"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"
Proverbs 3:11 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;”
Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells His children two things not to do.
Proverbs 3:11 “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor detest His correction;”
First of all we are told not to despise the chastening of the LORD.
Or to put it another way, as God's child, we are not to ignore it when God disciplines us.
Ignoring God is something we can do, and it's something we ought not to do.
The second thing we are told not to do, is to detest His correction.
Or to not be discouraged when He corrects us.
It's easy to get discouraged when we are reaping the consequences of our actions.
So, not to ignore and not to become discouraged when God is correcting us.
Why?
See the next point.
2. God explains something about Himself to His children.
Proverbs 3:12 “For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”
God loves you as His child.
And whom the Lord loves He corrects.
Just as a father would correct his son, so the Lord corrects us.
Notice please that God both loves us and that He delights in us.
So, God deals with us to correct us because He loves us.
Thank You, Lord.
Some Questions:
1. Do you think the word chastisement means punishment?
2. Do you know that it does not mean punishment?
3. Did you know that the word chastisement means to instruct, to correct, to check, to discipline?
4. Isn't it a blessing to know that His correction of our lives is proof positive that He loves us?
5. Do you generally find that you pay attention to His correction, or do you tend to ignore it?
A Prayer:
Lord, first of all, we thank You for being our Father. We once were lost, but now we are found. We once were blind, but now we see. What amazing grace to save a wretch like (us) me. And thank You for these verses that explain to us what not to do when You are correcting us, and what it means that You would correct us. Help us, Lord, not to ignore you, or misunderstand what You are doing when You are dealing with us.
We want You to know, Lord, that we also delight in You. And one day our delight meter is going to go off the charts when we see You face to face in heaven. Thank You for saving us, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Monday, January 12, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HONORING THE LORD WITH YOUR POSSESSIONS"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HONORING THE LORD WITH YOUR POSSESSIONS"
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God deserves to be honored and these verses give us teaching on how to do that.
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
This verse from Proverbs teaches us to honor the Lord.
We can honor or glorify God by our giving of our possessions to Him.
The word "first-fruits" means to tithe.
It means the top of the heap.
Honoring the Lord with our possessions truly does say we respect Him, and recognize He is Lord over all, and all that we have has come from Him.
So, you can use your wealth and the best part of everything your land produces to glorify God.
2. God also promises to bless those who honor Him with their possessions.
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
As we honor the Lord He makes a promise to us.
It's been said a person can never out give the Lord.
That is essentially what is being said here.
As we give to the Lord He promises to give back to us in a greater way.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 3:10 “Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it sad that when the issue of money and giving to God comes up, people bristle?
2. Why do you think that is the case?
3. Isn't all of God's Word true?
4. Is this an area of your life where you are in sync with what the Bible says?
5. It's not a bad idea for all of us to consider where we stand with our resources and God's Word.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Word, it's all so true and wonderful for our lives. In this particular area, would You please help us not to bristle if we are doing so. Mostly, we pray that we would simply take Your Word and take it to heart, and truly honor and glorify You by giving to You as is stated in these verses. And, we thank You that we can never out give You.
You always wind up being the greater giver. Thank You for that. You are so good, and You will continue to be good, and one day, we are going to see You face to face. We Love You, Lord. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God deserves to be honored and these verses give us teaching on how to do that.
Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the first-fruits of all your increase;”
This verse from Proverbs teaches us to honor the Lord.
We can honor or glorify God by our giving of our possessions to Him.
The word "first-fruits" means to tithe.
It means the top of the heap.
Honoring the Lord with our possessions truly does say we respect Him, and recognize He is Lord over all, and all that we have has come from Him.
So, you can use your wealth and the best part of everything your land produces to glorify God.
2. God also promises to bless those who honor Him with their possessions.
Proverbs 3:10 “So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
As we honor the Lord He makes a promise to us.
It's been said a person can never out give the Lord.
That is essentially what is being said here.
As we give to the Lord He promises to give back to us in a greater way.
Here's how it reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 3:10 “Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it sad that when the issue of money and giving to God comes up, people bristle?
2. Why do you think that is the case?
3. Isn't all of God's Word true?
4. Is this an area of your life where you are in sync with what the Bible says?
5. It's not a bad idea for all of us to consider where we stand with our resources and God's Word.
A Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your Word, it's all so true and wonderful for our lives. In this particular area, would You please help us not to bristle if we are doing so. Mostly, we pray that we would simply take Your Word and take it to heart, and truly honor and glorify You by giving to You as is stated in these verses. And, we thank You that we can never out give You.
You always wind up being the greater giver. Thank You for that. You are so good, and You will continue to be good, and one day, we are going to see You face to face. We Love You, Lord. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Sunday, January 11, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S LEADING AND DIRECTION"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S LEADING AND DIRECTION"
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. What God calls us to do about being led by Him.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Here God gives us plain and easy to understand instruction about what to do with ourselves.
We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Or a full and complete faith in God.
Secondly, we are not to lean on our own understanding.
Or to put it another way, we are not to depend on our understanding.
Ot to put it even another way, we are to seek His will in all that we do.
We can depend on Him, but we must first trust in Him.
2. What God promises to do for those who receive His Word.
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Now we have the promise of what God will do for those who do put their trust in Him.
We are promised that God will direct our paths.
The idea here behind this word "direct" is actually one that means to clear the way, and open up the way, to make the way straight and easier to do on.
It would be the picture of having debris removed from the road, and making your travel easier.
It's easier to travel through this life by trusting in God than by trusting in ourselves.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that trust or faith comes to us from the Bible?
2. Have you ever wondered why God calls people to be people of His Word?
3. Have you found direction and help from God as You have taken His Word seriously in your heart?
4. Will you ask Him today to help You put your complete trust in Him?
5. Trusting God is the same as surrounding to Him, will you do that this day?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You that we do not have to travel through this life alone. We have You with us, and we can engage with You day by day by giving our lives to You and depending on You. We do not have to depend on our own wisdom, but we can look to You to guide us and to direct us. Help us, Lord, to start each day this way, and thank You that we can be assured that You who cannot lie will do Your part. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. What God calls us to do about being led by Him.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Here God gives us plain and easy to understand instruction about what to do with ourselves.
We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Or a full and complete faith in God.
Secondly, we are not to lean on our own understanding.
Or to put it another way, we are not to depend on our understanding.
Ot to put it even another way, we are to seek His will in all that we do.
We can depend on Him, but we must first trust in Him.
2. What God promises to do for those who receive His Word.
Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Now we have the promise of what God will do for those who do put their trust in Him.
We are promised that God will direct our paths.
The idea here behind this word "direct" is actually one that means to clear the way, and open up the way, to make the way straight and easier to do on.
It would be the picture of having debris removed from the road, and making your travel easier.
It's easier to travel through this life by trusting in God than by trusting in ourselves.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that trust or faith comes to us from the Bible?
2. Have you ever wondered why God calls people to be people of His Word?
3. Have you found direction and help from God as You have taken His Word seriously in your heart?
4. Will you ask Him today to help You put your complete trust in Him?
5. Trusting God is the same as surrounding to Him, will you do that this day?
A Prayer:
Father, thank You that we do not have to travel through this life alone. We have You with us, and we can engage with You day by day by giving our lives to You and depending on You. We do not have to depend on our own wisdom, but we can look to You to guide us and to direct us. Help us, Lord, to start each day this way, and thank You that we can be assured that You who cannot lie will do Your part. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, January 8, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT NOT HAVING TO WORRY"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT NOT HAVING TO WORRY"
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus plainly tells us not to worry about certain things and He tells us why not to worry.
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Jesus tells us not to worry.
Jesus tells us what not to worry about.
Jesus says, don't worry about having enough food, drink, or clothing.
Jesus explains that this is what pagans (unbelievers) do.
Jesus says that these are all the things that pagans are deeply concerned about.
Jesus tells us why we do not need to worry.
It's because our heavenly Father already knows all of our needs.
He knows what we need.
He will take care of providing what we need.
He will take care of literally all of our needs.
2. Jesus tells us what to do with our lives, giving us a promise and another reminder not to worry.
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Jesus teaches us to live for Him.
As we live for Him, He will take care of our needs from day to day.
We are to make His kingdom (the reign and the rule of Christ) our primary concern.
Putting Jesus first in our lives day by day.
And the final reminder about not worrying.
Here He specifies what not to worry about.
It's called tomorrow.
He gives us a reason, if you will.
Tomorrow will have it's own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
So don't add to your problems today by worrying about tomorrow.
Leave tomorrow alone.
Leave it in God's hands.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you agree that some things are easier said then done?
2. Would you agree that worrying would fall into that category?
3. And would you agree that God can help us with what is difficult?
4. Hasn't God told us that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth?
5. Doesn't that then make Him able to fulfill all His promises to us?
A Prayer:
Lord, Your Word is so encompassing. One day we read it, and it deals with one important area of our life. And the next day we read it, and it deals with another important area of our lives. Thank You so much. You are so gracious, loving, caring, and able to do all that You promise. We love You and want to stay close to You and have You in our minds through the day. Help us especially when surprising and difficult things come our way. They rock us and can knock us down. But, Lord, pick us up quickly, and help us to turn our minds and hearts to You quickly. And to believe You, and not look at or trust in our feelings or lean to our own understand. You cannot lie. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. Jesus plainly tells us not to worry about certain things and He tells us why not to worry.
Matt 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’”
Matt 6:32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
Jesus tells us not to worry.
Jesus tells us what not to worry about.
Jesus says, don't worry about having enough food, drink, or clothing.
Jesus explains that this is what pagans (unbelievers) do.
Jesus says that these are all the things that pagans are deeply concerned about.
Jesus tells us why we do not need to worry.
It's because our heavenly Father already knows all of our needs.
He knows what we need.
He will take care of providing what we need.
He will take care of literally all of our needs.
2. Jesus tells us what to do with our lives, giving us a promise and another reminder not to worry.
Matt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matt 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Jesus teaches us to live for Him.
As we live for Him, He will take care of our needs from day to day.
We are to make His kingdom (the reign and the rule of Christ) our primary concern.
Putting Jesus first in our lives day by day.
And the final reminder about not worrying.
Here He specifies what not to worry about.
It's called tomorrow.
He gives us a reason, if you will.
Tomorrow will have it's own worries.
Today's trouble is enough for today.
So don't add to your problems today by worrying about tomorrow.
Leave tomorrow alone.
Leave it in God's hands.
Some Questions:
1. Don't you agree that some things are easier said then done?
2. Would you agree that worrying would fall into that category?
3. And would you agree that God can help us with what is difficult?
4. Hasn't God told us that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth?
5. Doesn't that then make Him able to fulfill all His promises to us?
A Prayer:
Lord, Your Word is so encompassing. One day we read it, and it deals with one important area of our life. And the next day we read it, and it deals with another important area of our lives. Thank You so much. You are so gracious, loving, caring, and able to do all that You promise. We love You and want to stay close to You and have You in our minds through the day. Help us especially when surprising and difficult things come our way. They rock us and can knock us down. But, Lord, pick us up quickly, and help us to turn our minds and hearts to You quickly. And to believe You, and not look at or trust in our feelings or lean to our own understand. You cannot lie. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSING YOU WITH TWO BLESSINGS"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSING YOU WITH TWO BLESSINGS"
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us how to regard His Word in order to receive His blessings.
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Please notice what God says about how we can relate to His Word.
We are to receive it.
We are to treasure it.
We are to incline our ear to His wisdom.
We are to apply our hearts to His understanding.
We can cry out for discernment
We can lift up our voice for understanding.
We can seek understanding as we would for silver.
We can search for understanding as we would for hidden treasures.
In other words.
We can listen to God and treasure His instructions.
We can tune in our ears to His wisdom and concentrate on understanding.
We can ask for insight and search for it as we would for lost money or hidden treasure.
2. God tells us what blessings He will bring into our lives and why He will bless us.
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
We are promised to understand the fear of the Lord.
We are promised to find the knowledge of God.
Or to put it another way, we will understand what it means to fear the Lord.
And, we will assuredly gain the knowledge of God.
All of this will happen because God has promised that it will.
He grants wisdom, and from His mouth or His Word come knowledge and understanding.
Some Questions:
1. Aren't these verses encouraging?
2. Isn't God gracious to make this promise to us?
3. Can you see why it's important to be a person who is in the Word?
4. Are you someone who is moving in this direction?
5. How is your particular church body doing in regard to these verses?
6. Will you pray for yourself and your church to hunger for God's Word?
A Prayer:
Father, Your promises are so wonderful to read. And they are wonderful because they are true.
You are so gracious and giving to us. Your Word is so important, and yet, Father, we often do not pay attention to it.
In fact, Lord, You know the condition of our hearts and our interest or lack for Your Word. We have to be honest and say that there is a great need today for the body of Christ to be revived and renewed in our hunger for You, and for Your Word.
Would You please start with each of us who are reading this devotional and prayer this very day. Create a new hunger in our hearts, Lord, for what You want for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us how to regard His Word in order to receive His blessings.
Proverbs 2:1 “My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you,”
Proverbs 2:2 “So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding;”
Proverbs 2:3 “Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding,”
Proverbs 2:4 “If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures;”
Please notice what God says about how we can relate to His Word.
We are to receive it.
We are to treasure it.
We are to incline our ear to His wisdom.
We are to apply our hearts to His understanding.
We can cry out for discernment
We can lift up our voice for understanding.
We can seek understanding as we would for silver.
We can search for understanding as we would for hidden treasures.
In other words.
We can listen to God and treasure His instructions.
We can tune in our ears to His wisdom and concentrate on understanding.
We can ask for insight and search for it as we would for lost money or hidden treasure.
2. God tells us what blessings He will bring into our lives and why He will bless us.
Proverbs 2:5 “Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God.”
Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
We are promised to understand the fear of the Lord.
We are promised to find the knowledge of God.
Or to put it another way, we will understand what it means to fear the Lord.
And, we will assuredly gain the knowledge of God.
All of this will happen because God has promised that it will.
He grants wisdom, and from His mouth or His Word come knowledge and understanding.
Some Questions:
1. Aren't these verses encouraging?
2. Isn't God gracious to make this promise to us?
3. Can you see why it's important to be a person who is in the Word?
4. Are you someone who is moving in this direction?
5. How is your particular church body doing in regard to these verses?
6. Will you pray for yourself and your church to hunger for God's Word?
A Prayer:
Father, Your promises are so wonderful to read. And they are wonderful because they are true.
You are so gracious and giving to us. Your Word is so important, and yet, Father, we often do not pay attention to it.
In fact, Lord, You know the condition of our hearts and our interest or lack for Your Word. We have to be honest and say that there is a great need today for the body of Christ to be revived and renewed in our hunger for You, and for Your Word.
Would You please start with each of us who are reading this devotional and prayer this very day. Create a new hunger in our hearts, Lord, for what You want for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
“SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WISDOM FROM GOD CONCERNING TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE”
“SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WISDOM FROM GOD CONCERNING TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE”
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us about a certain group of people.
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
This group of people actually hate the knowledge of God.
And, they choose not to fear the Lord.
They do not want God's counsel of advice.
And, they pay no attention to God when He tries to correct them.
They reject God's advice. And go with their own wisdom.
2. God tells us what will happen to this group of people.
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Because of their choices, they will eat the bitter fruit of living their own way.
They will experience the full terror of the path they have chosen.
They will be filled with their own fancies.
What a sad future awaits this group of people.
Their choice to turn away will slay them.
They are turning from life to death.
The Bible says they are fools and that their own complacency will destroy them.
3. God tells us about another group of people.
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
This is the group to be in right here.
These people listen to God.
These people are promised to dwell in safety.
These are the people who hear and respond to God's Word.
They will live in peace and safety and be unafraid of harm.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it startling to read about these two groups of people?
2. Do you see the two groups of people around you?
3. We who are in Christ were once in that first group.
4. Let's pray for those we know who are rejecting God that they will repent and turn to Christ. Will You pray for them?
A Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your Word makes no bones about reality. You tell us plainly what's what, and who is who. We thank You for teaching us the truth. We also pray to be walking in the truth ourselves, and not just reading about it, or talking about it, or being self deceived. We pray for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc, who are rejecting You at that this time. Lord, we were once rejectors, but Your grace made us receivers of Jesus Christ.
Please make them receivers also. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. God tells us about a certain group of people.
Proverbs 1:29 “Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD,”
Proverbs 1:30 “They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.”
This group of people actually hate the knowledge of God.
And, they choose not to fear the Lord.
They do not want God's counsel of advice.
And, they pay no attention to God when He tries to correct them.
They reject God's advice. And go with their own wisdom.
2. God tells us what will happen to this group of people.
Proverbs 1:31 “Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.”
Proverbs 1:32 “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Because of their choices, they will eat the bitter fruit of living their own way.
They will experience the full terror of the path they have chosen.
They will be filled with their own fancies.
What a sad future awaits this group of people.
Their choice to turn away will slay them.
They are turning from life to death.
The Bible says they are fools and that their own complacency will destroy them.
3. God tells us about another group of people.
Proverbs 1:33 “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”
This is the group to be in right here.
These people listen to God.
These people are promised to dwell in safety.
These are the people who hear and respond to God's Word.
They will live in peace and safety and be unafraid of harm.
Some Questions:
1. Isn't it startling to read about these two groups of people?
2. Do you see the two groups of people around you?
3. We who are in Christ were once in that first group.
4. Let's pray for those we know who are rejecting God that they will repent and turn to Christ. Will You pray for them?
A Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your Word makes no bones about reality. You tell us plainly what's what, and who is who. We thank You for teaching us the truth. We also pray to be walking in the truth ourselves, and not just reading about it, or talking about it, or being self deceived. We pray for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc, who are rejecting You at that this time. Lord, we were once rejectors, but Your grace made us receivers of Jesus Christ.
Please make them receivers also. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, January 5, 2015
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT MEETING WITH GOD PERSONALLY"
"SHARING GRACE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT MEETING WITH GOD PERSONALLY"
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. As we journey through life, it's good to pause and call on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Abram was actually moving from one location to another.
He would often return to places he had been before.
Our lives are not so transient, yet we have a new day, day by day.
What we see Abram doing is a good picture for us of what we can do.
He would pause or camp at the altar of worship he made, and worship God.
We can do the same thing morning by morning. Pause and worship our Savior.
2. We are on a journey, and God can be approached day by day.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
We need to connect with God regularly.
Abram did this frequently.
He is again a good example of consistently worshipping and fellowshipping with God.
We can connect with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the way the the truth and the life.
And no man comes to the Father but by Him.
Thank You, Jesus, for being our mediator to the Father.
3. We can call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Abram had built an altar.
He did this to worship God.
He came back to the altar he had built.
And at the altar he would call upon the name of the LORD.
We can have our own altars, if you will.
Perhaps it's the chair in your living room where you sit in the mornings to read your Bible.
Or maybe it's some other location.
But, it's also an altar in your heart, as it were, where you day by day call upon the God who you need and who hears You.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that like Abram we are on a journey that will take us to heaven one day?
2. Do you feel the need in your life for God today?
3. Why do you think Abram would regularly pause at the altar he built and call upon God?
4. Because he was a man just like you or me, and he knew he could not live his life without God at the center of his life.
5. May we all be encouraged to develop the practice of seeking the Lord day by day and calling upon Him. He listens.
A Prayer:
Father, some days are bright and some days are cloudy spiritually. It's easy to call upon you on a bright day, but a little more difficult, and in fact, often very very difficult to turn our minds away from what may be troubling us and turn them to You, and fix our thoughts and hearts upon You, and upon Your Word. Help us, Lord, to build an altar each morning, regardless of the color of our day, i.e our souls. Be they happy or troubled, we can build that altar and there meet with You, and You meet with us. You love us much more than we love You. But help us, Lord, to grow more and more in our love to You. It won't be long before we will be in heaven, and the troubles of this life will be over. Thank You that in the mean time we can pause and connect with You and find a little bit, or a lot of heavenly influence in our lives to help us on our journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Taken from today's reading in "The One Year Bible”.
1. As we journey through life, it's good to pause and call on the name of the Lord.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
Abram was actually moving from one location to another.
He would often return to places he had been before.
Our lives are not so transient, yet we have a new day, day by day.
What we see Abram doing is a good picture for us of what we can do.
He would pause or camp at the altar of worship he made, and worship God.
We can do the same thing morning by morning. Pause and worship our Savior.
2. We are on a journey, and God can be approached day by day.
Genesis 12:3 “And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,”
We need to connect with God regularly.
Abram did this frequently.
He is again a good example of consistently worshipping and fellowshipping with God.
We can connect with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the way the the truth and the life.
And no man comes to the Father but by Him.
Thank You, Jesus, for being our mediator to the Father.
3. We can call upon the name of the LORD.
Genesis 12:4 “to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”
Abram had built an altar.
He did this to worship God.
He came back to the altar he had built.
And at the altar he would call upon the name of the LORD.
We can have our own altars, if you will.
Perhaps it's the chair in your living room where you sit in the mornings to read your Bible.
Or maybe it's some other location.
But, it's also an altar in your heart, as it were, where you day by day call upon the God who you need and who hears You.
Some Questions:
1. Do you know that like Abram we are on a journey that will take us to heaven one day?
2. Do you feel the need in your life for God today?
3. Why do you think Abram would regularly pause at the altar he built and call upon God?
4. Because he was a man just like you or me, and he knew he could not live his life without God at the center of his life.
5. May we all be encouraged to develop the practice of seeking the Lord day by day and calling upon Him. He listens.
A Prayer:
Father, some days are bright and some days are cloudy spiritually. It's easy to call upon you on a bright day, but a little more difficult, and in fact, often very very difficult to turn our minds away from what may be troubling us and turn them to You, and fix our thoughts and hearts upon You, and upon Your Word. Help us, Lord, to build an altar each morning, regardless of the color of our day, i.e our souls. Be they happy or troubled, we can build that altar and there meet with You, and You meet with us. You love us much more than we love You. But help us, Lord, to grow more and more in our love to You. It won't be long before we will be in heaven, and the troubles of this life will be over. Thank You that in the mean time we can pause and connect with You and find a little bit, or a lot of heavenly influence in our lives to help us on our journey. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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