Anger, God has a better way.

Getting angry will not accomplish the righteous purpose and ways of God. He has a better way to go about it.

What anger cannot do.......

James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

James 1:20n for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James moves to a new subject here.....Anger, or as he calls it the "Wrath of Man"

But, leading up to that he says a number of things.

1. He tells us we are beloved brethren. God loves us.

2. He tells us to be swift to hear.

3. He tells us to be slow to speak.

4. He tells us to be slow to wrath, or get angry.

In these four things, we are reminded of who we are, we are indeed loved by God, and He as our father then, gives us this instruction about our actions, our hearts and our words. These are God's instructions, that will help us greatly in our lives, and in our relationships with others. Quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

Then he explains more about anger, specifically, what it will not, and cannot accomplish. Our getting angry about something is not going to bring about the God's ways, and God's will in a situation. We will not accomplish what we might think by getting angry.

Finally, in these verses, we are told lay aside, or get rid of, to put our of our lives, any and all things that are filthy. And, then in humility of spirit, to accept the message that God has planted in our hearts, because it's powerful enough to save our very souls.

He will talk more about our relationship to the Word of God in the next few verses. We will look at that tomorrow.......

But, this is plenty to chew on, and to think about, and to digest. May what's said here in James 1:19-21 become a part of our lives. May we take these many things that have been given to us, and by God's grace, and our faith in action, put them into practice in our lives this very day. What are they?

Quick to listen.

Slow to speak.

Slow to get angry.

Put sin and evil out of our lives.

Humbly receive God's Word.

Blessings to you today, of God's grace, mercy and peace.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. We probably need to hear what James is saying.

2. God knows we are all pretty much alike.

3. God wants to curb our tendencies and make us like Him.

4. If we will open our hearts to this instruction, it will change us.

5. Will you think about what was said here?

6. Will you read it again, and then think about it again?

7. God has blessings in store for you.

8. You are one of those beloved brothers or sisters in Christ.

What comes down from the Father?

James explains that God is the giver of good gifts. And, that He does not change.

What comes down from the Father?

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

What comes down from the Father? Every good and perfect gift. Just the verse before, James had warned not to be deceived about God, ( God does not tempt anyone to evil. ) Rather, He gives good gifts

Several truths about God are stated, as to who He is, and what He has done for us.

1. He is the Father of lights ( meaning He is pure in every way )

2. He does not change.

3. He brought us forth into salvation.

4. He did this through His Word, ( The Lord Jesus Christ )

5. The first converts were an example of more to come.

6. We are considered to be His creatures, ( His possession )

Earlier we were told that God gives wisdom to those who ask for it, then, blessing to those who endure trials and tribulations. And, here we are told that He gives good gifts, ( eternal life being the best of them all )

So, as we look up as it were today, we can know that our Father, ( He is that personally to us in Christ, He is OUR Father ) we can both thank Him for what He has already done for us, and we can ask for, and expect Him to continue to give us good gifts, because as mentioned He does not change.

Our Father, we thank You for giving us the gift of life. Thank You for making us to belong to You, not just now, but for all eternity, forever, and forever, and forever. Help us to solidify in our minds and hearts the truth about who You are, and what You have done, and what You will do. We look up to You today, and ask that You might shower us with good gifts, the ones Lord that would bring blessing to You and to others in our family's, and in our churches, where we work and so on. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise

1. Make no mistake about it God is good, He does not tempt us.

2. He is a good giver, He gives us gifts.

3. He has already done the greatest if you will.

4. How valuable is the gift of eternal life with God?

5. What gifts and grace do you need today?

6. Would you ask Him, He is the giver of gifts and grace.

7. Like the rain that comes down, shower us Lord we pray.

Temptation, it's source and remedy

This video helps explain where temptation does not come from and where it does come from. It also deals briefly with how find help in temptation.

Who is tempting me?

James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

James 1:16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

These verses explain who is not tempting you, ( soliciting, and enticing you to sin ) and where temptation does come from. And, it explains the process of temptation, leading to it's ultimate end, and concludes with a warning not to be deceived about this important issue.

We ought not never to blame God when we are being tempted to sin. Why? Because He cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone to sin. The temptation to sin, comes from within ourselves, when we are drawn away by our own desires or lusts. And, when we give into those lusts, or desires, that's when sin takes place, and sin when it is fully grown brings death.

So, that's where temptation comes from. Not from God, but from within ourselves.

Apparently, some of James's readers were confused about who was tempting them. These verses clear it up very well, and very simply.

Even though we are saved, we will be tempted to sin. Temptation by the way is not sin, it's merely the first step toward sin. It's temptation. The actual sin takes place when we say yes to temptation.

Question. How do we combat temptation? One major way would be Prayer. Jesus instructed us to pray, "and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" Also, "building ourselves up on our most holy faith" Jude. That would be by being in the Word. And, then "fellowship with one another" Acts 2:42 We find real encouragement as we share our lives with other believers.

These three things, prayer, talking to God, the Word, being in it, and fellowshipping with other christians, will help us combat temptation.

So, may You be blessed today, may God make you strong by His power and grace, to resist temptation, to turn away from it, to seek His help through prayer and by being made strong in the Word of God. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise.

1. God never allows us to be tempted more then we are able to bear.

2. He will always make a way of escape for us.

3. Remember, to be tempted is not to sin,

4. Don't be condemned because you are being tempted.

5. You may need to take practical steps to avoid temptation.

6. Look away from temptation to God.

A promise to those who endure trials...

There is a promise from God to those who endure trials. Hang in there, that blessing is coming.

God's promise to you.......

Jas 1:12* Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James calls it "Blessed", but it means, happy, and fortunate. There are a number of things told us here about the blessings that come after you get through a trial. The Word temptation here, is better rendered "Trial or testing"

One, Blessing is associated with enduring the trial.

Two, Blessings will be received by the tested person.

Three, The blessing is the "Crown of life"

Four, This blessing is promised by the Lord Himself.

Five, Notice the words, "to those who love Him"

Earlier in this chapter, James had talked about how to understand a trial, and what the Lord does in our lives through a trial. Here, he is speaking about the person who has endured, or gone through the trial, and a promise from God about that person receiving the crown of life. The blessing is the crown of life.

When a christian goes through the trial, not only do they come out the other side a more patient and enduring person, but they are happy, and they receive this crown of life from the Lord.

What is the crown of life? I believe Hebrews speaks about it.

Heb 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

After the process of testing, training, chastening, this peaceable fruit of righteousness is yielded into our lives. From pressure and difficulty, to peace, and the fruit of righteousness. These are indeed blessings.

Simply put, when we go through the trial, and endure it, at the end, we are changed people, we are more patient, we are more able to endure, we have become more mature, and we enjoy a peacefulness from the Lord, and righteousness from the Lord. ( living the right way, understanding the right way, being able to encourage others in the right way )

So, God has a promise for you. Hang in there, don't grow weary, be patient, the Lord is going to get you through the trial, and He will bless you in the trial, and make you a better person for it, once you are through the trial itself.

My prayer today is for you if you are going through a time of trial, or you have just come through a trial. Lord, make Your promise real and tangible today to my brothers and sisters reading this who are in the midst of a trial. If they have just come through a trial, then together, we thank You for being faithful. Please allow us to be used by You to be a genuine source of encouragement to anyone in a trial at this time. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise

1. He is going to get you through.

2. You cannot do it alone, He will help you.

3. He not only helps, but then blesses as well.

4. Trials change us for the better.

5. You will be more patient and peaceful.

6. God will use your experience to help others.

7. Give thanks to God, He is faithful and true.

Are you exalted or humbled? We can rejoice either way.

This video helps us understand how we can rejoice regardless of our postion

Are you exalted or humbled? We can rejoice either way.

James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,

James 1:10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.

James 1:11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

This is a call to both the lowly brother, and the rich brother. It's a call to glory ( that is, to glad, or to rejoice in )

For example, the lowly brother, or the poor man, is to glory in his exaltation. That is, while he may be poor on a material and monetary level, and may be lowly as far as society is concerned, it’s not so in God’s eyes and truth. He is exalted, in that he is in Christ. James was writing to christian brothers, and this exaltation is true of everyone that has come to faith in Jesus Christ. We are exalted in Christ. We are joint-heirs with Christ. So, that’s one thing.

But, now to the rich man. It’s just the opposite in some ways. He is to rejoice in, or glory in the fact, that he has become humbled. The truth of God can come home to a rich man, and enable him to see the end of the matter, and the truth about his riches and position. James gives the illustration of the flower of the field. It’s no sooner bloomed, then along comes the sun, and it causes the flower to wither. It falls, and all of it’s beauty vanishes. This is just what will happen to the rich man ( in terms of his physical riches and so on )

So, James is helping to show, “let’s measure our lives from the perspective of God’s Word and God’s truth. Let’s have that eternal perspective about our lives.”

Are you poor and lowly, then rejoice in your position in Christ. Are you a rich man, then remember, you have eternal riches, and the temporal things will just pass away, but not the eternal life that has been given to you.

Thank You Lord. We appreciate You telling us the truth about life. Help Us Lord, to take it to heart, and to put it into application day by day. We love you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises.

1. Which position are you in right now?

2. Has God exalted you?

3. Has God humbled you?

4. Either way, we can rejoice in the Lord.

"Why didn't the Lord give me wisdom? "

James answers this in the first chapter of his epistle........

"Why didn't the Lord give me wisdom? "

James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

James 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

These verses explain the answer to the question, "Why didn't the Lord give me wisdom?" It's because we are to ask in faith, with no doubting. It's that simple.

In asking God for His wisdom, we must ask in faith, or believing, or trusting, and we are ask without doubting. ( or without misgivings, or secret doubts, hesitations, waverings ) Or to put it another way, when we ask the Lord for wisdom, we are to ask in sincere faith, without any secret doubts as whether we really want God's help or not.

James goes on to describe all this for us in a picture. The man who asks and doubts at the same time is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the winds. We can picture a wave out in the ocean being blown about, going here, going there, not having stability. Doubting means to go back and forth between unbelief and belief.

So, we are to understand that if we ask doubting, it means we will not receive anything from the Lord. For when we ask/doubting, we are double-minded, and unstable in all our ways. To be double-minded is to have "divided allegiance. A man of divided loyalty. It's a person who can't make up their mind. Going back and forth in everything they do. Instability.

God has called us to just believe Him, not doubt Him. It's through faith in God that we receive from Him.

Father, thank You for the faith we have, help us to simply believe You, to put doubting out of our minds and hearts, and just lean in to you, to rely upon You, to have confidence in You, to rest in You, to take You at Your Word. And give us Lord, the wisdom we need. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise.

1. You have a measure of faith from God.

2. Unbelief or doubting is not from God.

3. Reading the Bible will help our faith.

4. God calls us to believe Him, it's that simple.

5. We need wisdom, so, we must believe Him.

6. God will honor your faith.

7. The Lord will give you wisdom.

8. Let's read the Bible more often, it's good for us.

"I don't know what to do"

This video helps explain from James 1:5, what we can do, when we do not know what to do. And, it tells us a number of things about our God.

"I don't know what to do"

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

If there is any christian, who does not know what to do, then, here's what they can do. They can ask God for the wisdom they need, then, ( because God will give them wisdom ) they will know what to do.

Wisdom, is having the skill, or being clever, and knowing what to do when you face a challenge, or are in a trial. In fact, wisdom really is knowing what God wants you to do in the situation, it's understanding His will for you in your circumstance.

Asking God, is simply praying to God, and requesting from Him, the wisdom you need. We can pray, and God will answer, He will meet the need that we have. He will give you the wisdom you need.

We are told several things about God in this verse. God can hear you, that's number one. God will give the wisdom needed to any who ask Him, and He will give it liberally. Finally, He will give you the wisdom without reproach. This means that God will gladly give you wisdom, and He will tell you what He wants you to do. And, He will not resent your asking Him.

Let's pray together right now.........Father, I'd like to pray for myself, or for anyone I know who at this moment, and at this time in their life may not know what do to in a given situation. They do not know what Your will is. We are asking for ourselves, and praying for our brothers and sisters that You would according to Your promise, give us, and them the needed wisdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chape Visalia

Application/Promises

1. God's ears are open to the prayers of His children.

2. God never resents it when we come to Him with our requests.

3. God has the very thing that we need.

4. God is willing and ready to give to us what we need.

5. Praying, or talking to God is how we ask.

6. Let's believe God today, for the wisdom we need.

The 2 reasons we go through trials and tribulations

This video explains why we go through trials, and additionally, it explains what we are to do in them, or how we are to cooperate with the Lord in trials...

Why do we go through trials?

James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

These two verses help explain why we an count it all joy when we fall into various trials and difficulties. The first thing in these verses, is what we are to know, and the second thing, is what we are to do. So, knowing and doing are both mentioned here. And, they both help us understand why we “can count it all joy” when we fall into a trial.

So, first of all, “Knowing”.......that is, the Lord wants us to know what He intends through the trial that we may be going through. A trial is a test or proving of our faith, and through the testing process, the trial will produce endurance, or patience in our lives, the ability to persevere under and in difficult situations. ( By the way, the proving of our faith, is not for God to know if we have faith as it were, but rather the proving/testing of our faith is for us to know and be aware of )

Sometimes a trial will be with a person, or persons, and sometimes it can be with a circumstance(s), and sometimes, it can be with both people(s) and circumstances.

Regardless of which it is, the same goal is in mind from the Lord. He wants to make you more patient and able to endure. So, a trial is designed to give us more patience. Trials make us able to endure.

Secondly, “Doing”.....or as it’s stated in verse 4, “but let patience etc, etc...” The letting, is what we are called to do. And, that is to let the Lord to do in us what He wants to do. We are called to cooperate with God’s will and His purposes in our lives. In other words, we are not to try and run from the trial, or pretend it’s not there, or become bitter and angry, or discouraged. And, we can’t hurry the process, but, we can “Let” and if we do, we will come out more mature, and more complete as people if we go through the trial God’s way, and in God’s time.

When a christian allows the Lord to work in their hearts through a trial, they will ultimately become a more well rounded person. That’s what trials do in us.

Let’s pray. Father, again, Your Word hits us right in the heart, and rings true to us, and helps us so much. Thank You for Your Word. And, may You find us “letting You do in us whatever You want to do”......That’s our prayer Lord. Develop our lives, that they may be a witness for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise

1. No trial is ever more then we can handle

2. God knows what He is trying to do in us.

3. God has wisdom that we don’t have about what He is doing in our lives.

4. We don’t need to try and get out of the trial.

5. God loves you, and will bless you in the end.

6. Strength to endure, actually comes from God.

7. Be encouraged, God is faithful.

How to view trials and temptations

“It really is a joy”...........

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

The first thing that James says to Christians about trials, is “count it all joy”.......the Phillips translation of the Bible says it this way, “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!” Or to consider it an opportunity for joy.

The phrase “count it all joy” means to consider, to think it through to it’s logical conclusion, just the way you would if you were working out a math problem. There is a right sequence to go through in the problem, and it comes to right ending. That’s the meaning here. We are to look at trial, and then consider what it’s going to bring into our lives. It’s a matter of Joy.

So as Christians, this is how we are to, and how we can, and how we ought to regard the trials ( and even the temptations ) that come into our lives. This is contrary to how we feel, and it’s not my first reaction, but, it’s how our Father directs us. We are to welcome them as friends.

A true friend will not hurt you, and trials ( while they can be very painful to say the least ) are not going to hurt us when it’s all said and done, but rather help us and encourage us in our walk with the Lord. Trials in that sense can become our friends.

As we go through James 1, it will become apparent to us why we can welcome them as friends.....but suffice to say, they will bring benefit into our lives.

Please take a moment to consider what is said by way of explanation in James 1:3. “knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Trials will produce something very helpful in our lives. Patience. That’s what the Lord gives us as we walk through a trial with Him. Let’s pray.

Lord, Your Word is like nothing else in the world. You speak right to our hearts and minds, and You tell us the truth, and here You tell us about trials, and what they will bring into our lives, and how we ought to look at them, and understand them. Thank You for that Lord. And, help us to take Your Word to heart, and to put it into application. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. We can be completely sure of God’s Word.

2. What He says to us is precisely correct and true.

3. The subject of trials and temptations is important.

4. This is God’s counsel to us about trials.

5. Looking back on your trials don’t you see how they do help us?

6. God will get you through any trial.

7. Blessings of Grace, Power and Peace to you.

God restores ......

Mark 16:7“But go, tell His disciples--and Peter--that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

The angel in the empty tomb, gave the women their marching orders and message. They were to go and tell His disciples that He was risen from the dead. But, you can see that there was special mention made of Peter. It's as if he said, now make sure you "tell Peter also, don't leave him out, let him know about Jesus etc"

The other part of the message to the disciples and Peter was that Jesus would meet with them up in the Galilee, just as He had said.

The compassion of the Lord towards those who have failed is evident here. Jesus wound up restoring Peter, and then using him as the first preacher in the Book of Acts, where 3000 came to salvation through his preaching.

Peter had denied Christ, during Jesus's darkest hours. Not once, but three times. He had a lapse of faith. It's not hard to imagine how Peter must have felt. Defeated, discouraged, hopeless, condemned and so on. I doubt he had any idea of what the Lord was going to do for him.

But, restoration to fellowship and to ministry is what the Lord does. He will take any person and restore them, and use them once again in service to God.

The reason for this restoration, is the compassion and the mercy of God. He is compassionate, He is full of mercy, and He forgives, and cleanses and blesses because of grace.

So, if you have failed the Lord in some way, don't be discouraged, and don't think there is no hope for you, because there is.

Father, for the discouraged person(s) who may be reading this today. May grace, mercy and peace come into their lives in abundance. Restore and renew them Lord. And give them hope and encouragement this day, and use them once again in ministry. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/promises.

1. His mercies never run out.

2. His mercies are new every morning.

3. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and see His grace today.

4. Let God wash and renew you this very day.

5. Oh how He loves you.

6. Leave your doubts, and by faith look to God.

Funny how we blame the Lord......but, it's true.

Proverbs 19:3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD.

Here we see something about man, and what man can do to himself.

In fact, the truth contained in this verse is explained to us in great detail in the New Testament book of James.

The foolishness of man twists his way. In other words, it’s what’s in a man’s self that actually twists or troubles his own life. But, what he winds up doing is blaming the Lord for the troubles that he has brought on himself.

James 1, explains it clearly to us.

James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.

James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

James 1:15* Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

The Lord tells us here not to blame God as the source of our being tempted to sin. God Himself cannot be tempted, and He does not tempt anyone to sin.

The cause of temptation comes from within man himself. It’s when he is drawn away by his own lusts, or desires. And then, when he gives into those desires, that’s when he sins. And sin when it’s full grown or gone through it’s process if you will, brings death.

So, sin is the problem within man, and that’s why God sent Jesus Christ into the world. It was not to condemn man, but rather to save man. Sin came into the world through one man, Adam, and it’s been passed along to all men who have ever been born. Thus, we are born sinners.

But, we can be born again, ( this does not mean we will never sin, or never have problems with sin ) but, it does mean we have a new life in Christ, we are forgiven, set apart to God, purchased by Him, and made joint heirs with Christ.

And, it means that we can live a different kind of life then we lived before we were saved. We have God’s Holy Spirit in our lives, to be our strength, and to teach us the truth, to guide along the right way, the way of God, and find God’s help and victory day by day in our lives.

So, rather the blame God, we can thank Him for what He has done for us.

Thank You Father. You are the giver of good gifts, and You have given us salvation through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. We are indebted to You, and could never ever pay You back for what You have done for us. Nor do You ask us to pay You back. But, You do call us to, call upon You and take the cup of salvation, that is to walk with You. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises.

1. God’s Word makes things clear to us.

2. God’s Word explains to us what things we need to know.

3. God helps us to get unconfused as it were.

4. God’s Holy Spirit is the one who really teaches us.

5. God also helps us by forgiving us, and giving us hope.

God is our justifier, and He came not to condemn, but to save

Proverbs 17:15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.

A person can justify the wrong person. And a person can condemn the wrong person. In both cases, these people are an abomination to the Lord.

First of all, God does not condemn even wicked people, and thus there is no need to justify them. Only God can actually do that. But, what’s being said here, is called corruption. When a person who knowingly seeks to justify a wicked person and their behavior, it’s abominable to God. That is, it’s a disgusting thing to God. He abhors this kind of thing. He detests it.

And, when a person condemns another person who is just, that is also loathed by the Lord.

It seems like we feel just like the Lord does. For when we see a wicked person get off the hook in a courtroom, it’s terrible to us. We don’t like it. And, when we see someone be falsely accused and betrayed, we don’t like it either. God has put His laws and ways into our very hearts and inner beings.

Finally, here’s another perspective. God will take someone who is wicked, and bring them face to face with His love and His forgiveness, and if they will receive Jesus Christ, then they will be justified and saved. And, that’s a blessing to God and to any other person.

And, God knows the truth about any and all men, and ultimately vindicates those who have been dealt with in a treacherous way.

Lord, You are great, and we are not. You are holy, and want us to be more like You. Please comfort the afflicted. We praise You in Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. God is the loving justifier.

2. God is not the condemner.

3. God loves those who others condemn.

4. Let’s try to be more like God towards others.

5. There is a golden rule.

6. Let’s treat others the way we want to be treated.

What a man can dig up and sow......or build

Proverbs takes a bit of a turn around the 15th to 16th chapters.....that is, God’s wisdom and truth are not so much presented by way of contrast, but rather just more directly speaking the truth about life period.

Thus, as in these verses, you just have God’s truth given to us plainly and in a very straightforward manner. Here it is, and it’s dealing with one of the big big issues of life. Gossiping and spreading slander about others.

Proverbs 16:27 An ungodly man digs up evil, And it is on his lips like a burning fire.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.

The ungodly man is pictured as digging up evil, and then spreading it around. Interestingly, the Bible tells us that Satanic wisdom, is from below, and thus it’s dug up as it were, from the depths of hell. Once it’s dug and found, then it’s spread around, much like a man would throw a shovel full of dirt from the shovel.

Going on, the perverse or crooked man, also sows strife, or plants contention, and it can wind up separating the best of friends.

Love always builds up and unites, rather then separating. You can always judge a tree by it’s fruit, and the same applies to what’s coming out of a man’s life.

God has not called us to be diggers and spreaders of evil. But, lovers of God, and lovers of other people’s souls. Because that’s what He is, and that’s what He has done towards us. He loved us, and proved it at the cross.

Thank You Lord. Keep us from evil, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. We can look up to God, rather then dig up evil from below.

2. The tongue can cause alot of destruction.

3. The Holy Spirit can instruct our hearts to help our tongues.

4. We are going to sow something, let it be good and Godly.

5. Let’s be those who unite, not those who divide.

6. God’s wisdom is pure and peaceable.

7. God’s wisdom is full of mercy, just like God

He who is slow to anger, allays contention.

Proverbs 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.

Again, the problem of anger and wrath are addressed. A man can do or act two different ways, and have two different outcomes or consequences.

A man can be wrathful and wind up stirring up strife. A man who is furious, raging, indignant, and has bottled up anger within himself, can be like poison and snake venom. It will bring nothing but strife, or contention, and discord.

But, when a man is slow to anger ( notice not a man who does not have anger ) but a man who is slow to anger, or who is exercising some self control, that man will allay the contention. That is, he will help to settle the matter, to appease the problem, to bring some peace, to help settle the disturbance, and bring quietness.

Proverbs really points out in a very direct way both God’s wisdom and man’s foolishness. And, continually reminds us that we cannot make it on our own. We need God’s help in our lives, in more ways then we even know.

It seems easier to find God’s help when we are face to face with our own problems and our own sins and weaknesses.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is our shepherd, and that He will lead us, and encourages us to follow. Following often starts with confession of our sins and turning in humility to God. He is there to receive us and to forgive us and to then lead us.

Father, what more can we say. How we need You. And, how thankful we are that we are not without hope in our lives, especially during times of sin, darkness and pain. We look to You.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. It’s good to remember, God’s Word is true.

2. It’s helpful to ask for help from God.

3. The Holy Spirit is called our helper.

4. May we become peacemakers, not trouble makers.

5. God is always ready to help a person when they are down.

6. When we are down, we can look up.

7. When we are down, we don’t have to give up.

8. God looks down on us with love and mercy.

P.S. One of the great blessings we have in Christ, is that God not only forgives us of our sins as we confess them to Him, but, He also promises to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Patience, and impulsiveness....and their effect....

Proverbs 14:29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.

The man who is slow to wrath, slow means, longsuffering, and longwinded, and patient, and wrath, means, anger, has great understanding. Understanding means, right, well, fitted, and good, to be level, and to be smooth, as opposed to rough spots.

And, then in contrast to the man who is slow to wrath we are told that the person who is impulsive exalts folly. To be impulsive is of course to do something quickly and without thinking, and it leads to foolishenss.

A patient man has understanding, and an impulsive man brings foolishness.

In context, it’s not just talking about being an impulsive person ( though that does lead to foolishness ), but it’s talking about not controlling yourself when your angry, and just letting your anger out. It will come to no good end.

Anger in and of itself is not sinful, but it can lead us to sin. What we need when we are angry is self control. To control oneself in those moments of anger is indeed to have understanding, because we know what lack of self control can do.

Galatians 5:23, speaks of the self control being something the Holy Spirit gives to us.

Perhaps one of the best things we can do in moments of anger is to stop and pray within ourselves to the Lord. Easier said then done, but nonetheless the best course of action.

Father, how many times we need You, and Your power to help us with ourselves and our sins, and our problems. Thank You that You do not forsake us or abandon us, but rather are here and can be found in our times of need. We love You.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. Remember God does not condemn you for your failures.

2. He also forgives our sins when we confess them.

3. And, He wants to help us overcome our sins and failures.

4. He loves you.

5. He hears you when you call.

6. He will never leave you.

7. He is faithful to help us.