"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT'S POWER IN OUR LIVES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT'S POWER IN OUR LIVES"

Col 1:11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy;

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. This verse is part of a prayer by Paul for the Christians in the city of Colosse.

2. The primary thing that Paul is praying for is that they would be given strength from the Holy Spirit. He actually says, Col 1:11 "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power,"

3. This is also something that you can pray for day by day. I pray this prayer often for myself and others. God will answer this prayer, because, we know it's according to His will. He will give you strength.

4. Please notice with me, the three reasons why, or the three benefits, or the three effects of being strengthened by the Holy Spirit. This is not an exhaustive list, but it's sure a very primary one.

(1) For all patience

(2) And long-suffering.

(3) With joy.

5. What do these things mean?. Well, first of all, Patience means steadfastness, or constancy. In the Bible, it's the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. It's the idea of "sustaining perseverance" or just simply being able to "hang in there" Sometimes, it's said, that it's being patient with difficult circumstances.

6. Long-suffering is often used when speaking of dealing with difficult people in your life. It's very similar to patience, and means, a patient endurance, a forbearance, a slowness to avenge wrongs. It's the idea of the temper which does not easily succumb under suffering. It's the self restraint that does not hastily retaliate a wrong.

7. Finally, Joy. This is one of the purposes of God through the strength and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Joy, means gladness, or delight. God will give us this in spite of our circumstances. It's been said that happiness is dependent on our having favorable circumstances, whereas Joy, is not. We are happy when things go well.
But, Joy is something we can have from God even when nothing is going well.

A prayer:

Father, You are the God of patience, You are long-suffering, and You give us joy. Thank You that we can ask for You to make us strong through Your Holy Spirit. And, we do that this day. "Lord, would you please "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long-suffering with joy;"
We need this, and we thank You in advance for answering our prayer, in Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GETTING TO HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GETTING TO HEAVEN"

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"

Some explanatory thoughts/Application, and a prayer:

1. This is a statement of fact, and truth about God, His work in the lives of His people, and it's a promise of what God is going to do in the lives of His people.
God cannot lie, and here's a wonderful and encouraging truth/promise from Him about you as a Christian, and the future.

2. You will notice that Paul was "confident" or, that he was "certain" that God would continue the work within you as a christian. It's called the work He began, which if referencing His having led you to repentance, given you faith in Jesus Christ, and when you believed Christ, He saved You, and placed you in His body, and is now working and seeking to work in Your life.

3. Paul's confidence is that God is going to continue His work in you, until it's finished. In that sense, we are all as we often hear, a "work in progress" The Bible refers to this as our being Sanctified, Growing, Maturing, Being conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. That's what God is seeking to do in our lives right now.

4. The promise is that He is not going to give up on the work He is doing. We may have that tendency from time to time, but, God will never give up on you. He has plans for you that extend into eternity.

5. His work is actually going to continue until it's finished. And, that finish line if you will is when Jesus Christ returns for us. Either we go to Him through death, or we are taken up in the air to meet Him in the rapture. Either way, we are going to be with Him. And, He is faithful to finish what He has started.

A prayer:

Father, When we read Your Word and take the time to digest it, we find ourselves, with an attitude of thanksgiving and praise for You. We also want to lift up our hearts to You and say, Lord, take my life, and do with it as You please. I'm Your servant, and want to serve You all the way till the finish line. You are committed to finish what You have started in us, and we are and or want to be just as committed from our side of the relationship. Thank You for Your Grace, Your Mercy, Your love, Your peace, Your power, Your hope in our lives, and all of the many promises You give us. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visala

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S BLESSING IN YOUR LIFE"

James 1:25 But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law--the law that sets you free--and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. In this verse, it tells us very simply, about one of the ways, the Lord brings blessing into our lives. This is such an important and wonderful promise from God to His Children.

2. Notice what James 1:25a says, "But if you keep looking steadily into God's perfect law-the law that sets you free. So, the first thing is, that we must have a regular relationship with God's wonderful, life giving Word. To keep looking steadily, implies a consistency, rather then an on again, off again looking into God's Word. Please notice all so, how God's Word is described. "God's perfect law-the law that sets you free. So, two things are being said here about God's Law, or God's Word.

(1) It's perfect. The word perfect here, means of full age, or brought to it's end, finished, wanting nothing, mature. In other words, God's Word is complete. All we need for life and Godliness is found in His Word.

(2) It sets you free. Free means, come to pass, or to become, to arise, to be made finished. God has a plan for your life, and as you continue in His Word, He will reveal that to you, and as you obey and respond to His Word, you will find out just exactly what God wants for you. But, the key is to be a person who is consistently in God's Word.

3. Here's the next part that alluded to just above. And, this is the point where I believe many Christians find themselves. And, they wonder why they do not have the blessings of God that are promised. Look closely at what James says. James 1:25b and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. Again, there are three things said here.

(1) And, if you do what it says. Doing what God says, is simply being obedient to what God says. It's putting God's word into action, taking God's Word seriously. So, hearing it is the first part, accompanied by doing it.

(2) And don't forget what you heard. And, here's the other important aspect of this truth that leads to blessing. And, it's not to forget what we have heard. In other words, don't just let God's Word go in one ear, and out the other as like to say. But, let it stay in your mind, and not forget it. How do we do that? Well, the Bible says we can "meditate" on God's Word, or ponder it, and think about it. Try to remember it. One way to do that is to think about what you read or heard, and then talk to yourself about it. Or talk to another person about it.

(3) James 1;25c "then God will bless you for doing it." There you have it. This is what God will do. It's not a reward for hearing and doing, but rather, it's just the way our Lord has arranged it for us. He gives us His Word, He wants us to not just hear it, but to remember it, doing it, and the result is we are blessed. Why is that, and what is the blessing He brings into our lives. A changed life. A Transformed life. A growing life. A useful life. A rejoicing life. A fruitful life. A hopeful life. A peaceful life. Etc, etc. But to be sure, He will bring blessing into your life.

4. Finally, in the last part of James 1;25d "For if you just listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance." James sums it up for us. And, illustrates what we are like if we just hear God's Word but fail to obey it. We are like a person who is looking at their face in a mirror, but doing nothing to improve their appearance. We can hear, forget and not obey. Or we can hear, remember, and obey. And, change will take place, and that change is the blessing of God.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for wanting to bless Your children. We want to be blessed as well. Thank You for the clear instruction, and the simplicity of how that blessing comes into our lives. Thank You for Your Word, and the Holy Spirit, who gives us power to live for You. Lord, we want to have that personal resolve to not only look into Your Word, but to understand it, and than to obey it. Blessings will become a regular part of our lives, if we are regularly following Your way. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SUFFICIENCY FOR YOU DURING TIMES OF INFIRMITIES, INSULTS, HARDSHIPS, PERSECUTIONS, AND CALAMITIES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SUFFICIENCY FOR YOU DURING TIMES OF INFIRMITIES, INSULTS, HARDSHIPS, PERSECUTIONS, AND CALAMITIES"

2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Let's start with the first verse above to set the tone and context of what Paul was saying. 2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

Paul was being helped by God not to be puffed up with pride, in light of the fact that he had been taken up into heaven, and saw and heard things that were unlawful to speak about. He had been given as he says, "the abundance of revelations" So, what the Lord allowed was this "thorn in the flesh to be given to him" We are not sure if it was a physical malady, or it might even be a reference to the false teachers who had crept into the church of Corinth, teachers differ as to the exact nature of the thorn, but it was something painful in his life. He also says it was a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him, and the whole point was so Paul would not be lifted up with pride.

2. In light of this "thorn in the flesh" Paul tells us 2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

So, he had asked the Lord over and over again, to please take this away from him. He pleaded with God that it might go away. But, the Lord's answer was 2nd Cor 12:9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Essentially, this means that God said, no, I'm not going to take away this problem, but what I'm giving you is my grace, which is enough for your you. And, then the Lord explained why this was so. God told Paul that His strength would be made perfect in Paul's weakness. Or to put it another way, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. How about that. God's power works best when we are in times of weakness.

Paul then concluded So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." 2nd Cor 9b NLT.

3. To wind up this whole teaching by Christ, here's the final verse again in this section.

2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

And, here's how it reads in the NLT 2nd Cor 12:10 "Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

So, Paul had learned, ( and I know the Lord wants us to learn the same lesson, and respond the same way Paul did. ) That when we go through times that are filled with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, that that's when we can find God's strength in our lives.

Isn’t' it funny in a sense that it when we are really in touch spots that God's unmerited favor, His unlimited strength and power really find their way into our lives. So, that like Paul we can say, that when I'm weak, then, I'm strong.

A prayer:

Father, as always, we are so thankful to You. Not only for having rescued us from permanent separation from You by coming to faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins. But, also Lord for the fact that You do not leave us helplessly alone here while we serve You and wait to see you in heaven. But, You actively help us when we need it. You are with us to give us grace and power in all of the painful and difficult times of our lives. Help us to remember this truth about the way that You do things. And, help us to believe what You have said about all this in Your Word. You cannot lie. We love You and we thank You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR LONELY HEARTS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR LONELY HEARTS"

Hebrews 13:5  Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. The writer as he ends his letter, deals with several issues. All in this one verse. The love of money, or
covetousness, and being satisfied, and finally, the promise of that God will always be with you.
He will never forsake you.

2. The first main thing he deals with is how we live or conduct ourselves, or what the Bible calls our walk with the Lord. And, the message to us is a simple, straightforward and very important one. It's telling us to not let our lives be filled with covetousness, or the love of money. What he says, is "Let your conduct be without covetousness" or "Stay away from the love of money" This is indeed something that we need to stay away from. It's been the downfall of many a person. Here's what Paul says about the love of money.

1st Tim 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1st Tim 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

3. The second thing that the writer tells us about has to do with being satisfied, or being content. Here's what he said. Hebrews 13:5b "be satisfied with what you have" We are to be content with what we have. The word content, has the idea and meaning of "being sufficient, being enough, to suffice. To be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, and to be able to ward off.
Contentment and satisfactions is possible, it can be learned, and the Lord wants His people to live this way.

Here's what Paul said about it.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

If Paul learned to be content, that means he had to deal with those times when he was not, but the Lord was faithful to teach him how to be content, and he wound up learning it, and so can we.

4. Lastly, here's what's said in our verse today. Heb 13:5c For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” This is what God has said, and He has said it many times over in the Bible, and He means it, it's true, we can bank on it, and we find great joy in knowing it's true. Let's look at it one more time.
Heb 13:5c For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”
There are actually two things God says in this portion of Heb 13:5

(1) I will never fail you. To never fail you, means, leave you. God will never leave you. It means, He will never relax or loosen His being with you. He will never give up on you, never quit you, always uphold you, and not let you sink.

(2) I will never leave you. To not leave you here, is similar to not forsake, but not completely similar. It means, I will never desert you, I will never abandon you. I will never leave you in straits, I will never leave you helpless, totally abandoned, utterly forsaken, I never leave you behind.

5. Here's the verse again in it's entirety. Hebrews 13:5  Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” NLT.

A prayer:

Father, what comfort we derive from You, and from Your Word. It seems that You always know just what to say to us. And, that no matter what part of Your Word we read, it speaks to the deepest part of our lives. Your Word always makes sense to us, and it resonates in our hearts, and we say amen, amen, and amen. We affirm that Your Word is true and right. And, we receive Your Word, and want to let it dwell in our hearts richly and deeply. May Your Word not only be heard by us, but may we also be doers of it. We will be blessed as we do, for you have promised that to us also. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE"

Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. This verse is actually part of what is being said to God in heaven, by the 24 elders who are before the throne of God. Here's what they are saying. Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

2. In looking at this verse more carefully we notice a number of truths.

(1) "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power" In other words, it's right that God would receive this praise.

(2) God is called "Lord our God" He is indeed the Lord, the master, but please notice, the word, "our" He belongs to these 24 elders, just as the Lord belongs to You. You can say, Lord My God.
He has made it to be so, when He saved you. He became Your God.

(3) For you created everything. Imagine that for just a moment if you will. All that exists in heaven, and on earth, in the skies, in the stellar heavens, that is the stars, the planets, the galaxy's, everything that is in the oceans, and under the oceans, all things that are visible and invisible, i.e angelic beings, hell itself, the lake of fire, literally everything has been created by God. That alone would make Him worthy to receive glory, honor and power.

3. But, now, we get to the last part of this verse, and here's where it deals with, and explains to us about our purpose for existing. We may not think about why we are are here on this earth very often, or perhaps you have never really stopped to think, why am I here? Well, the answer is contained in this verse.

(1) Rev 4:11b "For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

(2) Please notice the last part of the verse. "and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

(3) We have been created and we exist for His pleasure.

(4) The word pleasure means, desire, or what God wishes, or has determined shall be done. Or the purpose of God. Or of what God wishes to be done by us. It speaks of will, choice inclination, desire, and pleasure.

4. So, when you simply put this together, God's purpose for creating you and putting you here on this earth, is for Him, it's for His good pleasure. God has put You here according to His desire, He has something for you to do. And, it's to live for His pleasure, or to do His will.

5. Now, in closing here's the wonderful truth of knowing and applying what we have just read and learned from God's Word, Guess what happens to you, when You line up your will day by day with God's will, ( which is that You have been created for His good pleasure ) ? You will find fulfillment and joy, and personal satisfaction that you cannot find anywhere else in life. No matter what you do, what you live for, what accomplish, or acquire, if you are not living for God, none of those things will bring you the true happiness and sense of personal fulfillment you long for.

6. It's truly only when we say, Lord, I want to live for Your pleasure, so, please guide me today, tomorrow, and each day of my life, to live for You, and to accomplish what You have for me to do.
You will be among that group of people who are truly happy, blessed, filled with joy, peace, and personal satisfaction, unlike those who live for themselves, and for their own pleasure.
So, this is God's purpose for Your life. To live for His pleasure.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for showing us all that we need to know in our lives. This particular truth goes right to the heart of what the vast majority of people want. To simply be happy and fulfilled.
And, here it is. You have created us for Your pleasure. And, how true it is, that we are the happiest when we yield ourselves to Your will, and walk in it day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. We simply are blessed, because we are aligned with You, and with Your purpose for us. 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"

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Some explanatory thoughts/Application, and a prayer:

1. God is speaking to Jeremiah here, to speak to the children of Israel, He has a message for them, and it's one that applies to you and I as well.

2. Here's what the LORD said. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

3. Let's break this down little by little.

(1) The message of God was said to be delivered long ago to Israel.

(2) The message is "Yes I have loved you with an everlasting love"

(3) Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

4. What does all of this mean to us?

(1) God is love, and He has loved His people, and He loves You also.

(2) God also tells us that His love is everlasting. He always has been "Love" He is today.

(3) God is also declaring that His love is unfailing. His love never ceases or fails.

(4 ) God is also saying, that "I have drawn you to myself. His love draws people to Himself.

5. You and I have been loved by God, and we have been drawn to Him because of His love. We are His people, and we always will be His people. Nothing can separate us from the love of God ( Rom 8 )
For anyone we know who was drawn to the Lord and has passed from this life to the next, they also were drawn by that same love, and they two were drawn to God Himself, and they are at this moment with God in heaven.

6. As a pastor I regularly meet people who are dying and will soon be with the Lord. Here I am talking with someone down here in this world, and in just a few hours, or days, they will leave this temporary dwelling place called their body, and enter into heaven itself and see the Lord, and be clothed with an eternal body, one not made with hands. We will see them again. They are with the Lord and that's where we are headed to be with God forever, and ever.

A prayer:

Father, You have given Your Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and in doing so He paid for our sins. And, You did this because of Your great love, Your love for us. And, Jesus died not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. ( John 3:17, and 1st John 2:1-2 ) And, You by and through Your goodness, have led us to repentance, and You have given us faith to believe in You, and You have saved us. We are Yours today. We will be Yours tomorrow, and forever and forever.
We also know that our loved ones who are in heaven are waiting there for us, to see us no doubt, just as we are waiting to see them again. Thank You for saving them, and thank You for saving us.
In Jesus name. Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"

1 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;

Romans 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/application, and a prayer:

1. We never know when a crisis or a fiery trial will hit us. But we do know what God tells us in
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;

He tells us first of all, that we are "Beloved" That is, we are His beloved, He loves you. Secondly, He tells us how to react, and this is really needed, because we tend to react in a way that is not going to help us. Here's what God says, 1Pet 4:12b do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; Or, don't be surprised, as if some surprising thing has happened to you. Jesus told us, John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So, Jesus said, these things would come, and Peter says don't be surprised when they do.

2. Now, on to what God says through Paul in Romans. This is such an encouragement to us, especially when these fiery trials come, or when we absolutely have no idea of what is happening, or why it's happening, or when it's going to be over, ( if it ever will )
Romans 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. So, let's break this down a little bit.

(1) There is something we know.
(2) What we know is that all things work together for good.
(3) We know that this is true for those those who love God.
(4) We know that this promise is true for those who are called according to His purpose.

3. So, when You reflect just a little bit on both of these wonderful verses, we are encouraged to understand two basic truths.

(1) Don't be surprised as if this difficulty is "some strange thing" that is happening to you.
(2) Know and rest in the fact, that God is in control, and He is working all this together for good.

4. As wonderful as these verses are, they must be "believed" And when we believe or trust in God, we do indeed find peace within ourselves, even though the fiery trial may continue on and even get more fiery.

5. I have learned in 41 years of knowing the Lord, that two things are very true about God.

(1) He cannot lie, so, everything He says is true.

(2) He indeed does work all things together for good in my life.

When you are going through or are in the middle of a fiery trial, you of course are in it, and and you are not at the end of it. So, you don't have any perspective, except that something has changed. All was calm and well, and now it's not. But, just be patient in tribulation, and wait on the Lord, believe Him, and You will soon be moving through the trial, and eventually, most likely, you will come out of it, and now you will be looking back at what You went through, and You will be praising God for what He has done in Your life.

So, hang in there, be patient, be trusting in the goodness of the Lord. He is faithful, and He has a plan and purpose for your life. He loves You very, very much, and He desires to work in you, so, He can then work through You.

A prayer:

Father, we have found You to be a truthful God. You are unable to tell us anything but the truth.
Thank You for being that way, and thank You for giving us so many explanations about life in Christ, and so many promises to believe and hang on to during the tough and troubling times we go through. So, Thank You. And, we today, want to pray for ourselves if we may happen to be going through a trying time, that Your Word would comfort, encourage, and instruct us. And, we also want to pray for others we know who may be going through the fire. Lord You know, and You are capable of ministering to their souls, and we pray that You would, in Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"

Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul starts verse 3:1 by stating a fact. The word "if" really means "since." So, since you have been raised to new life with Christ. This is what happened to you when you first believed in Jesus Christ. You were raised from being dead in your sins into new life with Christ. You see, He has been raised from the dead, never to die again, and God has placed you in Jesus, and thus you have new life in Christ. You were raised into new life in Christ.

2. Now, please notice what is said next about what you are to seek,and where Christ is. Col 3:1b "seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." Another way of saying this, is now that you are a believer, " set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power." That's what it means to seek those things which are above. We move forward now in our new life by setting our sights on the realities of heaven. And, that is where Jesus is bodily, visibly seated. He is right next to the Father, seated at His right hand. We are to keep Christ as the primary focus of our lives.

3. Paul further explains what he has just said, by saying in Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Or to put it another way, " Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth." Let heaven fill your thoughts, that one truth, , and secondly, do not only be thinking about things down here on earth"

So, something to do, and something not to do.
One connected with heaven, and one connected with earth. Our thoughts can be directed by us, it's our choice. God wants us to be blessed, and one way is to fill our thoughts about where He is, and where many of our loved ones are, and where we are going. We can rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and what a rejoicing it truly is. Can you think of any better place than Heaven?

4. And, now the final explanation from Paul about all that he has been saying. Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. What he means is this, "You ( the old you ) died when Christ died, and your real life ( the new you ) is hidden with Christ in God. This verse is what I would call an "identity" verse. It speaks to your identity now that You have believed.

(1) For you died. Yes, You are still alive physically, but, spiritually, the old you, the person you were before coming to faith has died. It's not easy to understand, thats for sure. But, the Bible says, that Christ our representative died for our sins, and when we come to Him, we also have died. So, your old life is over.

(2) Your new life is hidden with Christ in God. That's where you are now. You have been placed into Christ. This took place also upon your conversion, the Holy Spirit placed you into the body of Christ. You are in Jesus. And Jesus is with God, thus, You are "hidden with Christ in God"

4. So, let's take one last look at these 3 very telling verses about who you are, where you are, and what you are to do, and what you are not to do, only this time, here they are in the NLT Version.

Col 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power.

Col 3:2 Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

Col 3:3 For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God

A wonderful joy fills our hearts when we take God's Word to heart. I pray that You do, and that His joy fills you to overflowing.

A prayer:

Father, You are in Heaven. Jesus is in Heaven, and we have been placed into Christ. And, You are calling us to let heaven fill our thoughts, versus the only thinking about the things that are down here on this earth. The decision to follow Your Word has a transforming affect upon our lives.

We may only be able to think about heaven now, but before we know it, our thinking will turn into seeing. I can hardly wait. Thank You Father for the hope of Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH PRODIGALS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH PRODIGALS"

Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:

1. We are breaking into this story almost towards it's end. In fact, the boy had come to the end of himself as well. Or as Jesus tells it, "when he came to himself". The son had reached a point of where he finally came to his senses.

2. Selfishness, lack of respect, and disobedience as was the case here, I believe were what drove this young man to do what he did. And, it got him into much trouble. The Bible says, in Job 4:8 "My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same"
And, that's what had happened to this young man.

3. But, he finally had enough of it. He came to his senses and starting heading home, having figured out what he was going to say to his father. But, he had a surprise waiting for him. And, that surprise is found in Luke 15:20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.

4. Notice please the part of 15:20 that says, "And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming" Now what do you suppose that means? Let me tell you what I recently read from one very respected commentator, Dr David Jeremiah. I'm paraphrasing here a little, but he said, "it's believed that what the father would do day by day, was leave his property, and go a great distance off where he could get a good view of the surrounding horizon, and the road that anyone would most likely travel on if they were coming to his place. And, he would day by day, go there and look to see if his son was coming down that road."

5. What a grand picture of our Father in heaven, and His vigilant eye if you will looking for those who have wandered away and are wasting and ruining their lives. So, for all the pain you may feel, and all the wishing you have in your heart, and all the praying you do for your prodigal(s) please know God is right there with you, and He is looking as well. He wants them home.

6. Prayer is not unheard by God when it's in line with His will. We know that He does not want anyone to perish, and we know that He wants all men to come to repentance. and we know that repentance is a gift from God, and that it's the goodness of God that leads someone to repentance. And, we know that Christ's work on the cross was for the sins of all men, and that God loves your prodigal(s) just as much as He loves You or me, or anyone else for that matter.
And, we know that persistence in prayer is very Biblical. So, let's keep praying for them.

A prayer:

Lord, that is our prayer. We pray for their return to You, and to their loved ones. Nothing is impossible with You Lord. Please give comfort to the broken hearts of parents, siblings, spouses, and so on. Thank You for Your graciousness, and Your unending love and mercy, and the power of Your Goodness, to lead them to repent. We pray that You would pour Your goodness into their lives, bring that work of conviction into their hearts, remove the blindness that Satan may have placed, and show them Jesus, and His great love for them. Bring them to Yourself Lord, and then to their families in Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN AND SEEING THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN AND SEEING THE LORD"

Rom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:

1. Paul is talking in these verses about how we ought to be living in light of the fact that we are nearer now ( to seeing the Lord, and being in heaven ) then when we first believed. Let's take a look at what he has to say.

2. In light of the fact that we are now nearer, or as it says in 13:11b "for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." then, we ought to be walking in the ways the Lord has taught us to walk. And, in this case, though they are not listed here, the previous verses Paul is referencing have to do with loving one another. We ought to be loving one another is the idea.

Here's how it reads in the NLT Rom 13:11 Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. So, to just look at it again. Today, we are closer to being with the Lord, seeing Jesus face to face, being in heaven than when we first believed. Question. When did you first believe? How long ago was it? What a blessing to realize how much time has elapsed since then, and you are that much closer to seeing the Lord.

3. Here are the next few verses that explain in clear detail how we are to be living now, since we are closer to seeing the Lord, but, we are not there yet. Here's a picture of the Christian life.

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.

Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

4. A quick look at what he has just said.

(1) Our old life is over, and we are in our new life now. So, in light of who we are, let's put off the ways of darkness, and let's put on God's armor of light, i.e put on, or clothe yourself in Jesus Christ. The idea here, is that your life is short, it's almost over in the sense that time flies. You will be with the Lord sooner than you can imagine if you will. So, while you are here, don't live in the dark ways you used to live in. Put the evil things of the past out of your life, get rid of those evil things and deeds. Get rid of them just like if you were taking off dirty clothes.

(2) Now that you are a Christian, live a decent life, and live truthfully in everything You do. Let your life be something that any and everyone can be affirming of, and approving as the right way to live. Don't get involved in wild parties, getting drunk, and living in adultery and sexual sins, or any type of immoral living. Don't be fighting, and don't be jealous of others. Be content where the Lord has placed You. Live to please Him.

(3) Now that You are saved, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" Or let Jesus control your life, let Him take the wheel you might say. Relinquish the control of Your life, day by day to Him. Be a disciple who follows and obeys Him. And, don't allow your imagination to come up with ways and ideas of how to fulfill your evil desires. When that type of thinking starts to come into your mind, just push them out, and ask Jesus to take over, and He will.

5. Well, even just reading through this devotional, has taken a few minutes, and now you are that much closer to seeing the Lord than when you first started reading. And, we have God's Word to tell us how to live as we wait to see Him.

A prayer:

Father, first of all, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, to pay for our sins, to take our punishment upon Himself, and not have to pay for our sins ourselves. We owe our salvation to You, and gladly want to praise You and to thank You. And, then Father, thank You that there is a new way to live, not only are we new creatures in Christ, but we have a whole new way to live while we wait to see Jesus. Thank You for laying it out so clearly in the Word of God. You have given us Your Word, and we want to not only hear You, but be also be doers of Your Word. We pray that You would indeed use our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT DRAWING NEAR TO GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT DRAWING NEAR TO GOD"

James 4:8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

James 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. James tells us in no uncertain terms that we can draw near to God. In fact, he tells us to do that, "Draw near to God" And, then there is this promise that God will draw near to you. Or "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you" So, it can happen. We are to come near to God, and he will come near to us.

2. The next very clear statement is a two-fold action on our part. And, it deals with our hands, and our hearts.

(1) We are to cleanse our hands. Or we are to wash our hands, to make them clean, to purge and to purify our hands. Which means in a moral sense to free ourselves from defilement, and to purify ourselves from wickedness, to dedicate ourselves not to sin, but to God. God has provided a way for this to happen. 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(2) We are also to purify our hearts you double minded. To purify our hearts, is to make ourselves morally clean. This gets right down to the heart of where we live, our very core. We can become morally unclean through sin. In our spirit's or in our minds that is. So, James is saying in this entire verse to clean up our actions, and to clean up our thoughts, or our inner life. They are both part of who we are, and they both need to be dealt with if we are to draw near to God.

He also uses the term double-minded. This term means wavering, or to have divided interest. To be uncertain, and doubting. So, he is saying to be undivided and focused in your walk with the Lord. To put Your faith in Jesus Christ, and leave it there, and not waver back and forth, but be steady and focused.

3. Finally, James says that if we do what we ought to do, then we can be sure that God will draw near to us. God will draw close to you. God wants to have this relationship, but sin will put distance between us and God, and once sin is dealt with in our lives, then it opens the way for a closer relationship with God, and that of course is what God wants for each of His children.

4. There are two other verses in this section. Let me just list them, and may they just encourage you as they are very self-explanatory, and very encouraging.

James 4:9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Essentially these verses are calling for repentance and for humility. And we are promised that if we humble ourselves, and if we repent and get our lives right with God, that God will lift us up, or draw near to us, and we to Him.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for encouraging us. You are the great encourager of Your children. You love us more than we can know this side of heaven. You do not condemn us, but rather, You want us to be free from sin, and to be free from pride, and to walk as closely with You this side of heaven as we can. Someday, we will not need this instruction, for we will be with You in heaven, and there will no longer be any sin or evil, and we will forever be close to You. But, down here, we need to constantly re-align ourselves, and You have encouraged us to do so, and You have promised to bless us with intimacy with You.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE KEY TO A FULFILLED LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE KEY TO A FULFILLED LIFE"

Luke 9:23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

Luke 9:24 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.

Luke 9:25 “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?

Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:

1. Jesus is not explaining how a person gets saved, but rather is giving us the requirements for what is called "Discipleship" or being a learner, which is by the way exactly what He desires you to become. He wants You to learn all that He has taught, so that You can grow in your walk with the Lord.  Here are the requirements, and then we will look at the benefits or the consequences of becoming a disciple. "

2. Here are the requirements, and then we will look at the benefits or the consequences of becoming a disciple. "

(1) A person has to have the "want to", or as Jesus says, the "desire" He says, “If anyone desires to come or follow after Me" Luke 6:23b. So, if you have the desire to do this, then Jesus is going to explain how to do it, and what will happen in your life.

(3) A christian must  "l him deny himself " Luke 9:23c Let him deny himself, means, letting your desires and goals in life, take a back seat to what the Lord wants for your life. Let His will be supreme and first in your life.

(4) The second  requirement is "pick your cross daily"  This means death to your desires and to your will day by day. Simple as that.

The cross to a person listening to Jesus was not mistaken about what Jesus was saying. Today we often hear people mistakenly say, "That is my cross to bear" when referencing some difficulty or persistent problem in their life. But, Jesus was not talking about the difficulties in a person's life. He was saying, let your desire be put to death. Day by day, a Christian is to make the decision to say "death to what I want to do, and I give myself to the Lord, to do His will.

(5) The third requirement is "follow Me" This means just what it says. Follow Him. Some have said, it can best be understood, when you think of getting on the same road as Jesus day by day, and traveling along that road. In other words, Just abide with the Lord, stick with Jesus. It means to accompany Jesus. Be with Him.

3. Here's how Luke 9:23 reads in the NLT  Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.

4. Now on to the reasoning the Lord gives, which also explains the blessings of being a disciple.

(1) Luke 9:24 If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. In other words, if you as a Christian, seek to save your life, you don't want to deny yourself and you don't want to pick up your cross, you will lose your life. Or you will not find a happy and a fulfilled life. Why you say?
Because being self willed, instead of God's will for my life, will never lead you to a fulfilled life.

It's only when we live our lives in alignment with what God really wants for us, are we at our happiest. God wants You to be a disciple. But, if you choose not to be, then You are left with yourself, and not with learning about Him, His grace, His mercy, His peace, and His plan for your life.
Which do you think is better, God's plan of Your plan for Your life?

(2) Luke 9:24 And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose or forfeit your own soul in the process? Jesus asks a question here. How do you benefit, or what profit is it to you, if you by chance by doing what you want to do, instead of what Christ wants for you,

You happen to gain the whole world, but lose your own soul, what good would it do You? Or do you think that true happiness is found in the acquisition of "things" Do things make one happy? We all know the answer to that. Things may be a blessing to have, up to a certain point, but things can't make you happy. Maybe things can make your life more convenient but not more happy.

A prayer:

Father, it's a blessing beyond description that You would first of all save us. And, then to know that You want to bless our lives as saved people and the key to that is now following Your son, is such an expression of Your grace. You call us to Christ for salvation, and then You call us to follow Jesus to find the best life we can have on this earth.

We probably all know genuine Christians, who are not happy people, and we know just the opposite as well. Christians who have are are becoming, and on a daily basis are really disciples, learners, followers of Jesus and not of their own wills and desires. Lord, that is what we want for ourselves, and those in our church body, and those we know in our life who know You.  In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING ANXIOUS AND WORRIED"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING ANXIOUS AND WORRIED"

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul goes right at the issue of being anxious or worried. This is towards the end of his letter to the church in Philippi, one which he had helped to found, along with Timothy. And, as he closes out this short little 4 chapter letter, he gives us God's prescription for anxiety and worry. It's very simple to understand, and when taken to heart, the peace of God fills our hearts. So, let's break this down and look at what God says to us through Paul the apostle.

2. "Be anxious for nothing" Or, "Don't worry about anything" So, regarding the emotion, and attitude of worry, he says very simply don't do it. Now, it's important to understand, that if God tells us something to do, or to not do, then as His children, we can obey Him, and ought to. His direction in our lives is for our good, and it's to bring blessing into our lives, and to help us be conformed into the image of Christ, and to be a blessing to others around us.

3. Would you not agree that God is not worried about anything? If you could go to heaven for 24 hours, I'm absolutely confident that you would not find one worried angel, one worried saint, and not one member of the trinity is worried. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not worried.
But, on the other hand, it might only take you 24 seconds or 24 minutes to find someone down here on earth who is worried and anxious. In fact, You may be very anxious and worried today. If so, let's look again at what the Lord says about it.

4. Here's how it reads in the NLT Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. So, again, just don't worry, but He adds, "about anything" Are you worried about something today? God say's "don't" But, that's not all He says. Here's the rest of it. "Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Ahh, there it is. Instead of worrying, pray about everything. Or you can pray about everything you are worrying about.

5. There's more here.

Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Phil 4:7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

(1) Tell God what you need.

(2) Thank Him for what He has done.

(3) If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.

(4) His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

6. The above scriptures, remind me of the instructions we see on prescriptions for medical illnesses. They will say things like "take 4 pills a day, with meals". In other words, this is what to do to deal with your medical issue. And, these verses are God's instruction to us about our issues of anxiety and worry. Let me just point out that tucked away in this verse is this wonderful promise from God who cannot lie to us. God says, He will give us His peace.

What a great exchange. Exchange Your worry for God's peace. But, it takes active faith, or obedient faith to have this peace. Will You stop right now, if you are anxious, and follow what God tells you in these two simple but profound verses? If you do, I can assure You God will follow through on His promise He always will. But, one word of caution.

You may need to to do this throughout this day, and throughout the duration of the issue that is related to Your anxiety. But, that's ok, because, as You continue to follow God's Word, God will continue to give His peace to You.

A prayer:

Lord, it's amazing how complex our thinking and emotions can become, and yet, when we pause to look at and consider a couple of verses that You give us, it all seems so simple. I thank You that Your Word is true, because it's impossible for You to lie. And, You are faithful to do everything You promise to do, and there is no one who can stop You from doing what You want to do.

The problem lies with us. But, You have given us faith. Help us now Lord, to be actively believing You, and to continue to be actively believing You. Because You will be actively giving us Your peace, which is so wonderful for our souls. Thank You Father. In the name of Your Son, our Savior, and Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE"

Ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer to our Father in heaven:

1. First of all, in this section of Ephesians, Paul is still talking about and will be through the 3rd chapter about what God has done in our lives. That's the context. The application he teaches really starts in the 3rd chapter, so, this 2nd chapter is still focusing on what God has done for you now that You have put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from Your sins.

2. In verse 7, Paul actually talks about God's will for you beyond this world, that is once you leave here and go to heaven. Ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

You will notice in verse 7, that part of God's plan for your life will actually never come to an end.
See what he says here, "that in the ages to come" Which is a reference to the eternity that lies ahead for us, that in those ages to come, look what God has planned. It's actually two things He is going to do. First of all, "He might show the exceeding riches of His grace" And, secondly, "His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus" So, Paul is saying that forever, God is going to be actively showing us these two things, His grace and His kindness. My what a future we have, what wonderful will God has for us. And, Imagine, that since forever, is forever, it is world without end, we will always be, being shown these two blessings, His grace and His Kindness, and He is the one who is going to show them to us. So, that's the first thing about God's will for us, it's what lies ahead.

3. The next thing that is said here, is more of what He has done for us. And, how He has done it, and why He has done it the way He has done it. Let's just take a look at these next two verses.
They are pretty self-explanatory, but what a joy, they deal with the most important thing that a person could possibly have in their life, and that is the salvation of their souls.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

You can see how we were saved. "For by grace, ( God's unmerited favor ) you have been saved through faith" This is how God did it. He did it by His unmerited, undeserved favor. He gave us faith, and we believed, and we are now saved. Paul adds, "And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" No doubt referencing the faith we exercised in being saved. Even our faith has come from Him. So, He gets all the glory, all the credit, all the praise for our salvation. And, since He does, it leaves no room for us to boast about anything we have done to earn or merit our salvation. We did not work for our salvation, but rather we received it from Him when we simply believed in Jesus Christ.

4. But, now to what He has planned for us here and now. Being saved, or being His workmanship, notice what is said. It's really several things.

(1) Created in Christ Jesus for good works. This means, that one of God's purposes in saving us, is for "Good Works" Not that we are saved by our good works, but we have been saved "for good works" In other words, God has much for us to do. He has good works for us to do. Or He has work for us to do. May I add, that the works He has for you to do, are generally connected with the spiritual gifts He has also given You. So, you can see how important it is to discover Your spiritual gifts and then use them. If you do not yet know what they are, You can ask God to show You and He will. And, then you can begin using them, and doing the good works God has planned out for you.

(2) "Which God prepared beforehand" Or, the good things he planned for us long ago. So, long ago, beforehand, we can can assume, that this means, in ages past, i.e before the creation of all things, that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were planning out what they wanted you to do once You became saved. Isn't that beautiful, to think that God was thinking of You before all things were even created. And, I might add that He is still thinking of you today, more times then there are stars in the heavens, or grains of sand on the sea shores of this world. He loves You more then you or I can truly imagine. But, we will find out fully once we get to heaven.

(3) "That You should walk in them" Or, so that we can do them. Simply put, God wants You to do what He has planned out for You. He wants You to walk in the good works He has planned out for You. He wants You to do His will. And, there is no better way to live, then to walk in the will of God. How do we know what His will is? For starters, we can ask Him through prayer. Secondly, we can find out by reading His Word. And, thirdly, step out in faith and so something that is on Your heart for God, and be confident, that He will guide you into what He has planned for you.

A Prayer:

Father, You have been thinking of us in ages past, You will be revealing your grace and Your goodness in the ages to come, and now in this age, You have something for us to do. You have not only saved us, but You have a plan for us. And, You want us to walk in it, or conduct ourselves according to Your will. You have gone before us, You will go before us, and You are with us right now. Thank You for giving us the great blessing of being able to do the will of God.
I can think of no one more qualified to plan out our lives than You. Thank You, and we want to say, "Your will be done" in our lives right now. Use us according to Your will. In the name of Jesus.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU"

2nd Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul was telling them about the grace of God all through this chapter, that is the context.

2nd Cor 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2nd Cor 8:7 And, he was encouraging the Corinthians to abound in grace also.
But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.

The point in his talking about Grace, was it's effect upon other believers, in that God's grace made them so generous to help others, to give to others who were in need. The Corinthians themselves were abounding in so many areas, and Paul wanted them to abound in this grace also.

And, of course, it's God's desire that we also abound in being generous, in caring for others, and investing the resources we have in the work of God through the ministry of our own congregations that God has placed us in.

2. But, having said all that, now here in verse 9, Paul points them right back to Jesus Christ as the supreme example of grace, and how it works in a person's life, and what it has done for you and I.

2nd Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

We see in this verse, how grace worked in the life of Jesus Christ. Let's look a a few things more specifically.

(1) The Corinthians knew the grace of the our Lord Jesus Christ. They recognized and understood His grace. Or to put it another way, " You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was." Jesus is full of love and kindness.

(2) They also understood what Jesus did. 2nd Cor 8: b that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor. They understood this also. That thought Jesus was rich, yet for your sakes, and I might add, for our's as well, He became poor. Rich here has the ideas of flowing and abounding in wealth. The word poor means someone who is so poor they are like a beggar.
So, Jesus went from being rich, when He was in heaven with His father, to becoming poor when He came into this world as a man. Jesus was so generous. He was Lord of all, wealthier then our ability to explain it, yet, He became so very poor for us.

(3) The reason He went from rich to poor, is stated as follows, let's read it again. 2nd Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Do you see that last part. 2nd Cor 8:9c that you through His poverty might become rich. His act of coming into this world, and going to the cross to die for our sins, was so that we might become rich. In other words, Grace operated in His life, to the extent that it helped us to say the least.

And, that is the point that Paul is making through this chapter, Grace is other's centered, it wants to help, to care for to do something for others, and in this case it was the giving of funds to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem.

But, back to what Jesus did and why He did it. He died for us. We were spiritually poor, but, He has made us spiritually rich. We are justified, forgiven, saved, born again, adopted into God's family, the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have brothers and sisters galore in the body of Christ, he has given us spiritual gifts, He has given us work to do, He has given us love, hope, mercy, and the promise that He will finish the good work He has started. And, to cap it off, we are Joint heirs with Him, See Rom 8.

I could go on, and maybe you can think of a host of other things that we are rich in. But, in fact, Christians are the richest people in the world. We have something that money can't buy, and it's going to take us to heaven before we know it.

A prayer:

Father, this grace of Christ leaves us somewhat speechless. Jesus, You actually did all of this for us. You became poor that we might became rich. You are gracious indeed. And, You want us to be like You, being gracious, caring for others, using our gifts and resources to help others, to keep our focus primarily on the gospel of Jesus Christ, but to help in the most practical of ways those who we see in need. In fact, the Bible says, that You are conforming us into the image of Christ. Please do that work in our lives Lord. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"

Hebrews 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.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. The writer is dealing with the subject of our Father's love for us, in that He would chasten us.
The word chasten, means to instruct, teach, correct, admonish, to train, and to punish. God chastens those He loves, those who are His children. ( In fact, though it's true that God does not chasten those who are not yet saved. They are without God, and without Christ. They are in darkness ) But, He does deal with His own children, thus, it's a sign of our relationship with God.

2. The writer tells us several things about chastening.

(1) No chastening when it's taking place seems joyful, or enjoyable. While it's happening to us, we do not find it to be joyful.

(2) But rather, when we are being chastened by the Lord, it's painful. Or, sorrowful, it's a grievous time. It's painful, its like an affliction, and the word chastened is sometimes used of people who are mourning. So, it's not a joyful time, but rather a painful time.

(3) However, though it's not joyful, but painful, here's the next truth. "nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Heb 12:11

Nevertheless, afterwards, simply means, "afterward" After the chastening is over, there is something wonderful that it yields in the life of the one who was chastened. And, it's called, "the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Here's how this reads in the NLT "But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way"

(4) Isn't that wonderful to know, and blessing to consider. Simply put, as You place yourself in subjection to God in the time of chastening, or you cooperate with Him, You don't take it lightly, nor do you get discouraged, but You believe Him, and You wait on Him, and You let Him teach you, and You learn what it is that God is teaching You, You will reap this wonderful crop. Here it is again.

Heb 12:11b But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Notice please, it's not a matter of if, but rather of when. You can count on the faithfulness of God to do just as He has stated in this verse. There will be this quiet peaceable time in your life. It's called a "Harvest of right living" In other words, all the instruction, and teaching will have led you to the path that God has for you, and it's the right way to live, because it's His way. And there is absolutely nothing better in all the world then to live in God's way, and go in His paths.

3. So, what a great verse. What a great encouragement to realize afresh, the Love of God for you, as His child. And, to realize that what you may be going through today, though it's not pleasant, but painful, is eventually bring about a real blessing. You will be sharing in God's holiness, His moral perfection and goodness. You will grow in Christ. And, there is no greater blessing. May I encourage You to keep the big picture in mind.

4. Here's what God says about his thoughts and plans for you.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jer 29:12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Jer 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

A prayer:

Father, there was a time when we did not know You as Father, only as God. We were not Your children, we were without You, but You Lord in Your mercy, even when we were dead in our sins, have made us alive together with Christ. We are Your Children now. And, we want to say "thank You" for the times in our lives when You chasten us, thank You, that's it's for our profit, and thank You that You are faithful. How many of us reading this today, can say, "Amen" to the truth of Heb 12:11. We have gone through these times, and You have trained us, and we are reaping that wonderful peaceful harvest of Your righteousness. We Love You Lord.
In Jesus name

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE OF CHRIST'S RETURN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE OF CHRIST'S RETURN"

Titus 3:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Titus 3:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul is speaking to a young pastor named Titus, who was living in the area of Crete, and area known of it's immoral and wicked ways. And, here in this verse, Paul is encouraging Titus, to be looking for Jesus and His return.

2. Please notice what Paul had said to Titus about the world around him just prior to this verse.

Titus 3:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

Titus 3:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

These verses tell us two things.

(1) That God's grace which has brought salvation, referencing the Lord Jesus has appeared to all men. The first coming of Christ, and the grace of God that has been given through conscience, and God's law written in our hearts, see Romans 2

(2) Grace teaches us a number of things. One, what we are to deny, and two what we are to pursue. Titus 3:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

3. But, back to "looking at Titus 3:13-14. Here we are instructed what to look for. Or should I say, "Who" to look for. Here's how the NLT says it.

"while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed."

We are looking forward to this wonderful event. Can you think of anything more wonderful then seeing Jesus when He comes again? I can't. Jesus is going to revealed, only this time, it will not be as a humble servant, but He will be coming as the ruling King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And, this is where we are to be looking, and this is what we are to be looking for. It's what we are to keep in mind. The savior who died, and rose again, who is currently sitting in heaven, at God's right hand, is just waiting till it's time to come again, back to the earth for His people.

4. But, please notice, we are not to as those who might just be gazing up into the heavens all day, but we are to be walking on the earth while we wait for Him, and look for Him, we are to walk, or conduct ourselves in a certain way.

Titus 3:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Here in 3:14, we are given one of the main reasons Christ came the first time. Through His death, His burial, and His rising from the dead, and our turning to Him, and our being born again, saved, justified, and set apart to Him, we are to conduct ourselves according to His purposes. and here they are.

(1) That he might redeem us from every lawless deed. Or, to say it another way, He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin. Yes, that's right, the Lord gave Himself for us at the cross, that we might be set free from every kind of sin. Christ's life in us, is designed to free us from living in sin, from living as law breakers.

(2) And, here's another reason He came. It's purify our lives. Or to cleans us. Though saved, we do fall into sin, and He has provided a way for the child of God to be cleansed. This cleansing takes place as we confess our sins to Him, and He faithfully forgives us, and cleanses us from all unrighteousness, 1st John 1:9

(3) And, here's the final thing in these verses. It really a two fold statement. He cleanses us for Himself, as His own special people, that we would be zealous for good works. Or that we might be totally committed to doing what is right. Isn't that a wonderful truth to ponder. Especially when You think about the fact that we were living the wrong way before salvation, and by being saved, we can live the right way. Wrong living brings destruction, right living brings great blessing, protection and preservation from evil. And, it makes us useful vessels in the hands of God.

A prayer:

Father, the Bible is all about Jesus Christ. About the fact that He was going to come, and the fact that He did come, and the fact that He is coming again. And, it's all about how You Lord, through Christ have called us to live as we wait for His return. We want to say thank You for all You have done, and we want to testify that we have found looking for Jesus, and living for Jesus as being the absolutely best way to live. It's not only good for us personally, but, it's good for us in the sense we can be used to help others find Christ. We can serve You as we wait for Jesus. Thank You for all of those things Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WILL IN YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WILL IN YOUR LIFE"

Ephesians 4:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. This verse includes the phrase, "the will of the Lord" And, it's included in a section of this chapter where Paul has been encouraging the followers of Jesus Christ to understand many practical aspects of walking in Christ. In fact, as you read through the chapter starting in 5:1, all the way through, it's a rich chapter, with much wonderful teaching covering a wide number of issues pertinent to the Christian life.

2. But here in verse 17, Paul is focusing on this one thing. It's really an application type verse, but it has this mention of "the will of God" in it as mentioned. And, Paul is telling us two things.

(1) Do not be unwise.

(2) But understand what the will of the Lord is.

3. Here's how it reads in the NLT Eph 5:17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. It's easy to act thoughtlessly, especially since they and we today live in a world filled with so many things that are not in keeping with what God's will is. We can just be carried away in our thinking, and miss what God actually wants for us. But, on the other hand, Paul encourages us to "try and understand what the Lord wants you to do"

4. I've never run across a sincere Christian who is not interested in knowing what God's will is for them, and for a given situation they may be facing in their lives. In fact, You may be in a situation, where You are wanting to know that God's will is for you right now. You may be facing a crossroads in your life, or you may be in some seemingly desperate situation. And, here's this wonderful and encouraging verse to help you.

5. May I suggest this simple exercise and approach if you will. Just take a few minutes to prayerfully read Eph 5, starting in verse 1, and prayerfully ask the Lord to show You what He wants You to do. I'm fairly certain You will find more then you could have imagined right in these verses.

6. But, in closing, may I encourage you with this truth. The Holy Spirit is living right inside of You, and He is wanting to lead You, to guide You, to teach You the things He wants You to know. He is ready to take control of Your life, and to be the Helper in Your life that God intends Him to be. He knows the will of God, and He is more then capable of showing God's will to You. He also loves You, and is praying for You, and will take the things of Jesus Christ and show them to You, and bless You in more ways than You can imagine.

A prayer:

Lord, thank You for our church services yesterday. The many wonderful people that we were able to meet with, worship with, and sit together at Your feet, and hear Your Word proclaimed and to be encouraged in our walks with You. Thank You Lord for the body of Christ. And, thank You Lord for this verse Eph 5:17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. How powerful it is. Would You please help us not to act without thought today, to not act in an unwise manner, we are so capable of it. But rather would You help us to try and understand what You have for us. We want to please You. When we are pleasing You, we are so pleased, It's really walking in Your will that brings the blessings of God into our lives. Thank You Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A TRIAL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A TRIAL"

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

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. First of all Christians go through and fall into what are called trials. Notice what James says in
James 1:2 My brethren. He is talking to brethren, other christians. So, trials and Christians go together. Christians will have trials.

2. Secondly, James tells us how to view a trial when you all into one. And, there are several things said here.

(1) Count it all joy, is the first attitude of faith to have when you fall into a trial. Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Or as the J. B Phillips translation says,
"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!" Notice, "let it be an opportunity for joy"

(2) Also, we tend to "fall into trials" That is, they just come out of nowhere or so it seems. Like when you are walking along, and are not aware that there is a hole in the ground, and you fall into it with one of your feet, or both. You just fall into a trial. In other words, it seems as if trials will just come your way. And, they do.

(3) James uses a term "various trials" or "when all kinds of trials" That is, they can come in a variety of forms. It often seems that they come not in a singular way, but, in multiples.

3. Now, this second verse tells us why we can count trials "All joy" or to "don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends" It's because of what is said in James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. It's knowing what God intends to do through a trial in your life. He wants to use this trial ( this testing of your faith ) to produce patience, or perseverance, or spiritual growth, maturity and strength in your life. Again, as the Phillips translation puts it "Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance." What all this means, is simply this, When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. That's what happens.

4. This last verse, tells us not just about how to view a trial, and to understand what God intends to do through a trial in your life, but what you are to do personally when you fall into a trial.
James 1:4 "But let patience have its perfect work" God is calling for you to let God lead you through this trial. Let God accomplish His purposes in you through this trial. "Or, to let the process go until the endurance if fully developed. "J. B. Phillips.

5. Now, here is the end God has in mind, it's what was mentioned in verse 2 James 1:2b that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. You see, as you have the right attitude in trial, and as you cooperate with God in a trial, and let Him accomplish what He wants, here's what will happen to you. You will become more mature, more well rounded, not lacking anything as far as your spiritual growth goes. You will be becoming fully developed as a Christian. It will give you the right kind of independence, that is, you will not be worried about what is happening to you, You will not become a prisoner of fear and discouragement, but you will be free to just accept from God's hand what comes Your way, and follow Jesus with joy and faithfulness.

A prayer:

Father, if there is one thing we can thank You for day by day, it's Your precious Word. For it's so rich in giving us what we need. I'm certain there must be folks reading this today who really need to hear this, here it is right from Your hand. We all go through trials Father. And, each and every one of those trials are the ones that You have allowed to come into our lives, with Your Godly goal and purpose to give us endurance, growth, strength, maturity, fully developed character. Thank You for them Lord, and help us to have the right attitude of faith, submission, and a long range outlook on what You intend to do through the trial. In Jesus name,

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON THE HOPE OF HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON THE HOPE OF HEAVEN"

Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul first of all tells us what has happened to us when we turned to Christ, and what we ought to do, now that this has happened. So, what has happened to us at the point of our turning to Christ and believing in Him to save us from our sins?

(1) We have been raised with Christ. Or we have been raised to new life with Christ

(2) Now that we are in Christ, we are to seek those things which are above, or to set your sights on the realities of heaven.

(3) This passage also tells us that in heaven, Christ is seated at God's right hand, in the place of honor and power.

2. Now, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. To put it another way, we are to Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

This is our blessed privilege. We could not do this before we were saved, but we can now, we ought to, it's what God says for us to do. And, what a blessing it is to do it. Let heaven fill our thoughts. Think about heaven is the idea. That is where we are headed when we leave this world.

Imagine this is where God and Jesus are visibly located. There are untold millions and millions of people there, and angels. All the people we know who have gone there, are there. What a wonderful future and hope we have. It's such a blessing to think about it.

One other thing. Take another look at Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. The last part of the verse can be read, "Do not think only about things down here on earth." We do need to think about things here on earth, but we do not have to only think about those things. Unfortunately, that's what can happen to Christians. They think exclusively about earthly things, and fail to enjoy the blessings of thinking about heaven. Try it, and see what happens to your heart and soul. You will be blessed.

3. Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. This is Paul's reason, or explanation and motivation if you will, as to why we ought to let heaven fill our thoughts. Because the old you has died, and your new life is hidden with Christ in God. Our old life is over, wow, how wonderful. And, we have been born again, made new, and are now hidden in Christ, or our real life is hidden in Christ in God.

Because we are in Christ, and in God, we have access to them both, and can enjoy understanding where we are going as we read the Bible, and we can talk to God about heaven, and we can meditate on the glorious future we have because of our being saved.

I love to think about it. In fact, it's very interesting to me, to think along this line. For example, I know I'm going there, I just don't know when, God does, but I don't. I often realize it could be this very day, one never knows what the day holds. My wife and I often wonder who will go first, our greatest hope is that we could both go at the same time. It might be sometime before we get there. I just really do not know. But God does. He has just the right time in mind to take me there. I trust Him in that of course, but sure do look forward to it. And, I hope you do also. See you there as they say.

A prayer:

Father, thank You so much for saving me, (us) the billions that You have saved. The crowd in heaven, if you include the angels must be enormous. And, The throne of God, and our wonderful Savior is the main focal point there. Lord, please help us to let our minds be filled more often with the thoughts of heaven. If you tell us to do it,there must be some very good reason for us to do it. I think among other things, it helps us to have the big picture in mind, there is more to this life then this life. There is the next world, the hereafter, we will be with You forever in heaven.

We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Senior Pastor Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID OF SERIOUS ILLNESS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID OF SERIOUS ILLNESS"

Isa 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isa 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. God spoke these words to the people of God who were still in exile, but, God was telling them that He was going to release them in the future, and that though they were in difficulties now, blessings were coming. He was also through Isa, comparing Himself to the idols of the nations, and to many other things of pagan life, and showing how much greater He was then them. So, that's a little bit of the context and background to these 2 very comforting and encouraging verses.

2. In these two verses, the phrase, "Fear not" is uses twice, and several other very specific words of encouragement are used to help comfort the people in their fears and worries, and concerns. But, mostly their fears are what God was trying to help them with. And, today, there may be some of you who are afraid of serious illness, that you are worried may come, or may be seemingly happening to you now, or may be taking place in your body at this very moment.

3. Let's take a closer look at what God says here.

(1) God tells His people "Fear Not" or do not be afraid, don't give into fear, and here's why. Because I am with you. God was saying that because He was with them, and I might add, that He is with you if you are a follower of Jesus Christ. He goes on in Isa 41:10 to say a number of other things.

(2) Be not dismayed, which means, don't allow your situation to cause you to look away from God. Keep your eyes on Him, don't be dismayed. And, again a reason for this instruction, "For I am your God. Dismayed is when we take our eyes off of the Lord, and begin to focus primarily on the circumstance we are are in. It's a sure way to sink further into fear and discouragement. Keep looking at God no matter what is happening.

(3) I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Those are exactly three reasons ( count them ) that God gives to encourage His people not to be afraid, and not to be dismayed. Strength will be given, God will help, and uphold His people.

This is a promise from God that You can claim for Yourself this very day. In fact, may I encourage you right now to talk to Him about this promise and let Him know that You want His help, that You need it at this time in Your life. By the way, the ref to "My righteous right hand" I believe is a ref to Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of God's throne.

(4) And, in Isa 41:13 God identifies Himself as the LORD. This is one of God's Names, and it is the name Jehovah, which means, "the existing one" That's how He describes Himself, "the LORD" He has always existed, and will always exist, and He exists at this very moment.

(5) Lastly, the LORD make this promise. And, by the way, He also says "Your God" He belonged to them, and they belonged to Him. Just as He belongs to You, and You belong to Him. Here's what He says. It's two things actually. "Fear not, I will help you" Again, God tells His people who were clearly in need of hearing this "fear not" because they must have been fearing. He tells them, do not be afraid, fear not.

Don't let this take over in your life. Choose not to fear, but choose to trust God. And, then He finishes by saying, "I will help You" Or "I'm here to help You" Which means, to support You, to cause you to be helped. How personally in love our God is with His people, and what a good father He is. How caring and attentive He is.

A prayer:

Lord, Your Word causes us to be up-lifted, and to be encouraged. It raises our spirits, lifting us up and out of despair, and away from fear. Thank You for there is nothing else, nor is there anyone else who can do what You the LORD can do. There is no one like You, the "Existing One" Who else has always existed, and who else makes promises and cannot lie.? No one LORD, except You.

Lord, help us to claim these promises for ourselves today. It's been said, the believer does not live on explanations, but on promises. Help us today to live on Your promises. Thank You LORD. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.