lord tells us how to view a trial, right in the very first verse in our devotional today. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. In other words, the Lord is telling us that whenever trouble comes our way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Now, that sounds odd, and it does not seem to go well with our natural thinking. When trouble comes our way, let's regard it with joy, or see it as an opportunity for joy. Yes, that is what God tells us. He will explain why in the next 2 verses.
But, first of all, please notice how these trials or troubles come to us. James 1:2 ......when you fall into various trials. Or simply when troubles come your way. What James is saying, is that trials, troubles can just come upon us without any advance warning, ( although there could be some advance warning ) but, more often than not, they come in a way that is surprising, and if it's or like you were walking along, and all of a sudden you fell into a hole that you did not know was in your path. That's how they come.
2. But, now we are told why we can accept and view a trial as an opportunity for joy. James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. It's simple. It's because if we respond God's way to the trials that He allows in our lives, those trials, those times of testing, will produce patience in our lives. They will add a blessing to us. Here's how the NLT says it James 1:3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. How true it is. When God tests or proves our faith, the net result, or the end result is that we grow in the Lord. That's why what we were told earlier is true. "consider it all joy" or "Let it be an opportunity for joy"
It's always a blessing and a great joy when we grow in the Lord.
Here's how that trial and it's results are stated in Heb 12:11No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
The NKJV reads this way. Heb 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
3. The final thing that is said to us about trials is this, James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Or, "So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." That's in the NLT version.
We are encouraged to cooperate with God in a trial. What does that mean? Well, it's our faith that is being tested, and what the Lord wants us to do in a trial, is to "trust HIm" To have an "active faith in Him" To simply keep believing Him, His Word, and just be patient. Being patient in trials is very important. We cannot hurry a trial to it's end, that's all in God's plan and time. But, what we can do is just believe Him, and be patient, till the Lord has accomplished what He wants to through the trial or trials that have come into our lives.
4. Let's take one final look again at what the Lord does through a trial as we patiently believe Him.
James 1:4...... that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. As you develop through the trial, you will become strong in character, and ready for anything. You will become a well rounded Christian. A maturing Christian.
A prayer:
Father, You have not only brought us into life through faith in Christ who died for our sins, and rose again from the dead, but You are now seeking to grow us up in Christ into mature men and women of God. Trials are not easy Lord, but, in the end, they are so good for us. We pray, that You would help us to respond to trials the way You have taught us here in James. May we thank You in advance for what You will do in us. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. The Lord tells us how to view a trial, right in the very first verse in our devotional today. James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. In other words, the Lord is telling us that whenever trouble comes our way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Now, that sounds odd, and it does not seem to go well with our natural thinking. When trouble comes our way, let's regard it with joy, or see it as an opportunity for joy. Yes, that is what God tells us. He will explain why in the next 2 verses.
But, first of all, please notice how these trials or troubles come to us. James 1:2 ......when you fall into various trials. Or simply when troubles come your way. What James is saying, is that trials, troubles can just come upon us without any advance warning, ( although there could be some advance warning ) but, more often than not, they come in a way that is surprising, and if it's or like you were walking along, and all of a sudden you fell into a hole that you did not know was in your path. That's how they come.
2. But, now we are told why we can accept and view a trial as an opportunity for joy. James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. It's simple. It's because if we respond God's way to the trials that He allows in our lives, those trials, those times of testing, will produce patience in our lives. They will add a blessing to us. Here's how the NLT says it James 1:3 For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. How true it is. When God tests or proves our faith, the net result, or the end result is that we grow in the Lord. That's why what we were told earlier is true. "consider it all joy" or "Let it be an opportunity for joy"
It's always a blessing and a great joy when we grow in the Lord.
Here's how that trial and it's results are stated in Heb 12:11No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening--it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.
The NKJV reads this way. Heb 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
3. The final thing that is said to us about trials is this, James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Or, "So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." That's in the NLT version.
We are encouraged to cooperate with God in a trial. What does that mean? Well, it's our faith that is being tested, and what the Lord wants us to do in a trial, is to "trust HIm" To have an "active faith in Him" To simply keep believing Him, His Word, and just be patient. Being patient in trials is very important. We cannot hurry a trial to it's end, that's all in God's plan and time. But, what we can do is just believe Him, and be patient, till the Lord has accomplished what He wants to through the trial or trials that have come into our lives.
4. Let's take one final look again at what the Lord does through a trial as we patiently believe Him.
James 1:4...... that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. As you develop through the trial, you will become strong in character, and ready for anything. You will become a well rounded Christian. A maturing Christian.
A prayer:
Father, You have not only brought us into life through faith in Christ who died for our sins, and rose again from the dead, but You are now seeking to grow us up in Christ into mature men and women of God. Trials are not easy Lord, but, in the end, they are so good for us. We pray, that You would help us to respond to trials the way You have taught us here in James. May we thank You in advance for what You will do in us. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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