"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO BE USED BY GOD"
Mt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
2 Ch 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
Lu 16:10 “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Do you want God to use You? I do. And, I'm pretty sure most Christians, deep down also want to be used by God, used by Him, to serve Him, and accomplish His will. By the way, I can think of no greater goal in life, then to seek for, and accomplish the will of God. Do you agree?
2. The Scriptures above give us 3 very important principles from Scripture that will help us accomplish this most wonderful goal, and most God honoring use of our lives and time. They are God's principles to direct us into His ways, to accomplish His will, and wind up being used by Him.
3. Here they are.
(1) Keep the Lord first in your life. We like to say 1st things first, it's also what God says, Keep Him first in your life. Put the Lord ahead of all that You do. Day by Day. Please notice, that there is a promise attached to our keeping Him first. He promises to add all the other things we need in our lives.
(2) God is looking for people whose lives and hearts are lined up with His, so He can give them strength. The word "heart and loyal" in 2nd Chron 16:9 means, the inner man, the soul, the true you, and loyal, means, fully committed to Him, all in as we like to say. The promise for this type of person, is that God wants to show Himself "strong" towards them. That is, He wants to give strength to the person who has 1st things first, and is serious about putting Him first. You will find the Lord giving You His
strength and His power.
(3) Be faithful in the small things that God puts in your way, and in your path, and calls you to do. There is a danger of waiting for God to bring some big thing for us to do, and the waiting and the looking for big things, will keep us from missing the things He has put right in front of us, and thus, we will miss out on being used by Him. He gives us small things to do, and then, He moves us on to bigger things. Why? Because, He wants to test our faithfulness. God is serious about using people in the most serious of matters in life. His work. And, He does not want to put someone to a task who He cannot depend on.
Notice what's said in this verse. Lu 16:10* “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Least and much. These words are used twice, but in different applications. One good, and one bad.
So, being faithful in that which is least, the small things, means, that you will also be faithful in the bigger things.
4. How are we doing in the above? I wish I could say that I'm always faithful in the small things, but I want to be, don't You? I know I need God's strength even in the little things. Do you know that You can ask Him to give you His strength today, and He will. He is looking around for people who are faithful. Don't You want that to be You?
A prayer:
Father in heaven. We honor You today. We also are thankful for Your desire to use us, and to give us strength. You deserve to be 1st in our lives. Who else has done for us what You have. But, Lord, we are not always what we ought to be. Please forgive us.
And, we know Lord that we don't have to remain what we are, but, we can ask You to change us. So, Lord, that's our prayer today. Make us men and women of God who are right where You want us to be, and then give us what is needed to do what You have called us to do, be it a small or a big thing. No matter to us Lord. Let's just go into this day with our hearts open and ready to follow You with a total commitment. In Jesus' name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Friday, December 6, 2013
"SHARING HOPE FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A FIERY TRIAL"
"SHARING HOPE FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A FIERY TRIAL"
Isa 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.
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.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. These words, were spoken to God's people in the OT to encourage them about the difficult fiery trials they were going through.
2. There are many truths here about God that are so comforting and encouraging, and instructive to us about God's love, care, and sustaining grace in the lives of His people.
3. Here they are.
(1) Fear not, and the reasons, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, You are mine.
(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.
4. Let's take a closer look at these truths. First of all, we are told not to fear. Fear means, to be afraid, to be dreadful, to terrify. So, the Lord is telling us what not to do, or what not to be when we are in a fiery trial. Do not fear. This is what we can do, because, God tells us to not be afraid, then, that would mean, we can not be afraid. By putting our trust in Him.
5. Then, the Lord gives some additional reasons we are not to be afraid. There are several here. "for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." We have been redeemed, we have been called by our name, and we belong to Him. Redeemed, means, to deliver, to purchase, to avenge.
6. Lastly, the Lord says, 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 promises to be with us when we pass through the waters, and when we pass through the fire. Please notice the word "pass through", and "walk through" This means, that though we will from time to time go through very difficult and scary times, we are going to pass through, and walk through. And, the main reason that the "pass and walk through" are because, God is with us.
7. So, God is with You. You do not have to be afraid. He has rescued You, You belong to Him, and He is with you doing the very difficult times, and He cannot lie when He says You will get through these firery times.
A prayer:
Father, Thanksgiving to You, is always so appropriate. Because, there is so much You have done for us, are doing, will do, and have promised to do in our lives. Thank You for these specific promises. We pray for ourselves, and or any others who may be going through fiery trials and deep waters. Please speak to them these wonderful truths found in these verses. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Isa 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.
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.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. These words, were spoken to God's people in the OT to encourage them about the difficult fiery trials they were going through.
2. There are many truths here about God that are so comforting and encouraging, and instructive to us about God's love, care, and sustaining grace in the lives of His people.
3. Here they are.
(1) Fear not, and the reasons, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, You are mine.
(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.
4. Let's take a closer look at these truths. First of all, we are told not to fear. Fear means, to be afraid, to be dreadful, to terrify. So, the Lord is telling us what not to do, or what not to be when we are in a fiery trial. Do not fear. This is what we can do, because, God tells us to not be afraid, then, that would mean, we can not be afraid. By putting our trust in Him.
5. Then, the Lord gives some additional reasons we are not to be afraid. There are several here. "for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." We have been redeemed, we have been called by our name, and we belong to Him. Redeemed, means, to deliver, to purchase, to avenge.
6. Lastly, the Lord says, 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 promises to be with us when we pass through the waters, and when we pass through the fire. Please notice the word "pass through", and "walk through" This means, that though we will from time to time go through very difficult and scary times, we are going to pass through, and walk through. And, the main reason that the "pass and walk through" are because, God is with us.
7. So, God is with You. You do not have to be afraid. He has rescued You, You belong to Him, and He is with you doing the very difficult times, and He cannot lie when He says You will get through these firery times.
A prayer:
Father, Thanksgiving to You, is always so appropriate. Because, there is so much You have done for us, are doing, will do, and have promised to do in our lives. Thank You for these specific promises. We pray for ourselves, and or any others who may be going through fiery trials and deep waters. Please speak to them these wonderful truths found in these verses. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HAVING A MEANINGFUL PURPOSE IN LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HAVING A MEANINGFUL PURPOSE IN LIFE"
1st Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. NKJV
1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Do you know that God loves you? He does. The Bible tells us that God is love, and that "He so loved the world that He gave His only Son" John 3:16.
2. But, look what is right at the first part of the verse above in 1st Cor 15:58. "Therefore, my beloved brethren" This verse, is God's truth through Paul given to the Corinthians, and to all who are in Christ Jesus, to all who have come to faith. God sees you as His beloved, He loves You. Beloved, means, love of persons, to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing.
3. But, to the subject at hand, "Having a meaningful purpose in life" Please look closely at the verse above. Let's look at the one in the NLT. Notice what it says, 1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Look at this last part. "Always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, (and here it comes) for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. Useless, means, empty, devoid of truth, containing nothing, empty handed, destitute of spiritual wealth. endeavors, labors, acts, which result in nothing, vain, fruitless, without effect. Vain of no purpose.
4. So, what Paul is saying, is that we ought to always be enthusiastic about being involved in the Lord's Work, serving the Lord, because, it's never a useless endeavor. In other words, what you do for the Lord is always not vain, or resulting in nothing. God has, is, and will use everything You do for Him for some good. You are doing something meaningful for God when You serve Him, and obey Him in the work that He gives you to do.
5. Let me ask you this question. What are you doing for the Lord? What is it that God has set before you to do? What do you sense Him leading you to do?. Well, guess what, along with being enthusiastic, take great comfort in knowing it's worth it. Your service for Christ is going to amount to something, it's far from useless. Isn't that comforting to know.
6. In closing, the Bible says to redeem the time, Eph 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. And, the Bible says that Rom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
These verses essentially say, to take advantage of the time we have, because we are getting closer and closer to being with Jesus.
And, there is no point in wasting time. And, anytime You use to serve the Lord is not useless. So, use your time, and it won't be useless, You can take that to the bank, because God has said it.
A prayer:
Father, what a blessing to have been given purpose in life by You. You have not only given us life, but You have given us real and meaningful purpose in life. To serve You. And, in doing so, we are making a difference, it's not just going to waste. For we are doing Your will. And, You are keeping a record of our doings, and will one day reward us in heaven for the work we have done, and are doing here below. May we serve You with all of our hearts, truly putting You first in our lives, and giving it our all. We love You.
And, we are going to be in heaven before we know it, with you forever, and ever. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
1st Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. NKJV
1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Do you know that God loves you? He does. The Bible tells us that God is love, and that "He so loved the world that He gave His only Son" John 3:16.
2. But, look what is right at the first part of the verse above in 1st Cor 15:58. "Therefore, my beloved brethren" This verse, is God's truth through Paul given to the Corinthians, and to all who are in Christ Jesus, to all who have come to faith. God sees you as His beloved, He loves You. Beloved, means, love of persons, to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing.
3. But, to the subject at hand, "Having a meaningful purpose in life" Please look closely at the verse above. Let's look at the one in the NLT. Notice what it says, 1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Look at this last part. "Always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, (and here it comes) for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. Useless, means, empty, devoid of truth, containing nothing, empty handed, destitute of spiritual wealth. endeavors, labors, acts, which result in nothing, vain, fruitless, without effect. Vain of no purpose.
4. So, what Paul is saying, is that we ought to always be enthusiastic about being involved in the Lord's Work, serving the Lord, because, it's never a useless endeavor. In other words, what you do for the Lord is always not vain, or resulting in nothing. God has, is, and will use everything You do for Him for some good. You are doing something meaningful for God when You serve Him, and obey Him in the work that He gives you to do.
5. Let me ask you this question. What are you doing for the Lord? What is it that God has set before you to do? What do you sense Him leading you to do?. Well, guess what, along with being enthusiastic, take great comfort in knowing it's worth it. Your service for Christ is going to amount to something, it's far from useless. Isn't that comforting to know.
6. In closing, the Bible says to redeem the time, Eph 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. And, the Bible says that Rom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
These verses essentially say, to take advantage of the time we have, because we are getting closer and closer to being with Jesus.
And, there is no point in wasting time. And, anytime You use to serve the Lord is not useless. So, use your time, and it won't be useless, You can take that to the bank, because God has said it.
A prayer:
Father, what a blessing to have been given purpose in life by You. You have not only given us life, but You have given us real and meaningful purpose in life. To serve You. And, in doing so, we are making a difference, it's not just going to waste. For we are doing Your will. And, You are keeping a record of our doings, and will one day reward us in heaven for the work we have done, and are doing here below. May we serve You with all of our hearts, truly putting You first in our lives, and giving it our all. We love You.
And, we are going to be in heaven before we know it, with you forever, and ever. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT NOT LOSING HOPE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT NOT LOSING HOPE AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE"
1st Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. NKJV
1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and applications:
1. It's encouraging to see how God views us, "beloved" that's how this verse opens up. Paul called them, the Corinthians, "my beloved" And, that's who you are with God. You are "His Beloved" He loves You.
2. We are then given a number of very specific encouragements to act on, and live out, and a reason why. These are good rules for the road as it were, especially if you may be struggling in the area of losing hope, and wondering if you are making a difference in your life for Jesus Christ.
3. Here are the things said to us. (1) Be stedfast. (2) immovable. (3) always abounding in the work of the Lord) The NLT says it this way. 1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
4. Let's take a closer look at these 3 specific exhortations, To be stedfast means, "sitting, sedentary, firm" Or, be strong and to stand firm. To be immovable, means, to let nothing move you, to be steady, to not be moved from it's place, unmoved, firmly persistent. And, then finally, to be alway abounding etc, means, to always be busy in the Lord's work. Be enthusiastic about the Lord's work. It means, to abound, to remain, to exceed, to be great, to overflow. "Abounding" is used of a flower going from a bud to full bloom.
5. And, here's the real encouragement, it's found at the end of the verse, this encourages me to not lost hope, and to stay at my post as it were, and to know, that I am making a difference. It's a statement and a promise from God who cannot lie. Or as the NLT says, "for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" Or as the Phillips translation says, "Be sure that nothing you do for him is ever lost or ever wasted.
6. By the way, this entire word of encouragement flows out of the earlier part of 1st Cor 15, which deal with the truth of the resurrection of Christ, and of our own future resurrection, or rapture by the Lord. We are on our way to heaven.
A prayer:
Lord, You encourage us, and You explain why we can be and should be encouraged. You have won the battle over sin, and You have brought us into Your eternal victory, and we get to serve You down here, as we wait for Your plans to unfold. Thank You for what You have done, and help us to not lose hope, and to know that in serving You, and being busy in Your work, we are making a difference. In Jesus' name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
1st Cor 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. NKJV
1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. NLT
Some explanatory thoughts and applications:
1. It's encouraging to see how God views us, "beloved" that's how this verse opens up. Paul called them, the Corinthians, "my beloved" And, that's who you are with God. You are "His Beloved" He loves You.
2. We are then given a number of very specific encouragements to act on, and live out, and a reason why. These are good rules for the road as it were, especially if you may be struggling in the area of losing hope, and wondering if you are making a difference in your life for Jesus Christ.
3. Here are the things said to us. (1) Be stedfast. (2) immovable. (3) always abounding in the work of the Lord) The NLT says it this way. 1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.1st Cor 15:58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
4. Let's take a closer look at these 3 specific exhortations, To be stedfast means, "sitting, sedentary, firm" Or, be strong and to stand firm. To be immovable, means, to let nothing move you, to be steady, to not be moved from it's place, unmoved, firmly persistent. And, then finally, to be alway abounding etc, means, to always be busy in the Lord's work. Be enthusiastic about the Lord's work. It means, to abound, to remain, to exceed, to be great, to overflow. "Abounding" is used of a flower going from a bud to full bloom.
5. And, here's the real encouragement, it's found at the end of the verse, this encourages me to not lost hope, and to stay at my post as it were, and to know, that I am making a difference. It's a statement and a promise from God who cannot lie. Or as the NLT says, "for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless" Or as the Phillips translation says, "Be sure that nothing you do for him is ever lost or ever wasted.
6. By the way, this entire word of encouragement flows out of the earlier part of 1st Cor 15, which deal with the truth of the resurrection of Christ, and of our own future resurrection, or rapture by the Lord. We are on our way to heaven.
A prayer:
Lord, You encourage us, and You explain why we can be and should be encouraged. You have won the battle over sin, and You have brought us into Your eternal victory, and we get to serve You down here, as we wait for Your plans to unfold. Thank You for what You have done, and help us to not lose hope, and to know that in serving You, and being busy in Your work, we are making a difference. In Jesus' name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE TROUBLED"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE TROUBLED"
From the NKJV
Luke 6:18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed.
Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
From the Amplified Version.
Luke 6:18 Even those who were disturbed and troubled with unclean spirits, and they were being healed also.
Luke 6:19 And all the multitude were seeking to touch Him, for healing power was all the while going forth from Him and curing them all saving them from severe illnesses or calamities.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus was at this point in Luke 6, not only teaching the Word, but He was healing many, many people.
2. Please notice who he was healing and what is said about them. Some were "tormented with unclean spirit's" This is of course a reference to demons, working under the leadership of their leader, Satan, the lying, murdering thief.
3. But, Jesus healed these people. And, that's because, Jesus is greater in every way from our adversary the devil.
4. The Amplified version uses the word "disturbed and troubled with unclean spirits.
5. People wanted to touch Christ, because power was constantly flowing out of Him, and He was curing people and saving them from severe illnesses or calamities.
6. Jesus does not always heal us of physical problems, (though He could if He chose to), but, He sure does heal us and help us with the rest of our troubles. Here are a few verses that speak to that issue, of His healing and helping us.
The word delivered in the following verses, means, to recover, to rid, to escape, to rescue, take out. This is what the Lord will do for the troubled.
7. Ps 118:13* You did your best to kill me, O my enemy, but the LORD helped me. NLT
Ps 18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me.
Ps 18:19 He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.
Ps 18:43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people; You have made me the head of the nations; A people I have not known shall serve me.
Ps 18:48* He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man.
Ps 34:4* I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
Ps 54:7* For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.
A prayer:
Father, as the above verses teach us, You are the deliverer, You are our deliverer. We thank You for rescuing us, and helping us in our times of being troubled. thank You for your care and attention to us and to our needs. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
From the NKJV
Luke 6:18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed.
Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.
From the Amplified Version.
Luke 6:18 Even those who were disturbed and troubled with unclean spirits, and they were being healed also.
Luke 6:19 And all the multitude were seeking to touch Him, for healing power was all the while going forth from Him and curing them all saving them from severe illnesses or calamities.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Jesus was at this point in Luke 6, not only teaching the Word, but He was healing many, many people.
2. Please notice who he was healing and what is said about them. Some were "tormented with unclean spirit's" This is of course a reference to demons, working under the leadership of their leader, Satan, the lying, murdering thief.
3. But, Jesus healed these people. And, that's because, Jesus is greater in every way from our adversary the devil.
4. The Amplified version uses the word "disturbed and troubled with unclean spirits.
5. People wanted to touch Christ, because power was constantly flowing out of Him, and He was curing people and saving them from severe illnesses or calamities.
6. Jesus does not always heal us of physical problems, (though He could if He chose to), but, He sure does heal us and help us with the rest of our troubles. Here are a few verses that speak to that issue, of His healing and helping us.
The word delivered in the following verses, means, to recover, to rid, to escape, to rescue, take out. This is what the Lord will do for the troubled.
7. Ps 118:13* You did your best to kill me, O my enemy, but the LORD helped me. NLT
Ps 18:17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me.
Ps 18:19 He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.
Ps 18:43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people; You have made me the head of the nations; A people I have not known shall serve me.
Ps 18:48* He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man.
Ps 34:4* I sought the LORD, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
Ps 54:7* For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.
A prayer:
Father, as the above verses teach us, You are the deliverer, You are our deliverer. We thank You for rescuing us, and helping us in our times of being troubled. thank You for your care and attention to us and to our needs. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, December 2, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO FOLLOW JESUS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO FOLLOW JESUS"
Luke 6:13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. God's plan, or desire, is of course that no one would perish, and that's why He sent Jesus, and all who receive Him, to them, He gives eternal life. So, being saved, or converted is the first part of God's plan/desire for your life.
2. Once saved, what does God call us to?. Here's what Jesus said, "Follow Me" Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
3. Something to notice and consider from the above verse. Jesus was already speaking to His disciples, (which means learners) What Jesus said to them, was an explanation for those who have the desire to "come after Me"
Here's how it reads in the NLT Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.
Notice, "if anyone wants to be my follower" Do you have that desire, that want to? Here are then, the steps to take, or the requirements, ( not for salvation but for following or being a disciple of Christ's )
4. Jesus says there are some simple yet personal steps you must take. (1) Put aside your selfish ambition. (2) Shoulder your cross. This by the way does not mean what it's often said to mean. I.E "Well, that's my cross to bear" Speaking of some difficulty or affliction that one must simply put up with. But, what Jesus is saying, is that we must dies to ourselves. He is essentially and simply repeating what He had just said, "put aside selfish ambition" It's death to our own will, and to the things we would want to do, and it's seeking to know and do what He wants us to do. Exchanging our will for His.
5. Lastly, Jesus said, "Follow Me" Follow, means, to follow the one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him. Join as his disciple, become or be his disciple, side with his party. It's been said that to be a disciple is "to get on the same road with Jesus, and simply stay on that road day by day, all the way to heaven" By the way, it does not mean, that we are simply walking behind Him, for He is actually walking with us also. We are just keeping company with Him, and He is keeping company with Him.
6. I hope the above helps you a little bit. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I'd like to share a devo about how a follower can discover their spiritual gifts and begin using them to serve the Lord.
Let's pray.
Father, thank You again, for the priceless gift of Salvation. It cost You giving us Your own Son, to die on the cross for our sins.
It cost Jesus more agony and pain then we can imagine, and You and He did this because of Your's and His great love for us.
So, thank You. And, thank You that as saved people, we can begin to follow You, and to find our spiritual gifts, our place in the body of Christ, that area of service that You have called us to.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 6:13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. God's plan, or desire, is of course that no one would perish, and that's why He sent Jesus, and all who receive Him, to them, He gives eternal life. So, being saved, or converted is the first part of God's plan/desire for your life.
2. Once saved, what does God call us to?. Here's what Jesus said, "Follow Me" Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
3. Something to notice and consider from the above verse. Jesus was already speaking to His disciples, (which means learners) What Jesus said to them, was an explanation for those who have the desire to "come after Me"
Here's how it reads in the NLT Matt 16:24 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me.
Notice, "if anyone wants to be my follower" Do you have that desire, that want to? Here are then, the steps to take, or the requirements, ( not for salvation but for following or being a disciple of Christ's )
4. Jesus says there are some simple yet personal steps you must take. (1) Put aside your selfish ambition. (2) Shoulder your cross. This by the way does not mean what it's often said to mean. I.E "Well, that's my cross to bear" Speaking of some difficulty or affliction that one must simply put up with. But, what Jesus is saying, is that we must dies to ourselves. He is essentially and simply repeating what He had just said, "put aside selfish ambition" It's death to our own will, and to the things we would want to do, and it's seeking to know and do what He wants us to do. Exchanging our will for His.
5. Lastly, Jesus said, "Follow Me" Follow, means, to follow the one who precedes, join him as his attendant, accompany him. Join as his disciple, become or be his disciple, side with his party. It's been said that to be a disciple is "to get on the same road with Jesus, and simply stay on that road day by day, all the way to heaven" By the way, it does not mean, that we are simply walking behind Him, for He is actually walking with us also. We are just keeping company with Him, and He is keeping company with Him.
6. I hope the above helps you a little bit. Tomorrow, Lord willing, I'd like to share a devo about how a follower can discover their spiritual gifts and begin using them to serve the Lord.
Let's pray.
Father, thank You again, for the priceless gift of Salvation. It cost You giving us Your own Son, to die on the cross for our sins.
It cost Jesus more agony and pain then we can imagine, and You and He did this because of Your's and His great love for us.
So, thank You. And, thank You that as saved people, we can begin to follow You, and to find our spiritual gifts, our place in the body of Christ, that area of service that You have called us to.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia