"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HEARING GOD SPEAK TO THEM"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HEARING GOD SPEAK TO THEM"
Luke 5:4 When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
Luke 5:5  But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”
Luke 5:6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.
A few explanatory thoughts:
When Jesus had finished speaking, or teaching the multitude the Word of God, He turned to Simon, ( Peter ) and asked him to take the boat they were both in, and go out into a deeper part of the lake, and to let down his nets, for a catch. Peter's immediate response was both correct, and incorrect, but, ultimately the right one. And, the results were astonishing to say the least.
1. First of all, Peter called Jesus Master, which means superintendence, or a chief, commander. Indeed, this is exactly who Jesus is. He is the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. He is the master of all as it were.
2. Secondly, Peter explained that they had already tried to catch some fish, in fact, they had been fishing all night, but had caught nothing. Peter was actually now telling the Master, No, You are wrong, this won't work, we have already tried this.
3. Thirdly, and this is what I love about Simon, he said, "nevertheless, at Your Word, I will let down the net" Nevertheless, is like saying, "but, if You say so, we will try again.
4. As they moved the boat out into deeper water, and let down the net, the catch of fish was so great that their net started to break.
A prayerful reflection and application:
Father, thank you for speaking to us as You do. You often speak to us after we have tried to do whatever it is that we do, and we have had no great success. But, then we hear You, and You direct us, and like Simon, we may have a little, or a lot of disagreement with You. We tend to think that we know more then You do.
But, also like Simon, by Your grace, we then do what You tell us to do, and like Simon, we are astonished at what happens.
If you say to do something, even though it may seem fruitless to us to do it, it's ok, because You know what You are doing, and You want to show us something by giving us direction, just as You did for Simon.
Lord, let there be lot's of "nevertheless's " in our speech and heart toward You. Let there be lot's of "but, if You say so, we will do it"
That's the way to live, to hear You, and obey You. It's like what we read in Proverbs 3:3-5
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Prov 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Prov 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Thank You Lord.
Pastor Bob Grenier

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FEEL HOPELESS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FEEL HOPELESS"
Job 7:6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.
1Thess 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. Job, was right in the middle of a major "Job" type trial. It was as bad as it could get, without losing his life. He had lost everything. And, he was stating in Job 7:6, that his days were going by so quickly, and they were spent without hope. Hope here means, a cord, or an attachment. It has the idea of expectancy, something to live for, or something to long for. Job, along with many people from time to time have this "no hope" experience. It's a feeling of detachment, and a life being lived without anything to look forward to, nothing ahead, or so it seems. 

2. Please notice the apostle Paul's perspective on the hope that he had for the believers in Thessalonica. These truths would apply to you and I today as believers in Jesus Christ. First of all, Paul had hope, and then called it a joy, or crown of rejoicing. So, he was living in hope for these believers. 

3. Here's what he said specifically about them. "Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ as His coming. That's a mouthful. Let's break it down a little bit. He viewed them, the believers as one day being in the presence of God. He knew that as saved people that is where they were going, and, it's where you and I are going as those who have faith in Jesus Christ. 

4. Furthermore, Paul speaks of Jesus Christ's coming. That's a reference to His second coming. The future as it were. When Christ comes again, heaven on earth will begin, and so will eternity as it were for all who know Him. With Jesus in heaven for eternity.
5. May I encourage you to pause, and to consider these verses. It may be true that you are feeling hopeless, but, please meditate on the verse in 1st Thess 2:19, and let the Lord minister to you about your future. You have one. You have a hope in Jesus Christ. 

A prayer:

Father, You are called the God of hope. And, You know Lord how often we can find ourselves in place where we feel hopeless. Would You please for any reading this today, who are indeed in that place of being without hope, help them to turn their eyes to You, and let Your Word remove the lie of not having hope, and replace it with the truth that is in Jesus Christ, He is our living hope. We are going to be with Him, see Him, reign with Him forever and forever. We ask this of You Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING ADVERSITY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING ADVERSITY" 

Job 2:10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Ec 7:14* In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. When Job was facing his adversity, he stood firm in his understanding of God's goodness. See Job 2:10. Notice what he said. "Shall we we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?. 

2. Job understood that he was not a special person who would only have the good and not the bad come his way.

3. The word adversity here means, wickedness, mischief, hurt, bad, trouble, malignant, unpleasant, giving pain, evil, sad, hurtful and unhappy. Those words, sure sound familiar and are a great expression of what can come into our lives. 

4. Job's response, was, "Shall we not accept etc, " the word accept means, to receive, hold, undertook. Job was very pliable, and non resistant to the things that God allowed into his life. What a tremendous example he is to us. 

5. Finally, there is much wisdom for us in Ec 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. When things are going well, you are prospering, the Lord, He says to be joyful. But, if you are in the day of adversity, to consider. It means to look at, to inspect, to perceive.
Here's how it reads in the NLT Ec 7:14 Enjoy prosperity while you can,but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.
And, in the Amplified version. Ec 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one side by side with the other, so that man may not find out anything that shall be after him.

A prayer:

Lord, thank You that Your wisdom is greater then ours. And, thank You that we can look to Your word for all the things that come our way in life. One thing is certain, You are in control of all things, and we find such comfort in You teaching us how to deal with what You allow in our lives. Your Word sets us straight. It gives us comfort, and understanding and helps us to patiently endure.
We love You Lord. In Jesus' name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO CHANGE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WANTING TO CHANGE"

LUKE 5:32“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

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.

Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

A few explanatory thoughts and application:

1. Change is the very thing that Christ has come to do. You can be confident He wants you to change, and will help you change.
See LUKE 5:32“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
The word repentance means to change. So, we see that the very mission of Jesus is to call men to change, your desire for change, is exactly what He wants to have happen in your life. 

2. Ok, I see you may say, but how do I do it?. Well, it's a gift from God. See 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.
God is the great giver. as it says there in James 1:17 these gifts come down from the Father of lights. We receive His gifts by asking for them. So, if you want to change, simply ask Jesus to give you the gift of repentance. The word gift, does not imply work, but rather something given. The word gift here, actually means, bounty, benefaction.
Here's how it reads in the Amplified Version James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect ([a]free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].
So, the gift of repentance is free, large, full, God is the one who gives it. He will give it to you, and He will help you to change. 

3. Here's one of the main and direct benefits of God's goodness. His Goodness, leads us to repentance.
Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? It says in Rom 2;4, "the riches of His goodness" The word "goodness" means, useful, good, gracious. What a great description of our God. 

4. Putting all this together, what hope we have that change can be ours. Because, it's God's will for us to change. It's God who gives repentance. His goodness, is the motive for Him giving it, and it leads us to salvation. Jesus always taught about God being a giver, and the Bible teaches us to ask God for those things that are in His will, and if we abide in Him, and His Word abides in us, we will have what we ask for. John 15:7“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

A prayer:

Lord, we come to You in the name of Jesus Christ. We ask not only for ourselves, but for everyone who may be reading this, or the people we know in our families, or in our church bodies, or where we work, or our friends, who really and truly want to change.
We are praying that they might look  to You. The giver of good gifts. We pray for this change. May You pour out change in an great
way. We love You for being our changer. Change our hearts we pray. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO THINK GOD WOULD NOT WANT THEM"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO THINK GOD WOULD NOT WANT THEM"

Luke 5:30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Luke 5:31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Some explanatory notes and application:

1. One of the criticisms of Jesus was that He ate with the worst of the worst. He was called by His enemies the friend of sinners.
Mt 11:19* “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

2. It's a little hard to imagine how people could be critical of  Jesus for reaching out to people, ( sinners ) but, sure enough they did, and they still do. And, so does the devil. Only he criticizes you and I for our sin, and then tries to get us to believe that Jesus does not love us, or care for us, or want us. But, the Devil is a liar. 

3. The truth is that God is love. 1Jo 4:16* And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. And, His love has been demonstrated at the cross, where He died, not just for the sins of some, but for the sins of the whole world. 1Jo 2:2* And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

4. Please notice what Jesus said in Luke 5:31-32 above. He came for sinners. Yeah, that's you and me. Sinners. So, contrary to what anyone may say, or what you may be feeling within yourself, the Bible tells us the truth, and that is, that not only is God love, but, Jesus specifically came for sinners. 

5. One last thing. God loves us so much, that He does not want to leave us in our sinful condition, so, He calls us to repentance, that is to turn to Him, believe in Him, and receive Him. If you have done that, then You have become His child, and You are a joint heir with Christ, and You have eternal life, and nothing can separate You from His love. Isn't that wonderful. 

A prayer:

Lord, we would like to take just a moment to say how wonderful it is, that You have given us Your Word to tell us the truth about life, about ourselves, about the future, and most of all about Your love, grace and mercy for each of us. Help us to keep ourselves in Your Word, and help us to believe it, and to obey it, and to enjoy the benefits of doing all those things. There is no one like You Lord. And, we have no love and appreciation for anyone, or anything, as we do for You. We love You. 

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH HURTING MARRIAGES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH HURTING MARRIAGES"

1st John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

1st John 4:20 f someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

1st John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. John, is of course talking about love, which is so often what we need in our marriages.

2. He is also focusing on what Christ has done for us, and how it has changed us. He (Jesus loved us first and, the result is that we love Him. It's His love, that has brought our love. (how true it is that our love for our mates, is what begins to bring the healing into the hurts in the marriage. Not just sentimental love, but true, Divine, Godly love in our hearts and then showing up in our speech, demeanor, and our actions. 

3. Now here is a very important truth to help us be authentic, and Godly in our marriages. 1st John 4:20 f someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? We cannot do the both. Say I love God and hate our brother. And, if we cannot love our brother who we can see (our mate) then how can we love God whom we cannot see. Thus the truth is, that the two in fact are supposed to go together. Love God, and love our mates. Let's start with God, let's love Him, and the rest will truly take care of itself. We all know that deep down.

4. Here's a very helpful truth. 1st John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. The word commandment means, precept, an order, charge, injunction, that which is prescribed to us by God. A prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is being done. 

5. So often, the hurt, the tension, the lack of peace, the anxiety, and the hurtful attitudes, and the dangerous things thought and said, can be instantly removed, if we will simply, let God's Word be taken into our hearts, and taken seriously, and responded to in obedience. Amazing how God can change hurt, into healing in an instant. 

A prayer:

Father, we are thankful to You, that You have not only saved us, but given us Your Word to know how to live our lives down here on Earth, while we serve You, and wait to be with You. Your Word is eternal, it's pure, it's without error, it gives us understanding, it when received and responded to brings success into our lives, it's really quite simple. We get so wrapped up in our thoughts, that we lose sight of the simplicity of what blessings and peace You can and want to bring into our lives and marriages. 

We pray for hurting marriages today, and those that may be hurting and reading this devotional today. Lord pour Your love, grace and mercy into their souls this very moment, and bring healing to hurt. Bring a halt to hurt, and replace it with Your healing. 

We love You.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"

Luke 23:41 “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

Luke 23:42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Some explanatory notes, and application:

1. The thief speaking in Luke 23:41, was acknowledging the rightness of the capital punishment he was receiving. He is a picture of a sinner, simply admitting he is a sinner, which of course is not only the work of the Holy Spirit convicting a person, bringing them to their senses, but, it's also the first step to being saved. Admitting I'm a sinner. 

2. The thief, also realized something about Jesus, that happens to all people who become saved and go to heaven. The Holy Spirit convinces them, reveals to them, shows them much about Jesus Christ, primarily that He is righteous, holy, perfect if you will. Jesus is without sin. He was always without sin, (except that He became sin for us on the cross) and He is without sin as we read this devotional.

3. The thief, then made a request to Jesus. He talked to Jesus. He prayed if you will. Here's what his prayer consisted of. "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" In other words, he was asking Christ to have mercy on him. And, you will notice something else. In mentioning "Your Kingdom" it's clear that the Holy Spirit had also revealed to him, that Jesus was indeed the King of a kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven. He understood something about the after life as it were. 

4. The Lord speaks in 23:43 and says to this man condemned to death, " Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. This word, which of course was speaking ultimately of heaven, was a word in that day used to speak of grand enclosure, preserve, a park, a shady, and well watered one. A beautiful garden, a pleasure ground. 

5. Please notice a few things the Lord said to the man. Assuredly, or truly, or faithful, or so be it. It's similar to our saying, "amen", meaning, so be it. So, Jesus was saying, "amen" to the man, or yes, I will remember you. Or yes, I will save you etc. And, the Lord said, "I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Which means, that as soon as that man died, and as soon as the Lord died, they would ultimately be together in heaven. And, all that happened in a very short period of time. The thief died, and shortly thereafter Christ died, and they were together in Paradise. 

6. What a picture all of this is for us, what an encouragement. We also are sinners, and when the Holy Spirit convicts us of the truths about sin, and about righteousness, and about judgment, and we yield ourselves to God, we become saved. And when we die, we also are with God forever, and forever in heaven. 

A prayer:

Father, there is no other name given under heaven whereby a man can be saved, but by and through the name, the person of Jesus Christ. Thank You for bringing the Holy Spirit's conviction into our lives, and drawing us to Yourself by Your goodness. It's Your goodness, that has led us to repentance. We are thankful today, and will be through eternity. Someday, we will see You in person, face to face, and we will be able to express our gratitude in a much more fulfilling way. We will do it, along with the innumerable multitude of angels, and all the many who have also been saved. You are the Lamb of God which has taken away our sins. No one but You can do this, thank You Father.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"
Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. We (who have come to faith in Christ) have this hope.
2. This hope we have, is an anchor to our soul.
3. This hope we have, is also 2 other things. It is both sure and steadfast. Sure, means, certain, firm, true. And, steadfast means, firmly grounded, guaranteed, unalterable.
4. Finally, this hope we have, enters the Presence behind the veil. That of course is speaking of the visible presence of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
5. So, behind the veil is God. Jesus has already entered behind the veil. And, He assures us of our entrance into heaven as well.
6. For our loved ones who have left this world, they being in Christ, are right there with Christ as we read this thought.
7. When we leave this world, we will see our loved ones, and we together with them will glory in the Lamb of God who has taken away our sins, and given us eternal life.
A prayer:
Father, there are so many of Your children who are already home with You. We are still here, waiting to be with You and with them.
What a homecoming it will be for us and for them. We will see them again, and they will see us. Thank You for Your unspeakable gift of eternal life. You have graciously given it to us. We look forward to the greatest reunion that ever will be. Thank You for a bright and glorious future. We love You Father, in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRODIGAL CHILDREN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRODIGAL CHILDREN"

PROVERBS 8:17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. God is love, and He states here in this verse of His love for people.

2. That love for people, would include your prodigal child, or children as the case may be.

3. God also says He loves those who love Him. 

4. Prodigals are in love with everyone and everything but God at this moment. 

5. But, God is able to change all that.

6. Jesus gave us the story of the prodigal son in Luke 16 to encourage us that prodigals can change.

7. When a person seeks the Lord diligently, they will find God. 

A prayer for your prodigal(s):

Father, we thank You for Your love for our prodigal(s). You love them just as much as You love anyone. You loved us ourselves when we were not loving You, and You drew us to Yourself. We pray that You might show and reveal and allow Your love for our prodigal(s) to become so clear and overwhelming to them, and deliver them from any false ideas they may have about how You view them, and what You think of them, and what You desire for them. 

We also pray that You would bring the needed conviction into their lonely, empty, and sad souls. Give them the gift of repentance, and bring restoration back to You into their lives. Please help us to diligently pray for them. Part of the verse in this devotional, speaks of finding You. We Lord as those with prodigals need to find You to help us with our pain and sadness over our prodigals. 

So, Lord, we entrust them to You this day, we know that nothing is impossible with You, and we pray for You Lord to move in upon their lives and bring them back to their right mind, and bring them back to You, and back to us. 

In Jesus’ name. Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES SUDDENLY IN A FIERY TRIAL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES SUDDENLY IN A FIERY TRIAL"

1st Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. 

1st Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Some Explanatory thoughts and application:

1. Regardless of whether we are in a trial or not, there is still this beautiful and sincere word that God so often uses to speak of His children. It's the word beloved, so, You are beloved today, yesterday, and forevermore. Period. It's a settled fact, this is how God views you. This term beloved, is also translated, Dear friends. That's what it means. We are His dear friends. Again, Period, it's a settled fact. 

2. The first thing God tells His dear friends here, is not to be surprised, or unduly alarmed at the fiery trials and ordeals that you may find yourself going through. There is a reason for this matter that has come into your life.  And the reason is, that God is testing your faith. So, that's the reason, and furthermore, we are told by the Lord here, not to think that it's strange we are going through this trial, not to think it's some abnormal experience. These unexpected fiery trials should not be a surprise is the idea. They happen to all of God's children from time to time. 

3. And, here is the next thing we are told. We are to be glad. Admittedly, that sounds odd, until you read the rest of the verse. 

1st Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad--because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.

The reason for our rejoicing is that we are sharing in Christ's sufferings. And, one day, when we see Him, in all of His glory and all of His splendor we will be filled with the most tremendous joy. We will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world. 

4. I suppose to put this in another way, or to look at the verses and gain from them this perspective. These things are not abnormal. These things do come suddenly, and without warning. So, don't be alarmed, or wonder what has happened to God and where He is, to have let this happen to you. 

5. These verses particularly, (1st Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.) is actually calling us to turn from surprise and alarm to rejoicing. Because we in a very real sense partaking of the sufferings of Christ. And, that beyond this temporal existence, there awaits us the great eternal glory of Christ, which we are going to share in. It's or hope.. It's the big picture. And keeping our eyes on the big picture, always helps us to the keep the smaller details down here, in their proper place. There is more to this life then the fiery trials that come our way. There is eternal glory that is also coming our way. 

A prayer about these things:

Lord, what would we do without Your Word to help set our minds and hearts straight, and to give us Your heavenly, eternal perspective on life? We would be in despair. So, thank You for giving us Your Word, and the Holy Spirit to teach us the truths in Your Word, and to help us put them to use and walk in the Spirit, taking Your Word to heart, and letting it comfort and guide us as we go through life. We pray today for friends, or family that are going through a fiery trial, that we might be able to share these truths with them. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH ANGER AND BITTERNESS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH ANGER AND BITTERNESS"

Eph 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,

Heb 12:15  looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

Prov 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. Anger, is not in and of itself a sin, but, it can lead you to sin. Thus, in Eph 4:26, it's teaching us "do not sin" That is, if you are angry, be careful that it does not lead you to sin.

2. Anger, that is not sinful is a normal reaction in certain times, and in certain circumstances. Even Christ Himself was angry over the misuse of the temple, when those serving the people were taking advantage of the people. 

3. One other thing about anger, is to try and find God's peace before you go to bed. Do not go to bed angry, because you will most likely wake up angrier then when you went to bed, and that can lead to real sin and trouble.

4. Bitterness, is something we are to be careful to avoid. See Heb 12:15 above for an explanation as to why. But, what is bitterness? The word itself means, gall, or a bitter root, that produces bitter fruit. Hatred is included in the meaning of bitterness. 

5. Here is some comfort, and direction when angry and dealing with bitterness, or trying not to let your anger lead you to sin, and when you are trying to stay away from being bitter. See Prov 3:5-6

Here's how it reads in the NLT  

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Prov 3:6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

This version is pretty similar to the NKJV, but, you will notice the word depend, in verse 5, and you will notice the word seek in.

Verse 6. Depend on God in your times of dealing with anger and bitterness, and seek the will of God in these times, and the Lord will direct your paths. 

Do you know what the word "direct" means?. It means, straight, right, fitted, good, level, be smooth. to do straight. It's the picture of the Lord making the road ahead easier to travel on. He will show you how to walk, and where to walk, and He will make it easier to walk on that road. He will smooth the road out. 

A prayer:

Lord, You know what it's like to be a human being and to experience many things that make us angry, and can lead us to become bitter and resentful and really ruin our lives, and the lives of others. Would You please help us to take the Word of God in these Scriptures to heart and let them dwell in us deeply, and that we might respond to them and find You helping us. Thank You Father.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"Sharing Hope through Scripture for Hurting Marriages"

"Sharing Hope through Scripture for Hurting Marriages" 

2nd Peter 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. God's Word in this verse directs us to what marriages need when they are hurting.

2. The words, "divine power" speak of God's ability, His help, His strength, His virtue, His power to influence the soul of His people.

3. We are also told here that the Lord has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness. The all things, means just that, all things. Life and Godliness, are 2 ways of speaking of having what we need to live this life in the way God intended it to be lived, and Godliness, is again defining the way life is to be lived. The word Godliness, is actually speaking about reverence and respect towards God Himself. 

4. The concept of respect towards God, includes fearing Him, and living with a dread of displeasing Him. So, when a marriage is hurting the Lord has provided us with all that we need to look to Him, and seek His help, and to allow ourselves to submit our thought, and our feelings, ideas, and cares to Him. It's putting God first in our marriage. God has enabled us to do that, but, it's up to us to do it.

Simply put, it's putting our faith over our feelings, and trusting God and His Word. 

5. Please notice, "through the knowledge of Him" Or through the acknowledging of the Lord. This goes along with what was said under the previous point above, i.e looking to the Lord instead of ourselves. In other words, God has provided all that we need to live our lives the way He intended, and that provision is through Jesus Christ.

6.. Lastly, Peter speaks of the calling in our lives by "Glory and Virtue"  These two words speak of the blessedness of God's grace towards us, which He has called us to receive. Virtue means goodness. God has blessed us by giving us all we need, to live these lives, and He has done it by and through His grace and goodness. He is good, and He is gracious. And, He has called us to grace, and to goodness, to excellence of character in our marriages. 

A prayer:

Lord, there is more hurt going around in marriages then we can possibly imagine. But, You don't have to guess, or imagine. You know the hurt. And, You not only know the hurt, but You have given us all we need to live through and grow through and have victory over the hurt in marriages. It's up to us to believe You, and if we do, then, we find victory over what can seem so hopeless. We who are reading this devotional and this prayer, would pray for ourselves, and the marriages we know of, who may need the truths contained in this devotional today. In short, help all who are hurting, look up to You and receive what You have given, and act upon it in accordance with what pleases You. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"

1st Peter 5:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

1st Peter 5:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. Please notice how God through Peter addresses His children. "Beloved" which simply means, dearly beloved, or well beloved, or worthy of love. So, for those of us, who have come to faith, we are His "Beloved" 

2. Another thing that God says to us, is "do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you:" There are not many things in life, that are more fiery of a trial, then the loss of a loved one. But, we do lose loved ones, and it is painful. But, the Lord is giving us some comfort here in saying that these types of trials do come.

3. And, there is additional comfort in verse 13, where it talks about our own being in heaven someday. We will see His glory, and we will rejoice with exceeding joy. I'm certain that much of that joy will be in seeing our loved ones who also had come to faith in Christ.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for the hope we have in Christ. Surely there is a hereafter, and our hope will not be disappointed. 

Help us Lord while we are down here to find comfort from Your Word, as we receive it, and let it dwell within us, and respond to it.

We love You.

In Jesus’ name.

Pastor Bob Grenier 

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING CRISIS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING CRISIS"

Note: A crisis, is defined as a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger, perhaps a time where there is trouble in the family, or a time when a difficult or important decision must be made. A turning point in your life. 

Ps 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

Some explanatory thoughts, and application:

1. This verse tells us a lot about God and the Christian.

2. He is our LORD. The word LORD here, means, "The existing one" It's the proper name for the one true God. So, our LORD exists. He is not a figment of our imagination, He is not a made up character, He exists, and He is so many more things for us.

3. He is also our strength and our shield. Strength, means, fortress, might, and Shield, comes from a word meaning to defend, to surround. So, our Lord is these two things for us, especially as we face crisis. 

4. Here's what David did, in a time of crisis. He trusted in God with his heart. Which resulted in God helping Him. And, it also resulted in David greatly rejoicing and singing a song of praise to the Lord. 

5. When David says "my heart trusted" it means, he had confidence in and hoped with expectancy in God. And, when he says God "helped" him, it means, that God supported him, and comforted him, and gave him aid in his trouble. 

6. Lastly, David talks about rejoicing and singing to the Lord. This is what happens to anyone who puts their trust in God, and it's what will happen to you also, as you put your trust in Him.

A prayer for those facing a crisis at this time:

Lord, we thank You for this beautiful Scripture, which both lifts our hearts to You, and gives us comfort, and it gives us instruction as to what to do in our times of crisis. We pray that today, You might really bring the truth of this Scripture home to our minds and our hearts. We love You very much Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEING LIED ABOUT"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEING LIED ABOUT" 

Pro 6:16 There are six things the LORD hates--no, seven things he detests:

Pro 6:17 haughty eyes a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent,

Pro 6:18 a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong,

Pro 6:19 NLT a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord among brothers.

Exodus 20:16 NKJV  “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

Some explanatory and applicational thoughts:

1. There are some things God hates, and as you can see there is a long list of them above in Pro 6:16-19

2. God also included, not bearing false witness in His Ten Commandments. False witness, means, lying, falsehood, wrongfully, deceitful, liar, to deceive, to defraud, to have a false tongue. We are not to be like this. It's breaking God's law if we do.

3. The word hates, means, " to consider personally offensive and to regard with enmity" Another way of understanding this, is that people who do the things that God hates, have in fact become His enemies. 

4. God is truth, and knows the truth about any and all lies that may be being said to you, or about you

5. God hates lying because He is the source of truth. The Devil is the father of lies, and he cannot tell the truth. 

6. The truth is, that God allows certain things to come our way, and one thing He asks us to do, is to pray for our enemies, who in this case are also His enemies. 

7. One last thought. In heaven, everyone knows the truth. And there is coming a day, either down here, or up there, that lies will be seen and known for what they are. 

A short prayer:

Lord, You were lied about, and until it happens to us, it does not hurt too much. But, when it does, we feel it deeply. You know what it's like, You can sympathize with us in this. You also have asked us to pray for our enemies. So, we would like to do that right now, and right here. Father, would You please extend Your grace, mercy and love to our enemies. We know, that except for Your grace, "There go I" as the saying goes. 

Keep us from lying tongues. Both, our own not telling lies, and from having lies told about us. Let us be those who tell the truth in love. In Jesus’ name. 

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE NEEDING FORGIVENESS OF SINS"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE NEEDING FORGIVENESS OF SINS"

Luke 5:20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”

Some explanatory thoughts:

1. Here's the good news, we sin, but, Jesus is the forgiver of sins.

2. Sin can bring paralysis into our lives as it did in this man's life.

3. Many scholars believe he may have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Disease, and it left him in a paralyzed state.

4. Regardless, he was helpless, but, he was brought to Jesus by friends. (Who by the way had faith)

5. They brought their friend for physical healing (which Jesus did give him) but, more importantly, Jesus forgave his sins.

6. This is what Jesus will do for you today. Faith in Christ, confession of sin, repentance from our sins, and we are forgiven.

7. Notice these lovely scriptures below.

1st John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1st John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1st John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

8. In summary, we do have sin, let's not fool ourselves. We can confess our sins, and be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. Let's not deceive ourselves, we do have sin, more then we like to admit, but in admitting them, we are forgiven.

A prayer:

Lord, let today, be an "Admitting, or confessing day" You know, and we know of our sins. Help us now, to walk in forgiveness, and not in the condemnation that comes from our remembering what we have done by way of sin, but rather let us walk in the joy of knowing what You have done with our sins. You have forgiven them.

Thank You Father.

In Jesus’ name.

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING"

James 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.

Some explanatory thoughts:

1. First of all, there is a blessing in store for the these persons.

2. The man or woman spoken here, is the one who endures temptation, or trials of some type.

3. These temptations, trials, may come in many forms. For example, it could be those who endure the suffering of some type of physical infirmity, or having to live through a bad marriage, or some type of emotional trial that is no fault of their own. It could be because they suffer because of their Christian Testimony. Or just any type of suffering. 

4. The blessing is called "The crown of life" 

5. The Lord may allow you to suffer down here in some way, and He will help you endure, and when you get to heaven, He is going to reward you with a very special crown. 

6. Jesus said, in Matt 6:25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

A prayer for those being tempted, tried, and suffering:

Lord, You never, ever said in Your Word, that our lives would be peaches and cream so to speak. In fact, You told us just the opposite. That in this world we would have tribulation, and, You said to be of good cheer because You have overcome the world. Thank You for telling us the truth, and thank You for overcoming this world, and thank You for what You have in store for us. 

Two quotes about suffering and reward:

Suffering does not separate us from God and His Love.  

Sin separates us from God.

Thomas Aquinas wrote:

O saving Victim, opening wide,

The gate of heaven to man below,

Our foes press on from every side,

Thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE ASKING JESUS TO HELP THEM"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE ASKING JESUS TO HELP THEM"

Luke 5:12 And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

Luke 5:13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him.

Some explanatory thoughts:

1. First of all, do you think it was a coincidence, that Jesus and this leper found themselves together in the same city? I do not. For God's children, there are no coincidences. The Bible tells us that He is in control of all things, and that means all things. The Bible tells us He knows what we have need of before we ask. He knows where we are, and what we are thinking etc. 

2. This man, was full of leprosy, (the Bible uses leprosy as a type of sin) saw Jesus. Again, no coincidence. Sin, like leprosy, eventually ends in death. In the meantime, it destroys slowly, it takes away usefulness, it isolates us, it makes us not want to be with others, etc, etc. 

3. The leprous man fell on his face and implored, (which means, to desire, to make request, to beg, to ask, to pray) This man was at the end of his rope as it were. He had apparently heard like we have, that Jesus can help a man, no matter what the problem is. He did the sane thing, he humbled himself and asked Jesus a question.

4. Here's the question he asked, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Little did he know how willing the Lord was. He had some sense or belief that Jesus could heal him, but, he was not sure if Jesus would help him. 

5. Here's what Jesus did. Luke 5:13 Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately the leprosy left him. May I say, that this is what Jesus will do for you also. He will reach out to your prayer, He will cleanse you of sin. The Bible is chock full of stories of people like this leper, who asked God to help them, and He did. And, He will for you also.

6. Note: God may or may not heal a disease, but, He will every time, forgive sin, and bring healing to our hearts from the sin we have done. We can count on that. He is our Saving Savior. Let's go to Him with our needs today. Will You do that? I pray you will, because, He is willing. 

A prayer:

Lord, Thank You for showing us about who You are in the Bible. We need to know more and more about You, and it helps us so much when we learn about Your ways and Your actions, and what You will do for us. You are our friend, You want us to come to You, You will not deny our approaching You, we can and ought to run as fast as we can to You, anytime of the day or night, with any problem we have, and seek Your help. There is nothing that You cannot help us with. 

Thank You Lord, In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR YOUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR YOUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE"

Isaiah 43:18 Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.

Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.

Some explanatory notes:

1. God was calling His people to not remember the former things, Nor the things of old.  The word "remember" means, to recall, call to mind, to be brought to mind. The Lord was guiding His people to not think about their past, (their captivity in Babylon) He did not want them to think about what had happened to them. 

2. Instead of thinking about what had happened, the Lord was speaking to them about what He was going to be doing for them. Please notice the specifics of what the Lord was saying.

3. Behold I will do a new thing. It will spring forth. And, His people would come to know it. He would also make a road in the wilderness. And, rivers in the desert. 

4. The things the Lord was going to do, were actual things, not just wishful thinking. He did do this for His people. 

5. There is a tremendous encouragement for us today. Don't look back, look ahead. God has a plan. He can do things that you can't even imagine. God wants to continue growing You in His grace, and in His knowledge. He wants to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He wants to show these things to us. He is our road as it were. We walk in Him, and follow Him. He can quench our thirst. 

6. In closing, these verses are good to keep in mind. They are good to even commit to memory. They are good to apply. They are good, because they are true. 

A prayer:

Father, thank You for Your hand being with us, and Your promise to us, of what You will do in our lives. Thank You also for the guidance to not be looking backwards, but forwards, believing that You will do new and wonderful things in our life.

We love You Lord. In Jesus’ name.

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH IDOLATRY"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH IDOLATRY"

1Cor 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Some explanatory thoughts:

1. The word therefore, is an important word, and it's helpful to ask, what is it therefore?  In this case, it's there, because, it connects what Paul is saying with what he has been saying.

2. And, what he has been saying is that God is faithful to always provide a way of escape that we can bear up under temptations. See 1 Cor 10:13

3. Please notice, how God describes and calls His people. "My Beloved" This means, two things. First of all, God's people, are in fact, His people, He owns them, He has purchased them. They are no longer the people of darkness and the devil. But, they are, ( You ) are His person. You are one of God's people.

4. Secondly, God calls His people, "Beloved" which means, dearly beloved, well beloved, dear, well loved, esteemed, favorite, and worthy of love. That's how God sees You, if you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ. You are "My Beloved" from God's perspective.

5. What is idolatry? Simply, put, it's the worship of false God's. While there really are no other god's but the one true living God, a man can and often does give something else, someone else, some desire, some goal, some material object, something besides God, God's place in his heart and life. That's what Idolatry is. It's making a replacement god, in your life, instead of having God in His right place. And, that is the number one priority in your life. To know Him, and to bring honor and glory to Him, to serve Him,     and to please Him, to follow Him, and not do your will, but His. That's not idolatry, that is the true Biblical Worship of the Living God.

6. Here's what do to with idolatry. Flee it. Two simple words, that mean so much. To flee in Scripture, means, to seek safety by flight. To shun, to avoid, especially vices. To be saved by flight, to escape safely out of danger, to vanish.

A prayer:

Lord, You are the one, and the only true and living God. We ask for forgiveness, for the times when we move away from focusing on You, and simply worshipping You as we ought. Thank You for the gift of repentance, we may need it this day, to turn away from what we have been "idolizing" and run to You, and let You have first place in our life. Idols can't speak, hear, or help. But, You hear us, You speak, and You can help us, You can heal us, You can guide us, You can forgive us, You can do for us what no one else could even come close to. In fact, there is no one who can do what You can do. It makes all the sense in the world to flee from idolatry. Please help us to do so day by day. Thank You Lord, in Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE, FOR THOSE BEING TEMPTED"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE, FOR THOSE BEING TEMPTED"

1Cor 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

A few explanatory thoughts:

1. What you are going through is not uncommon. In fact, it's common to men. ( No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man ) The idea here is pretty clear, common, means, "after the manner of men", or "things belonging to men" it's what we go through living in this world. Or, as the NLT puts it, "The temptations that come into your life are no different then from what others experience"

2. But, God is faithful, and promises, that He willl not allow you to be tempted, or tried beyond what you are able to bear. In other words, He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. Now, that's a real comfort. He is keeping watch over you. He knows what you can take, and what you can't take. He will always take care to watch over you.

3. Here's another blessing and comforting truth. God will also, always make a way of escape, ( not from the temptation ) but, so that you can bear it. He does not always take you out of it, but will always show you how to bear it. Or as the NLT says, " He will show you a way out, so you will not give in to it" We can count on Him to do so.

4. One last quick thing. 1 Cor 10:13 says, "God is faithful" What does that mean? It's speaking of His nature, He is dependable. Constant. Unchanging, trustworthy, always will do as He says He will do. You can bank on Him. He can be trusted all the time.

A brief prayer:

Lord, Thank You for always keeping an eye on us. Thank You for loving us. Thank You for guarding our lives. Thank You for being faithful. And, thank You for your faithful provision, that will always allow us and show us a way to bear the temptation. To not have to give in to it. Who could do these things but You. Lastly, Lord, we pray that You would also give us grace, and the personal resolve to always take the way of escape that You show us. Why would we want to be ill affected by the temptation, ( because, that is what it would do ) Keep us from it Lord, and show us the way of escape.

In Jesus name. Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH GUILT FROM SIN"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH GUILT FROM SIN"

John 8:10 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

John 8:11She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Ps 130:4  But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.

1 John 1:9  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Some explanatory thoughts.

1. Sin is very real, but, please notice what is not real. And, that is the condemnation from Jesus. See John 8:10-11, and 1John 3:17 above.

2. Condemnation, means, to judge, to call into question, or to say, "I've had it with you, I reject you, I'm done with you, there is no hope for you. Well, none of those thoughts are in the mind and heart of our Lord towards us when we have sinned. Be sure of that.

3. What we do have from God is forgiveness. See Ps 130:4a which means, to send away, to depart. He can send away our sins, because of what Christ has done in dying on the cross for our sins, and our believing in Him.

4. There is not only forgiveness, but there is also another truth about God and our sin. See Ps 130:4b, and it is that God may be feared. Or respected. Sin, blocks our true view of God, and it causes us to somehow forget about Him at the moment, and we become unwise. But, when we have sinned, and we start feeling the guilt from our thoughts or actions, the fear of the Lord can come back into view in our minds and hearts.

The Bible says concerning the fear of the Lord, 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.

5. Back to forgiveness for a moment. It's in a very real sense conditional. We must confess, or admit our sins, and then we are forgiven. But, not only are we forgiven, but we are promised cleansing. Which means, to be free from the defilement of sin and from our faults. It means to be free from guilt.

A prayer.

Lord, the Bible says, "What man is there that sinneth not" Or "He who is without sin" So, that certainly includes each and everyone of us. We especially pray for anyone who this day has sinned, and is dealing with the guilt and the consequences of that sin. We know that You not only forgive sin, but You also even have a way of taking those consequences and working them together for our good. Sin, and forgiveness, give us much to be thankful for. Not the sin, but for Your forgiving us. Thank You. Cleanse us, and help us to do what you told the woman to do, " Go and sin no more" Thank You again Lord, in Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN"

Today someone many of us know and loved, went to heaven. The Bible verses below are now fully realized by Pastor Chuck Smith.

I thought these verses might be of great comfort and encouragement to you, as many times people have questions about heaven. These are just a few of many, many verses in the Bible. I pray they are a blessing to you.

2 Co 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Php 1:23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

2nd Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2nd Tim 4: 8 finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Rev 21:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Some explanatory thoughts:

1. We can be very confident and well pleased about what will happen to us when we leave this world. We will be present with the Lord.

2.  When a Christian dies, their soul leaves their body, and goes immediately to be with the Lord, which Paul says is far better.

3. Our fighting is over, our race is over, and as Paul exampled for us, he "kept the faith"

4. There is a crown waiting for us ( I believe this is our new body )

5. All things for us will be new. These are the promises of God.

6. We will drink from the fountain of the water of life freely.

7. We will inherit all things. And, God will be our God.

8. The Lord Himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, and no more crying, no more pain. All that we call now, will be then called former, and they will have passed away.

A Prayer:

Lord, there is so much more in Your Word about where You are taking us. It's truly only the start of an eternity with You in one sense. But, for the few things we have posted here today, we rejoice, we thank You, we take great comfort and joy in them. We appreciate Your faithfulness to get us all the way to heaven. Today, Pastor Chuck Smith has been there just a little over 24 hours our time, in fact, about 28 and 6 minutes as of this writing. We will see You, and we will see him, and all of our other loved ones who have gone before us.

Thank You Lord, in Jesus name, Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier

"HOPE TRHOUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN TIMES DISTRESS"

"HOPE TRHOUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN TIMES DISTRESS"

The word distress, means narrow, tight, straits, foe, sorrow, that kind of thing. It's also used sometimes to speak of when we feel like we are falling apart. Below are two Scriptures to help in times of distress.

Isaiah 25:4 For You have been a strength to the poor, A strength to the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, A shade from the heat;

Ps 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.

Eph 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Ro 8:28* And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Some explanatory thoughts:

1. When we are in times of distress, God will be our strength, and He will be a refuge from the storm. A shade from the heat. Strength, means, fortress, rock, harbor, protection. And, refuge, means, shelter, from rain, or from danger, or from falsehood.

2. We can call upon, and cry out to God in times of distress. Ps 18:6. God will hear our voice, and our cry actually comes before Him, even to his ears. Ps 18:6 Heard, or hear, means, to listen, to regard, to listen with interest.

3. It's comforting to remember, that not only has God saved us, but He has also predestined our lives, according to His own purposes. He is actually working all of things in our lives, according to the counsel of His own will. He is in control, even when we "Feel" like, things are out of control. The truth is, they are not. God is in control.

4. Lastly, and this is a familiar, and always so comforting Scripture, to be reminded, that Not only, does God hear us, and is in control, but, He in His wisdom is working all the things that ( seem out of control, that we feel are out of control, that are part of our distress) He is working these things together for our good. J. B. Phillips translation, says is this way, "Moreover, we know that to those who love God, who are called according to His plan, everything that happens fits into a pattern for good.

A prayer:

Lord, You are more things then we can count to us, and for us, and in us, during our times of distress. For this we say "Thank You" And, amazing as it is, we have access to You, we can come before You and find help from You in these times. You personally Lord, are more familiar with distress, then we can possibly imagine. You know all about our personal distress, and the distress of all others. And, You are able to be to each one what we have seen in these verses.  Lord, lead us this day to seek You, hour by hour, for we truly need You hour by hour. Minute by minute it seems sometimes, second by second.

Thank You for always being with us to help us.

In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier