"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE PASSING THROUGH THE WATERS"
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
(Taken from today's reading through the One Year Bible 9/23/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
God, the redeemer of His people, was expressing to them that when His people came out of captivity, though there would be obstacles, He would be with them, He would deliver them. His people were faced with the opposition coming from foreign nations, but God would be with His people to help them, just as He is today.
1. God has a word of promise for His people.
Isaiah 43:1 “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”
Please notice how God speaks to and about His people. He created them. He formed them.
You, as a person, were created by God.
And You, as a saved person, by God have been re-created as it were.
You were formed by God.
He considers You His own.
In fact You are His own children.
2. God's word to His people is one comfort against fear.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
God knew that hard times were ahead.
He knew what His people would be facing from the heathen nations around Israel's land as the people returned from captivity.
He likened their troubles to passing through the waters.
But, He said, I will be with you.
And the waters would not overflow them.
And, when they went through the fire (the fiery trials of battling the enemies of God), He assured His people that they would not be burned, nor would the flame scorch them.
3. God specifically tells them how He would help them through the difficult times.
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.”
His message to the people, "I will be with you”.
And that is His message to us today.
He is with us.
Nothing can separate us from His love.
Some Questions:
1. Are you passing through a difficult time right now?
2. You may want to look at these verses more closely, and find the comfort of God from them.
3. If you are leaving a place of captivity and being brought back into fellowship with God, you can expect opposition.
4. But you can also rely upon the promise of God. He will do for you all that He has promised.
A Prayer:
Father, You are simply faithful. And we thank You and praise You for being so.
You have never lied to us even once. You have always fulfilled Your promises to us.
There is truly no one like You.
Who else in heaven or on earth can do for us what You do.
We love You, in Jesus’ name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Monday, September 22, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE"
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
(Taken from todays reading in The One Year Bible, 9/22/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
This Psalm is simply entitled a Song. It is one of many that is believed to be written by David.
It's about God and His ways with man.
At the very end, which is what we are looking at, it focuses in on God's faithfulness to those who are His own.
1. God hears the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Here David is expressing something so wonderful.
He was certain of this.
He knew for sure that God heard him.
He knew that God was hearing His prayer.
The same is true for any and all of God's people
2. God is blessed by His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Here is something else that is true.
God is blessed by His people.
He is blessed, or exalted, because He has shown Himself so faithful.
We love Him because He first loved us.
3. God has not turned away from the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Not only does God hear our prayers and is blessed by His people, but there is something else also.
God does not turn away from our prayers.
In fact, His ears are open to the prayers of His people.
4. God has not and does not withhold His mercy from His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
One other thing about God's faithfulness.
He not only listens to us.
And He does not turn away from our prayers.
But He does not withhold His mercy from us.
Some Questions:
1. Would You take a moment to just simply read over these two verses and the thoughts shared about them?
2. Do you know that your heart will be blessed and encouraged as you consider these truths about God?
3. Finally, do you know that God is not a respecter of persons?
4. How He interacted with David He will do with you also.
A Prayer:
Father, it never ceases to amaze us. You are so good. You are so faithful. You express through Your Word those things that bring blessing into our souls. We bless You, Lord. You reveal Yourself to us, and it builds us up, it gives us strength, it encourages us, and it causes us to bless You as David did. Blessed be the Lord, for His goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
(Taken from todays reading in The One Year Bible, 9/22/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
This Psalm is simply entitled a Song. It is one of many that is believed to be written by David.
It's about God and His ways with man.
At the very end, which is what we are looking at, it focuses in on God's faithfulness to those who are His own.
1. God hears the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:19 “But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer.”
Here David is expressing something so wonderful.
He was certain of this.
He knew for sure that God heard him.
He knew that God was hearing His prayer.
The same is true for any and all of God's people
2. God is blessed by His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Here is something else that is true.
God is blessed by His people.
He is blessed, or exalted, because He has shown Himself so faithful.
We love Him because He first loved us.
3. God has not turned away from the prayers of His people
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
Not only does God hear our prayers and is blessed by His people, but there is something else also.
God does not turn away from our prayers.
In fact, His ears are open to the prayers of His people.
4. God has not and does not withhold His mercy from His people.
Psalm 66:20 “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
One other thing about God's faithfulness.
He not only listens to us.
And He does not turn away from our prayers.
But He does not withhold His mercy from us.
Some Questions:
1. Would You take a moment to just simply read over these two verses and the thoughts shared about them?
2. Do you know that your heart will be blessed and encouraged as you consider these truths about God?
3. Finally, do you know that God is not a respecter of persons?
4. How He interacted with David He will do with you also.
A Prayer:
Father, it never ceases to amaze us. You are so good. You are so faithful. You express through Your Word those things that bring blessing into our souls. We bless You, Lord. You reveal Yourself to us, and it builds us up, it gives us strength, it encourages us, and it causes us to bless You as David did. Blessed be the Lord, for His goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TRUTH AND WISDOM"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TRUTH AND WISDOM"
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/20/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, questions, application and a prayer:
Proverbs, God's Book of wisdom for His children. God's Word from Heaven to man here below, teaching us how to live.
What to avoid, what to pursue, answering many of the "why's" of life.
In this simple verse, there is just teaching about what to acquire and what to hold on to.
The implication here is that this is good for us, good for our souls.
It will please our Father, and keep us from those things that will hurt us, and make us more useful to our God.
1. We can, and ought to buy or get the the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
The truth is free, we don't have to buy it.
But we are being instructed by God to “get" the truth.
The truth is something we can have.
The Lord is the truth.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus invites us to come to Him.
Jesus wants to give Himself to us.
Thus we can get the truth.
We get it everyday as we open the Word of God.
2. We ought never to sell it, or get rid of the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
There is nothing more valuable than the truth.
Thus we ought never to let it go from us.
We ought to treasure the truth.
And, we ought to nurture the truth in our lives.
In other words we can grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord.
We might be tempted to think that the lies of the devil are true and important.
Satan would love for you to abandon the truth and buy into his deceit.
In that sense you could sell the truth.
3. We ought also to get three other valuable things. Wisdom instruction and understanding
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
Along with the truth, there are three other important blessings God has for us and He wants us to have them, and to keep them.
Wisdom.
Instruction.
Understanding.
In a sense, these three come right out of having the truth.
Through Christ who is the truth we gain God's wisdom, His instruction, and His understanding.
The NLT says it this way:
Proverbs 23:23 “Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment.”
Notice it says here discipline and discernment.
Discipline is also translated correction, doctrine, chastening.
Discernment means understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing that God makes these important things available to us?
2. And don't you know that if the Lord directs us to do something, than He also makes it possible for us to do it.
3. Jesus is all of these things for us. Truth, wisdom, understanding, instruction, and discernment.
4. In a simple sense, God is saying "Get Jesus, and don't let go of Him”.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Proverbs. Thank You for the clear specific instruction and promises, the encouragement, the warnings that You give us through this book. This is the book of life. This is how to navigate through life not on our own wisdom, but with God's Wisdom. May we be humble, aware of our need, and earnest in our pursuit of Your will for our lives. Please forgive us for the times when we live as if You are not there. And thank You for the times by Your grace that we draw near to You and so enjoy learning about You, and growing in Your grace. You call us friends, and You tell us that we are valuable to us. Those truths are such a blessing to us.
May we not take You for granted, Lord. But follow hard after You. Day by day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/20/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, questions, application and a prayer:
Proverbs, God's Book of wisdom for His children. God's Word from Heaven to man here below, teaching us how to live.
What to avoid, what to pursue, answering many of the "why's" of life.
In this simple verse, there is just teaching about what to acquire and what to hold on to.
The implication here is that this is good for us, good for our souls.
It will please our Father, and keep us from those things that will hurt us, and make us more useful to our God.
1. We can, and ought to buy or get the the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
The truth is free, we don't have to buy it.
But we are being instructed by God to “get" the truth.
The truth is something we can have.
The Lord is the truth.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jesus invites us to come to Him.
Jesus wants to give Himself to us.
Thus we can get the truth.
We get it everyday as we open the Word of God.
2. We ought never to sell it, or get rid of the truth.
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
There is nothing more valuable than the truth.
Thus we ought never to let it go from us.
We ought to treasure the truth.
And, we ought to nurture the truth in our lives.
In other words we can grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord.
We might be tempted to think that the lies of the devil are true and important.
Satan would love for you to abandon the truth and buy into his deceit.
In that sense you could sell the truth.
3. We ought also to get three other valuable things. Wisdom instruction and understanding
Proverbs 23:23 “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
Along with the truth, there are three other important blessings God has for us and He wants us to have them, and to keep them.
Wisdom.
Instruction.
Understanding.
In a sense, these three come right out of having the truth.
Through Christ who is the truth we gain God's wisdom, His instruction, and His understanding.
The NLT says it this way:
Proverbs 23:23 “Get the truth and don’t ever sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and discernment.”
Notice it says here discipline and discernment.
Discipline is also translated correction, doctrine, chastening.
Discernment means understanding, knowledge, and wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing that God makes these important things available to us?
2. And don't you know that if the Lord directs us to do something, than He also makes it possible for us to do it.
3. Jesus is all of these things for us. Truth, wisdom, understanding, instruction, and discernment.
4. In a simple sense, God is saying "Get Jesus, and don't let go of Him”.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for the Book of Proverbs. Thank You for the clear specific instruction and promises, the encouragement, the warnings that You give us through this book. This is the book of life. This is how to navigate through life not on our own wisdom, but with God's Wisdom. May we be humble, aware of our need, and earnest in our pursuit of Your will for our lives. Please forgive us for the times when we live as if You are not there. And thank You for the times by Your grace that we draw near to You and so enjoy learning about You, and growing in Your grace. You call us friends, and You tell us that we are valuable to us. Those truths are such a blessing to us.
May we not take You for granted, Lord. But follow hard after You. Day by day.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, September 19, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PATIENT FAITHFUL COMPASSION TOWARDS HIS PEOPLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PATIENT FAITHFUL COMPASSION TOWARDS HIS PEOPLE"
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, 9/19/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, explanations, questions and a prayer:
Isaiah had been sent by the Lord to minister to the southern kingdom of Judah. He was sent to call the people to God and to warn them of what would happen if they persisted in their sin and rebellion towards God. He was God's messenger of grace, love, forgiveness, restoration and hope. By the way, each of us as believers are called to a similar ministry. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, to help bring people to faith. May we be good and faithful ministers of Jesus Christ.
This particular verse is an expression of God's heart. It's a very, very beautiful truth about God and His love for His people.
1. God will wait for His people.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
This was spoken by Isaiah from God to God's people.
The message was, "the LORD still waits for you”.
Imagine that in the midst of sin and rebellion, God was waiting for His people.
Our God is a "waiting" God.
Waits here, means to wait, tarry, await, to wait for, to long for.
2. God waits for His people to come to Him.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people had turned their backs upon Him.
But God had not turned His heart away from them.
God was longing for them to come back to Him.
God was waiting for them.
3. God waits for His people to come to Him so he can show them His love and compassion.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God was waiting for His people to come to Him
God was not waiting for His people to come to Him so He could punish them.
God was waiting for His people to come to Him so that He could show them two things.
(1) God wanted to show them His love.
(2) God wanted to show them His compassion.
4. Our God is a faithful God.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God not only is a waiting God, but He is a faithful God.
God is dependable.
You can count on God to do what He says He will do.
That's just the way He is.
He not only is faithful, but He never changes.
He is always faithful.
5. Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people are blessed as they wait upon God,
God will help those who wait upon Him.
Wait here means, the same as above, to long for.
So, the person who longs for God to help them will be blessed.
That is a promise from God to those who wait for Him.
Some Questions:
1. Would you say God is waiting for you right now, or you are waiting for God?
2. If you find yourself today away from God, please know that He is waiting for You to come back to Him.
3. Guess what God is waiting to show you? HIs love and compassion.
4. Are you waiting for the Lord at this time in your life?
5. Please know that as you wait, God promises to bring a blessing to you.
6. May you be encouraged by the many truths in this one simple verse
A Prayer:
Father, this verse is perhaps one of the most lovely verses in the entire Bible. It's filled with grace, love, compassion and faithfulness.
Thank You for being who You are towards us. We are not always what we ought to be towards You, but You never cease being towards us who You are. You remain the same, You do not change, You are faithful. Lord, if we are away from You, we want to declare this day, we want to come back to You and receive Your love and compassion. And, Lord, if we are in a situation where You have us waiting on You, then we thank You in advance for the blessing that is ours, or that is coming. You wait and we wait. The center point of it all is our being with You and You being with us. Walking and living together as friends who value and appreciate each other. Thank You, Lord, for being so incredible. We do not have the words to express what is in our hearts. Would you help us to have hearts that can write out or speak out our thoughts to You. Blessed be the name of the Lord, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible, 9/19/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, explanations, questions and a prayer:
Isaiah had been sent by the Lord to minister to the southern kingdom of Judah. He was sent to call the people to God and to warn them of what would happen if they persisted in their sin and rebellion towards God. He was God's messenger of grace, love, forgiveness, restoration and hope. By the way, each of us as believers are called to a similar ministry. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation, to help bring people to faith. May we be good and faithful ministers of Jesus Christ.
This particular verse is an expression of God's heart. It's a very, very beautiful truth about God and His love for His people.
1. God will wait for His people.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
This was spoken by Isaiah from God to God's people.
The message was, "the LORD still waits for you”.
Imagine that in the midst of sin and rebellion, God was waiting for His people.
Our God is a "waiting" God.
Waits here, means to wait, tarry, await, to wait for, to long for.
2. God waits for His people to come to Him.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people had turned their backs upon Him.
But God had not turned His heart away from them.
God was longing for them to come back to Him.
God was waiting for them.
3. God waits for His people to come to Him so he can show them His love and compassion.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God was waiting for His people to come to Him
God was not waiting for His people to come to Him so He could punish them.
God was waiting for His people to come to Him so that He could show them two things.
(1) God wanted to show them His love.
(2) God wanted to show them His compassion.
4. Our God is a faithful God.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God not only is a waiting God, but He is a faithful God.
God is dependable.
You can count on God to do what He says He will do.
That's just the way He is.
He not only is faithful, but He never changes.
He is always faithful.
5. Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.
Isaiah 30:18 “But the LORD still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.”
God's people are blessed as they wait upon God,
God will help those who wait upon Him.
Wait here means, the same as above, to long for.
So, the person who longs for God to help them will be blessed.
That is a promise from God to those who wait for Him.
Some Questions:
1. Would you say God is waiting for you right now, or you are waiting for God?
2. If you find yourself today away from God, please know that He is waiting for You to come back to Him.
3. Guess what God is waiting to show you? HIs love and compassion.
4. Are you waiting for the Lord at this time in your life?
5. Please know that as you wait, God promises to bring a blessing to you.
6. May you be encouraged by the many truths in this one simple verse
A Prayer:
Father, this verse is perhaps one of the most lovely verses in the entire Bible. It's filled with grace, love, compassion and faithfulness.
Thank You for being who You are towards us. We are not always what we ought to be towards You, but You never cease being towards us who You are. You remain the same, You do not change, You are faithful. Lord, if we are away from You, we want to declare this day, we want to come back to You and receive Your love and compassion. And, Lord, if we are in a situation where You have us waiting on You, then we thank You in advance for the blessing that is ours, or that is coming. You wait and we wait. The center point of it all is our being with You and You being with us. Walking and living together as friends who value and appreciate each other. Thank You, Lord, for being so incredible. We do not have the words to express what is in our hearts. Would you help us to have hearts that can write out or speak out our thoughts to You. Blessed be the name of the Lord, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, September 18, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GUIDING YOUR HEART WITH WISDOM FROM GOD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GUIDING YOUR HEART WITH WISDOM FROM GOD"
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat.”
Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”
(Taken from today's reading in the One Year Bible 9/18/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
We know that the book of Proverbs is
God's book of wisdom for us. Through Proverbs the Lord teaches us how to
have His wisdom, and how to put it into practice in our lives.
Sometimes, as in this case, there are two main thoughts, along with an
explanation.
Let's look at God's guidance, and God's explanation for His guidance.
Let's look at God's guidance, and God's explanation for His guidance.
1. We can hear God speak to us.
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
God tells us here,”hear my son”.
He speaks.
He is asking us to listen.
He is our Father, and we are His children.
He wants to give us wisdom.
He speaks.
He is asking us to listen.
He is our Father, and we are His children.
He wants to give us wisdom.
2. We can be wise by receiving God's instruction.
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
God tells us "and be wise”.
That wisdom of heart comes by listening, believing, and applying what God says to us.
God would never guide us into foolishness and destruction.
Quite the opposite.
That wisdom of heart comes by listening, believing, and applying what God says to us.
God would never guide us into foolishness and destruction.
Quite the opposite.
3. We can, through God's wisdom, guide our heart in the way (God's way).
Proverbs 23:19 “Hear, my son, and be wise; And guide your heart in the way.”
So, three things are said here.
Hear my son.
And be wise.
And guide your heart in the way.
Hear my son.
And be wise.
And guide your heart in the way.
This last one, "guide your heart in the way" has to do with our response to what God says.
It's comforting to know that God only asks us what we are able to do.
He is speaking here to our minds, and to our decision making processes.
It's comforting to know that God only asks us what we are able to do.
He is speaking here to our minds, and to our decision making processes.
He is calling us to engage with His Word and to "guide our heart in the way”.
What is the "way”?
It's His way.
And Jesus called Himself the “way the, truth, and the life”.
God is asking us to guide ourselves into, and with, Jesus and what Jesus has for us.
What is the "way”?
It's His way.
And Jesus called Himself the “way the, truth, and the life”.
God is asking us to guide ourselves into, and with, Jesus and what Jesus has for us.
4. We are wise to take God warnings about what is stated here.
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat”
Proverbs 23:21 “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”
Here's what God says to us.
It's put in the “do not" category.
Avoid these things.
Don't participate in these things.
And, it's put in the "here's why I don't want you to do this” category also.
It's put in the “do not" category.
Avoid these things.
Don't participate in these things.
And, it's put in the "here's why I don't want you to do this” category also.
Don't get involved with drinking, gluttons, which means to flow down, to be worthless, to make light of, to squander.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons,”
Proverbs 23:21 “for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.”
Proverbs 23:20 “Do not carouse with drunkards and gluttons,”
Proverbs 23:21 “for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep clothes a person with rags.”
Notice where these people are headed.
And notice what will happen to them.
And notice what will happen to them.
God does not want this to happen to you.
And it won't if you guide your heart into His wisdom.
And it won't if you guide your heart into His wisdom.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it a blessing that God considers you, as a believer, His son or daughter, His child?
2. How kind and caring of Him to want to guide you into blessing and keep you from harm.
3. Can you see clearly what He is directing you to, and away from, and why?
4. Will you take a moment to thank Him for his guidance, and ask Him to help you put His wisdom into practice in your life?
A Prayer:
Father, what a blessing the Book of
Proverbs is. In these 31 chapters, You say so much about life. You seem
to touch on every area of life where we need wisdom. We cannot go back
and make a "do over of our lives”, but we can receive Your wisdom and be
doers as we move forward in this life. You never force us, but You
certainly lay out the way of blessing for us to choose. If we are
inclined to take lightly Your counsel, would You please change our
hearts so that we take Your counsels very seriously. And we pray for
friends and family who may be caught up in their own wisdom and are
suffering at this very time for choices they have made in the past. We
pray that You might deliver them into the peace of God. Show them Your
way, Lord, and lead them in Your way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HOPE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HOPE GOD HAS GIVEN YOU"
Proverbs 23:17 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.”
Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.”
(Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible 9/17/14)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
There are many things in life that can distract God's child and disturb the peace God has for them.
And in this Proverb Solomon gives us simple, sound wisdom as to the hope God has for us.
This is a favorite passage of mine, and I pray that God brings true and lasting blessing into your soul through it.
And in this Proverb Solomon gives us simple, sound wisdom as to the hope God has for us.
This is a favorite passage of mine, and I pray that God brings true and lasting blessing into your soul through it.
1. We are instructed by God not have to envy sinners.
Proverbs 23:17 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day”
Envying sinners is something that can happen to us.
Envy means to become jealous, and angry.
Envy means to become jealous, and angry.
Isn't it odd that the very person we
used to be, and are glad that we are no longer that person can become
the persons we are jealous of?
Why is this?
Why is this?
I think it's simply when we get our eyes off the Lord and start looking at people, and it's easy to become jealous of them.
Those sinners may look as if all is well with them, and that they are having a grand time.
They may in fact enjoy pleasure, as sin is a pleasure, but only for a season.
Those sinners may look as if all is well with them, and that they are having a grand time.
They may in fact enjoy pleasure, as sin is a pleasure, but only for a season.
So, God tells us not to be jealous of them.
2. We can be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.
Proverbs 23:17 “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.”
Here we are told what to do.
This is God's direction for us.
Instead of being jealous of sinners, we are told to do something else.
This is God's direction for us.
Instead of being jealous of sinners, we are told to do something else.
We are to be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day.
What does this mean, and why ought we do to it?
What does this mean, and why ought we do to it?
It simply means to always continue in the fear of the LORD.
The fear of the LORD is the starting point day by day for wisdom and knowledge.
The fear of the LORD is the starting point day by day for wisdom and knowledge.
Now that we are christians this is how we can live, and enjoy the blessings of having our hearts towards God.
God is who we are going to see face to face one day.
God is who we are going to see face to face one day.
Sinners whom we might be jealous of now, will sadly never see God's face.
They will remain in outer darkness forever.
We will be in Glory forever.
They will remain in outer darkness forever.
We will be in Glory forever.
3. We are certain of the hereafter.
Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.”
Here God takes us beyond the present into the "hereafter" or the reality after this life.
The what comes after this life if you will.
It's called the "hereafter”.
The what comes after this life if you will.
It's called the "hereafter”.
The hereafter means the future we have ahead of us.
And we are told that we can be certain that we have a glorious future ahead of us.
And we are told that we can be certain that we have a glorious future ahead of us.
4. We are also certain that our hope will not be cut off.
Proverbs 23:18 “For surely there is a hereafter, And your hope will not be cut off.”
The hope we have of being with Christ is not going to be cut off by anyone or by anything.
Our hope will not be disappointed.
Our hope will not be disappointed.
God has promised eternity with Him to all who come to Him through faith in Christ.
The sad truth for sinners is that they also have a future ahead of them.
And it's true that they will certainly be separated from God forever.
Oh how terrible the thought.
The sad truth for sinners is that they also have a future ahead of them.
And it's true that they will certainly be separated from God forever.
Oh how terrible the thought.
5. The point God is making in these verses.
It's a simple one.
And, it's this.
It's worth living for God now because it's going to pay off.
Don't be tricked by what you see around you.
But keep your eyes on the Lord.
He is going to see you all the way to heaven
You will meet God face to face in the hereafter, in the next life
It's worth it in this life to live for the next life.
And, it's this.
It's worth living for God now because it's going to pay off.
Don't be tricked by what you see around you.
But keep your eyes on the Lord.
He is going to see you all the way to heaven
You will meet God face to face in the hereafter, in the next life
It's worth it in this life to live for the next life.
Some Questions:
1. Do you ever find yourself looking at unbelievers and thinking they have it so good, I'd like to have what they have?
2. Isn't it interesting that once our eyes are off the Lord, we can fall prey to deception and lies?
3. Can you remember how glad you were to
be saved, and think of it now, that you might look at the unsaved and
be jealous of them.
4. The remedy, the way to live is simply laid out here for us isn't it?
5. We are in this life now, but do you
know that the next life is coming, and you will see God and He will
welcome You into glory.
6. Will you take a moment to really
think through how true it is, that it's worth living for God now in
light of where you are going in the end?
A Prayer:
Father, You have been so good to us,
words fail to express it. Thank You that we can be delivered from our
own sinfulness and get our eyes and life right with You. Lord, You know
that in our right minds it's foolish to envy those who have no hope. But
we must admit it does happen to us from time to time. Father, You are
living right now in the "hereafter”. We are in the "here" at this time.
But Your plan for us is to bring us from "here" to the "hereafter" with
You. Thank You for the hope we have. And thank You for the promise that
our hope will not be cut off. You will see to that. You promise to keep
us till we are in safe and sound in heaven. Oh what a glorious hope we
have.
May we enjoy the truth of it day by day, and all through the day, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
May we enjoy the truth of it day by day, and all through the day, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"
Psalm 60:10 “Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?”
Psalm 60:11 “Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”
Psalm 60:12 “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
(Taken from today's reading in the “One Year Bible" September 16th, 2014)
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions and a prayer:
David's armies had been meeting stiff
opposition and resistance, and were experiencing some defeat. They were
surrounded by the enemy.
Enemies were on the east, south, and west of David's armies. And during the time this Psalm was written David was fighting the Syrian army to the north. So, he was indeed surrounded.
Enemies were on the east, south, and west of David's armies. And during the time this Psalm was written David was fighting the Syrian army to the north. So, he was indeed surrounded.
However, even though surrounded by
enemies, David believed that God would help him triumph. May this
devotional help you if you happen to find yourself in a similar
situation.
1. God had cast off the children of Israel, and had not gone out with their armies.
Psalm 60:10 “Is it not You, O God, who cast us off? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies?”
The children of Israel experienced being cast off by God and not having God with them as they went out in battle.
We don't know the circumstances that led to this consequence.
But, they were right in the middle of it.
God does not leave us.
But we can certainly leave God.
Or God can let us see what it's like to be without His help.
We don't know the circumstances that led to this consequence.
But, they were right in the middle of it.
God does not leave us.
But we can certainly leave God.
Or God can let us see what it's like to be without His help.
2. David was asking God to help him from trouble.
Psalm 60:11 “Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”
Even though they were in this position, and were in grave trouble, David was asking the Lord to help him.
It was a simple prayer, “give us help from trouble”.
It was a simple prayer, “give us help from trouble”.
David knew that help could, and would, come from God.
Thus he had faith that God would help him in this trouble.
And so can you.
Thus he had faith that God would help him in this trouble.
And so can you.
3. David realized the help of man was useless.
Psalm 60:11 “Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.”
David had lived long enough to know that man's help is useless.
We need God's help to get through our battles and difficulties.
We need God's help to get through our battles and difficulties.
David was not speaking ill of man, but just saying what is true.
Man may want to help us, but it's God who can really help.
Man may want to help us, but it's God who can really help.
So, David was asking God to help, instead of man.
4. David was confident that through God they would do valiantly. Because God would tread down their enemies.
Psalm 60:12 “Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.”
In asking God, David was very confident
that God would act in such a way as to bring them through the battle in a
victorious manner.
David understood that it was God who would tread down, or destroy, their enemies.
David understood that it was God who would tread down, or destroy, their enemies.
Some Questions:
1. Have you ever felt as if God has cast you off?
2. Have you ever felt like you are facing life and it's challenges without God's help?
3. Have you ever cried out to God to help you in your time of trouble?
4. Though man can be a friend, compared to God man is useless, would you not agree?
5. Do you have the faith today to believe, and will you believe that God will help you in your present struggle?
A Prayer:
Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Lord, we must confess that so often, and so many times, we have not
trusted in You, but have trusted in our own strength. Lord, we must
admit that our strength is not enough at all to do what needs to be
done.
Lord, there are times when You allow us to experience what it's like to be in the fray without You, as it were. It's not a place we want to be in, Lord. We need Your help in times of trouble, and we ask for it in this hour. Help us, O God. We know that it's through You that we can do valiantly. And we know that it's You, Lord, who will deal with our enemies. We entrust ourselves to You this day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Lord, there are times when You allow us to experience what it's like to be in the fray without You, as it were. It's not a place we want to be in, Lord. We need Your help in times of trouble, and we ask for it in this hour. Help us, O God. We know that it's through You that we can do valiantly. And we know that it's You, Lord, who will deal with our enemies. We entrust ourselves to You this day, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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