"SHARING GRACE FOR TODAY THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE WE HAVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST"
Zechariah 4:3 “And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 4:4 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with a cane and sit together in the city squares.”
Zechariah 4:5 “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
Zechariah 4:6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the LORD Almighty?”
Zechariah 4:7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.”
Zechariah 4:8 “I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”
Zechariah 4:9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the LORD Almighty ever since the foundation was laid.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We have a glorious future awaiting us when Christ returns to the earth.
Zechariah 4:3” And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Zechariah 4:4 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem’s streets with a cane and sit together in the city squares.”
Zechariah 4:5 “And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.”
These verses have a dual application.
They speak of God's returning the captives back to Jerusalem, and blessing them.
But they also speak of God's plan for His people during the 1000 years that Jesus will be reigning on the earth following His return to the earth.
Please notice some of the blessings that are mentioned.
Christ is returning
He will live in Jerusalem.
God will populate Jerusalem with His people.
There will be a blessed life taking place to say the least.
2. What we think is impossible is nothing for the Lord to accomplish.
Zechariah 4:6 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small and discouraged remnant of God’s people. But do you think this is impossible for me, the LORD Almighty?”
Zechariah 4:7 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.”
Zechariah 4:8 “I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.”
Having a blessed future may seem impossible especially if you are discouraged right now,
But God asks us to think if anything is impossible for Him.
After all He is the LORD God Almighty.
There is no one greater than Him.
Our God promises to rescue us from all parts of the earth.
We can be sure of that promise.
One day we will be brought to God's home for us in Jerusalem.
We will live safely there.
We will be God's people
God will be faithful and just towards us.
3. God wants us to take heart and finish our work here and now.
Zechariah 4:9 “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Take heart and finish the task! You have heard what the prophets have been saying about building the Temple of the LORD Almighty ever since the foundation was laid.”
In the meantime, as we are down here on the earth, here's what the Lord says to us.
Take heart and finish the task.
Or be courageous and complete the work that God has given you to do now.
We have the blessing of God's Word through His prophets to encourage us.
God's plans are given to us in the Bible.
Believing them, is what gives us strength and hope
Questions:
1. Do you give much thought to the future beyond this life?
2. Do you know the Bible speaks of Jesus ruling on the earth with His people for 1000 Years?
3. Do you know the Bible's description of this time will be a life better than the garden of Eden?
4. Are you by chance discouraged at this time in your life?
5. Do you know that You can find strength hope and courage from and in God's precious Word?
A Prayer:
Lord, thank You for telling us what the future holds. What a glorious future we have waiting for us.
The best is yet to come that is for sure. And You are faithful to finish what You started and what You have promised.
Lord, help us to not focus on the seeming impossibilities that may be in our lives now, but rather to focus upon You and Your faithfulness and plans for us. You have promised to rescue us and to bless us. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU WITH SEEMING IMPOSSIBILITIES"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU WITH SEEMING IMPOSSIBILITIES"
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
1. God encourages us with His power was face challenges and seemingly impossible tasks.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah was involved in the rebuilding of God's temple.
It was no easy task.
In fact, it was a very difficult task, fraught with challenges beyond his ability.
God was encouraging Zechariah that the project would be accomplished.
And, God was explaining to Zechariah that it would not be by man's power, but by God.
Thus, God told him ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.
So our work for the Lord is not to be finished or accomplished in our strength and power but His.
God's Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power we need to do the work God sets before us.
What a joy and a blessing and relief it is to depend on God and not ourselves.
2. God's perspective is that nothing is too hard for Him, and when He works we recognize it's His grace.
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
A mountain is a great thing.
It's an awesome thing.
And, it can be a foreboding obstacle.
But nothing is too hard for the Lord.
In other words, God was encouraging Zerubbabel not to be discouraged by the mountainous trouble in front of him.
This will not stand in your way.
God will flatten the mountain out.
And the project would be finished.
And when the project was finished, Zerubbabel and the people would have shouts of Joy.
Saying, grace, grace to it.
Or may God bless it, may God bless it.
Questions:
1. Are you in God's will at this time and facing a great challenge?
2. Do you recognize that being in God's will does not mean we will not have challenges?
3. Are you struggling perhaps by leaning to yourself for what's needed?
4. Do you know that God wants to help you?
5. Do you know that God will help you?
6. Will you ask God for His strength, His power and the work of the Holy Spirit right not to finish this work?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. And thank You that we really hear You especially when we get ourselves into a bind. You are so gracious to remind us of Your wanting to help, and to give us power and strength.
You called us to do Your work, but You did not call us to do Your work in our power and strength, rather in Your power and strength. Thank You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask in the name of Jesus for a fresh outpouring of His power in our lives this very day. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
Taken from today's reading in The One Year Bible.
1. God encourages us with His power was face challenges and seemingly impossible tasks.
Zechariah 4:6 “So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah was involved in the rebuilding of God's temple.
It was no easy task.
In fact, it was a very difficult task, fraught with challenges beyond his ability.
God was encouraging Zechariah that the project would be accomplished.
And, God was explaining to Zechariah that it would not be by man's power, but by God.
Thus, God told him ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.
So our work for the Lord is not to be finished or accomplished in our strength and power but His.
God's Holy Spirit is the one who gives us the power we need to do the work God sets before us.
What a joy and a blessing and relief it is to depend on God and not ourselves.
2. God's perspective is that nothing is too hard for Him, and when He works we recognize it's His grace.
Zechariah 4:7 “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!””
A mountain is a great thing.
It's an awesome thing.
And, it can be a foreboding obstacle.
But nothing is too hard for the Lord.
In other words, God was encouraging Zerubbabel not to be discouraged by the mountainous trouble in front of him.
This will not stand in your way.
God will flatten the mountain out.
And the project would be finished.
And when the project was finished, Zerubbabel and the people would have shouts of Joy.
Saying, grace, grace to it.
Or may God bless it, may God bless it.
Questions:
1. Are you in God's will at this time and facing a great challenge?
2. Do you recognize that being in God's will does not mean we will not have challenges?
3. Are you struggling perhaps by leaning to yourself for what's needed?
4. Do you know that God wants to help you?
5. Do you know that God will help you?
6. Will you ask God for His strength, His power and the work of the Holy Spirit right not to finish this work?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for speaking to us through Your Word. And thank You that we really hear You especially when we get ourselves into a bind. You are so gracious to remind us of Your wanting to help, and to give us power and strength.
You called us to do Your work, but You did not call us to do Your work in our power and strength, rather in Your power and strength. Thank You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask in the name of Jesus for a fresh outpouring of His power in our lives this very day. Thank You, Father. In the name of Your Son Jesus, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, December 22, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER IN THE BIBLE"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A BEAUTIFUL PRAYER IN THE BIBLE"
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can like the Psalmist keep our eyes on the Lord.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
The idea here and the meaning is "I look to You for help O Sovereign LORD.
That's what it means to keep our eyes on the Lord.
It means to ask for help, and to look to God for help.
He is over all and can therefore help us.
2. We also can take refuge in our God.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
How wonderful is this truth?
God is our refuge.
We can hide ourselves in Him.
We can take shelter in God.
We can ask God to help us to not be harmed by those who wish us harm, even those who would want to kill us.
3. We can ask God to keep us from the snares of the wicked.
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
God is also able to keep us safe from the snares the wicked lay for us.
Wicked people do set snares for the righteous.
But, the righteous can look to God for help against the wicked.
God can even keep us completely out of their traps.
He can keep us out of the snares of those who do evil.
4. We also know what God says will happen to the wicked.
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
God has a plan for everyone.
Everyone can have whatever plan God has for them.
Each person basically chooses what their future will be like.
God wants them to choose His plan.
But, if a person refuses the grace of god then they will fall into their own snares.
And the person who accepts God's plan and grace in Jesus Christ escapes the snares of evil.
Questions:
1. Isn't it wonderful that we can look to God for help in any situation?
2. Are you in a situation at this time where you desperately need God's help?
3. Do you know that He welcomes you to call upon Him, because He loves You?
4. And, do you know that You can live in peace and confidence concerning the future?
5. How great is the grace of God that He takes care of us now, and will forever and ever?
A Prayer:
Lord God, You Yourself have made the way to Yourself through our having faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for our sins, and coming into our lives as Savior and, Lord, when we turned to You and believed in You. How wonderful that You shepherd us and watch over us day by day. Even trouble is used by You to transform and bless our lives. Thank You for being so faithful each day of our lives.
We look so forward to seeing Your wonderful and glorious face. In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can like the Psalmist keep our eyes on the Lord.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
The idea here and the meaning is "I look to You for help O Sovereign LORD.
That's what it means to keep our eyes on the Lord.
It means to ask for help, and to look to God for help.
He is over all and can therefore help us.
2. We also can take refuge in our God.
Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.”
How wonderful is this truth?
God is our refuge.
We can hide ourselves in Him.
We can take shelter in God.
We can ask God to help us to not be harmed by those who wish us harm, even those who would want to kill us.
3. We can ask God to keep us from the snares of the wicked.
Psalm 141:9 “Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.”
God is also able to keep us safe from the snares the wicked lay for us.
Wicked people do set snares for the righteous.
But, the righteous can look to God for help against the wicked.
God can even keep us completely out of their traps.
He can keep us out of the snares of those who do evil.
4. We also know what God says will happen to the wicked.
Psalm 141:10 “Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.”
God has a plan for everyone.
Everyone can have whatever plan God has for them.
Each person basically chooses what their future will be like.
God wants them to choose His plan.
But, if a person refuses the grace of god then they will fall into their own snares.
And the person who accepts God's plan and grace in Jesus Christ escapes the snares of evil.
Questions:
1. Isn't it wonderful that we can look to God for help in any situation?
2. Are you in a situation at this time where you desperately need God's help?
3. Do you know that He welcomes you to call upon Him, because He loves You?
4. And, do you know that You can live in peace and confidence concerning the future?
5. How great is the grace of God that He takes care of us now, and will forever and ever?
A Prayer:
Lord God, You Yourself have made the way to Yourself through our having faith in Your Son Jesus Christ.
Thank You, Jesus, for dying for our sins, and coming into our lives as Savior and, Lord, when we turned to You and believed in You. How wonderful that You shepherd us and watch over us day by day. Even trouble is used by You to transform and bless our lives. Thank You for being so faithful each day of our lives.
We look so forward to seeing Your wonderful and glorious face. In Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 20, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SEARCHING OUR HEARTS AND LEADING US"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SEARCHING OUR HEARTS AND LEADING US"
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can pray like David did, and know that we are praying according to the will of God.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
This is one of those those prayers that is a great example for us.
Many of the prayers in the Bible are prayers we can emulate and repeat to God.
Praying according to God's will is so important.
Praying is to discover God's will not attempt to impose our will on God.
This particular prayer is one that is according to God's will.
It's one that you can pray often, and God will hear and answer and bless you.
2. We can ask God to search our hearts, know our hearts and try us, and know our anxieties.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
There is much said that's very important in this one short verse.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.”
That seems to shorten it up a little.
But essentially, the prayer is for God to search or examine our hearts.
It includes a request to know what is in our hearts (which we can't always know apart from God helping us).
Finally, the prayer includes a request for God to test or try our lives, and to know our thoughts.
In other words, it's a prayer that opens up one's heart to God and asks Him to shine His knowledge of our lives into our minds and hearts.
It's a prayer that is asking God to help us understand who we really are and what we really are, and what we really are doing in our lives, and what we really need from Him.
3. We can also pray for two very important blessings from God.
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
The first one is to ask God to see if there is any wicked way in our lives.
Or to point out in us, anything that would be offensive to Him.
This is really a prayer to please and honor God by asking His help in revealing our true hearts.
Secondly, it's a prayer asking for help and guidance.
It's a prayer asking the Lord to lead us in the way everlasting.
Or to lead us along the path of everlasting life.
God has a path for us to walk on and a path of following Him in obedience.
Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and they follow Me.
This prayer is along that line.
It's a prayer to be led by God in the path that He has chosen for us.
Questions:
1. Don't you want to pray so as to have your prayers answered?
2. Do you believe that if you pray according to God's will He hears You?
3. Do you believe, truly believe that if you ask God for His will to be revealed He will reveal it to you?
4. Will you try and take this model prayer and put into regular practice in your life?
5. Do you realize what will happen if you pray according to God's will?
6. Do you believe God will do just as He says He will do?
7. Will you take a moment to pray this prayer like David did?
A Prayer:
Father, how we love the Psalms. They seem to resonate so often with what is going on in our lives. They have an attraction to our hearts and we say, yes, that is what I need, that is where I'm at, this is what I want to do with God's will in my life and so on. Father, this is such a great example of a prayer that is pleasing to You, and right along the line of Your will. Will You please help us to make what's in this prayer, a regular part of our own conversation with You, and may we respond in obedience to Your leading. Thank You in advance for what You will do as we pray according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. We can pray like David did, and know that we are praying according to the will of God.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
This is one of those those prayers that is a great example for us.
Many of the prayers in the Bible are prayers we can emulate and repeat to God.
Praying according to God's will is so important.
Praying is to discover God's will not attempt to impose our will on God.
This particular prayer is one that is according to God's will.
It's one that you can pray often, and God will hear and answer and bless you.
2. We can ask God to search our hearts, know our hearts and try us, and know our anxieties.
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;”
There is much said that's very important in this one short verse.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Psalm 139:23 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.”
That seems to shorten it up a little.
But essentially, the prayer is for God to search or examine our hearts.
It includes a request to know what is in our hearts (which we can't always know apart from God helping us).
Finally, the prayer includes a request for God to test or try our lives, and to know our thoughts.
In other words, it's a prayer that opens up one's heart to God and asks Him to shine His knowledge of our lives into our minds and hearts.
It's a prayer that is asking God to help us understand who we really are and what we really are, and what we really are doing in our lives, and what we really need from Him.
3. We can also pray for two very important blessings from God.
Psalm 139:24 “And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.”
The first one is to ask God to see if there is any wicked way in our lives.
Or to point out in us, anything that would be offensive to Him.
This is really a prayer to please and honor God by asking His help in revealing our true hearts.
Secondly, it's a prayer asking for help and guidance.
It's a prayer asking the Lord to lead us in the way everlasting.
Or to lead us along the path of everlasting life.
God has a path for us to walk on and a path of following Him in obedience.
Jesus said my sheep hear my voice and they follow Me.
This prayer is along that line.
It's a prayer to be led by God in the path that He has chosen for us.
Questions:
1. Don't you want to pray so as to have your prayers answered?
2. Do you believe that if you pray according to God's will He hears You?
3. Do you believe, truly believe that if you ask God for His will to be revealed He will reveal it to you?
4. Will you try and take this model prayer and put into regular practice in your life?
5. Do you realize what will happen if you pray according to God's will?
6. Do you believe God will do just as He says He will do?
7. Will you take a moment to pray this prayer like David did?
A Prayer:
Father, how we love the Psalms. They seem to resonate so often with what is going on in our lives. They have an attraction to our hearts and we say, yes, that is what I need, that is where I'm at, this is what I want to do with God's will in my life and so on. Father, this is such a great example of a prayer that is pleasing to You, and right along the line of Your will. Will You please help us to make what's in this prayer, a regular part of our own conversation with You, and may we respond in obedience to Your leading. Thank You in advance for what You will do as we pray according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, December 19, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN ANY TROUBLE"
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is able to help you when you are in trouble.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
God helps His people in the midst of their troubles.
Even though you may be surrounded by troubles, God is able to help you.
You can count on God helping You, He has promised to do so.
2. God will revive you and also stretch out His hand against your enemies, and save you.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Again, this is what God does.
He promises to do these things for His people.
He will revive or preserve you against the anger of your enemies.
God will win the battle, because it belongs to Him.
God will clench His fist against your enemies.
God's great power will save you.
3. God is going to perfect that which concerns you.
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
In other words, God is going to work out His plans for you.
He has plans for You. Plans that work together for your good.
He does this because of His great love for you.
God loves you.
God is also faithful.
God is also merciful.
God will not forsake you, never, never.
You can be certain He will not abandon you.
He will not abandon You because He made you.
You are the work of His hands.
Questions:
1. Can you remember thinking that because I'm a christian I'll not have any trouble?
2. Can you remember the very first time you really went through a time of trouble?
3. Do you remember how afraid you were?
4. Can you recall how God led you to put your trust in Him?
5. And hasn't God been faithful to You?
6. Do you know that God never changes?
7. Do you think He will continue to help you?
8. Will you take just a moment to say thank You to our Lord?
A Prayer:
Lord God, in the start of our walk with You, all we knew was Your love and Your forgiveness. But as time goes on, we have come to learn so many other things about who You are, and what You do in the lives of Your children. We simply want to say thank You for being who You are, and blessing us so. And the best is yet to come. One day, and who knows how soon it could be, we will behold Your Glorious Face, and be with You forever and ever. And with all those we have known who have gone on ahead of us. And we will meet countless multitudes that we have read about in Your Word, and meet additional multitudes of others just like us who have been saved by Your grace. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God is able to help you when you are in trouble.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
God helps His people in the midst of their troubles.
Even though you may be surrounded by troubles, God is able to help you.
You can count on God helping You, He has promised to do so.
2. God will revive you and also stretch out His hand against your enemies, and save you.
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”
Again, this is what God does.
He promises to do these things for His people.
He will revive or preserve you against the anger of your enemies.
God will win the battle, because it belongs to Him.
God will clench His fist against your enemies.
God's great power will save you.
3. God is going to perfect that which concerns you.
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O LORD, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.”
In other words, God is going to work out His plans for you.
He has plans for You. Plans that work together for your good.
He does this because of His great love for you.
God loves you.
God is also faithful.
God is also merciful.
God will not forsake you, never, never.
You can be certain He will not abandon you.
He will not abandon You because He made you.
You are the work of His hands.
Questions:
1. Can you remember thinking that because I'm a christian I'll not have any trouble?
2. Can you remember the very first time you really went through a time of trouble?
3. Do you remember how afraid you were?
4. Can you recall how God led you to put your trust in Him?
5. And hasn't God been faithful to You?
6. Do you know that God never changes?
7. Do you think He will continue to help you?
8. Will you take just a moment to say thank You to our Lord?
A Prayer:
Lord God, in the start of our walk with You, all we knew was Your love and Your forgiveness. But as time goes on, we have come to learn so many other things about who You are, and what You do in the lives of Your children. We simply want to say thank You for being who You are, and blessing us so. And the best is yet to come. One day, and who knows how soon it could be, we will behold Your Glorious Face, and be with You forever and ever. And with all those we have known who have gone on ahead of us. And we will meet countless multitudes that we have read about in Your Word, and meet additional multitudes of others just like us who have been saved by Your grace. We love You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, December 18, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD DURING THE TRIBULATION PERIOD"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD DURING THE TRIBULATION PERIOD"
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Taken from today's reading In "The One Year Bible”.
1. Notice the tremendous loss of life spoke of here.
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Jesus said over and over again, that there will be this time of great tribulation.
In fact, it's described as having never been before, nor ever being again.
It will be like nothing the world has ever seen.
God says this is coming upon our world one day.
2. God will allow evil to do it's evil work of destruction on the earth.
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
God is in control of all things.
He will be in control of what takes place during the tribulation.
Satan and his demons will be unleashed, as it were, to do their evil and destructive work as never before.
Harm will be done to innumerable multitudes of people.
The loss of life will be unheard of.
3. Many people will still refuse to repent of their sins even though they see the evil all around them.
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Here we see the power of sin.
And we see the willfulness of man.
Seeing what they see, many will refuse to repent.
It's a choice they will make.
Unfortunately for them, it will seal their eternity in the lake of fire.
Questions:
1. Have you ever read through the Book of Revelation?
2. Do you know what God says is in store for our world?
3. Are you aware of the signs of the times we are living in?
4. How different is the world today than when you were a young child?
5. How different do you think it's going to get in the days ahead?
6. Have you repented and given Your life to Jesus Christ?
7. Are you assured of your salvation?
8. Will you offer yourself to God to serve Him in these last days and be an instrument in His hands for the gospel's sake?
A Prayer:
Father, the Book of Revelation can be very frightening to a person who has never read it. But, it also promises a great blessing to those who read it. And, in the last few chapters we see into the future beyond this present world. How glorious heaven is, and how wonderful it will be to be with You. Lord, in the meantime, would You please awaken us from sleep if we need it? Make us sober if we need it, and use us as You please. Please do so, Lord. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Taken from today's reading In "The One Year Bible”.
1. Notice the tremendous loss of life spoke of here.
Revelation 9:18 “By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed--by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.”
Jesus said over and over again, that there will be this time of great tribulation.
In fact, it's described as having never been before, nor ever being again.
It will be like nothing the world has ever seen.
God says this is coming upon our world one day.
2. God will allow evil to do it's evil work of destruction on the earth.
Revelation 9:19 “For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
God is in control of all things.
He will be in control of what takes place during the tribulation.
Satan and his demons will be unleashed, as it were, to do their evil and destructive work as never before.
Harm will be done to innumerable multitudes of people.
The loss of life will be unheard of.
3. Many people will still refuse to repent of their sins even though they see the evil all around them.
Revelation 9:20 “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.”
Revelation 9:21 “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Here we see the power of sin.
And we see the willfulness of man.
Seeing what they see, many will refuse to repent.
It's a choice they will make.
Unfortunately for them, it will seal their eternity in the lake of fire.
Questions:
1. Have you ever read through the Book of Revelation?
2. Do you know what God says is in store for our world?
3. Are you aware of the signs of the times we are living in?
4. How different is the world today than when you were a young child?
5. How different do you think it's going to get in the days ahead?
6. Have you repented and given Your life to Jesus Christ?
7. Are you assured of your salvation?
8. Will you offer yourself to God to serve Him in these last days and be an instrument in His hands for the gospel's sake?
A Prayer:
Father, the Book of Revelation can be very frightening to a person who has never read it. But, it also promises a great blessing to those who read it. And, in the last few chapters we see into the future beyond this present world. How glorious heaven is, and how wonderful it will be to be with You. Lord, in the meantime, would You please awaken us from sleep if we need it? Make us sober if we need it, and use us as You please. Please do so, Lord. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE JEALOUSY AND VENGEANCE OF GOD"
"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.
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.
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