"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A MISREPRESENTED AND UNSUNG HERO WHO FOLLOWED JESUS"
Luke 8:2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. The person I'm talking about is Mary called Magdalene. It seems that the major misrepresentation about her, is that she is thought to have been a prostitute before her conversion. While there is nothing in the Bible to indicate that she was, she is often presented in this way. Some believe that she's misrepresented because she was from the city of Magdal, which was a city known for it's prostitution.
2. Another reason may be, that she had before her conversion, actually had 7 demons in her. Which had come out of her by the grace and power of God as she met and was ministered to by Jesus Christ. He had indeed set her free. Can you take a moment to think what her life must have been like when she had those 7 demons in her. When you think of the nature of Satan, who is a murderer, a liar, a thief, a destroyer, one only has to connect the dots. His influence in her life must have made her a very wicked, and destructive person who was being destroyed, and who helped to destroy other lives.
3. Now, however, she was a changed person, and she was following the saver of lives, the truth, the giver of life, the one and only mediator between God and man. The Lord Jesus Christ. She was not only changed in being set free, but, she was following Jesus, and she was one of the women who were helping to supply the financial needs of Jesus and His disciples. See Luke 8:3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
4. But, in my mind the thing that really stands out about her, and sets her apart as a real hero among men or women, is her faithfulness in sticking with Jesus while he was not only alive and ministering, but, she followed Him all the way till the end.
Here is what she specifically did in following Him, and sticking with Him.
(1) She was with Him during his years of ministry.
(2) She was with Him when He was tried after His arrest.
(3) She was with Him when He was crucified. She stayed there the whole time. By the way, all of the other disciples, had abandoned Him at that point. She stuck around. John, was the only one we know of who was with Jesus in His last moments on the cross.
(4) She was with Him, as His body was taken down from the cross, and accompanied Him to His burial in the tomb.
(5) She was the first one to go into the empty tomb.
(6) She was the first one to whom Jesus appeared following His rising from the dead.
5. So, she was indeed an amazing woman. But, I'm certain, that if we were to ask her about all of this, she would say what any of us would say about our lives in Christ. And, that is, that it's His grace, His love, His mercy, His power in our lives. She was really in one sense no different from any faithful follower of Jesus today. It's because of what He does in a life that is yielded to Him.
6. May I end this devotional with what I hope will encourage You. You also may be misrepresented, and misunderstood by assumptions that people have made, or conclusions that people have drawn. But, God knows You, and God Loves You, and God is the one to be praised for His work in Your life. You also as a faithful follower of Jesus are an unsung hero as it were.
A prayer:
Father, the real hero is You. We are Your followers. Mary was Your follower. She is in heaven as we read this devotional, and enjoying the thrill of being with You. We are going to join her someday and meet her. We bless You Lord for what You did for her, and we bless You Lord for what You have done in so many of our lives. We love you.
In Jesus name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS CHRIST"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FAITHFULNESS OF JESUS CHRIST"
Luke 4:42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them;
Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Luke 4:45And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.
A few explanatory thoughts, some application and a prayer:
1. Jesus got up early one morning and went out into the wilderness. We don't know what He was doing there, but from other accounts, He would often go out to private places where He would alone with God, and pray, and become refreshed for what lay ahead. You might even say, Jesus had early morning devotions.
An excellent practice for you as a christian. We need to be re-filled day by day as it were, yesterday's blessing are yesterdays. Today is a new day, and God will fill us for what lays ahead. Like your car, you fill it up, drive it, and then need to fill it up again, God will do this for you also. Just ask Him to do it.
2. The crowds Jesus had been ministering to were looking everywhere for Him, and when they finally found him, they begged Him to to stay with them, and not to leave Him. Why do you suppose they did that? It's because of what He had done for them.
See Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.
Luke 4:41a And demons also came out of many,
3. But, here's the part where we see the faithfulness of Jesus. Faithfulness, means, reliability, true, sure, one who keeps to his task, someone who can be relied on, one not easily persuaded away from what He is to do.
Notice please what Jesus said in response to the crowds request to remain with them. Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
I want to draw your attention please to the word "Must" for a moment. It means, that which is necessary, ought, the right and proper thing to do . But the main way of understanding this word is necessary. And, then, please look at this other word "sent"
Sent means, to go to a place or do a task that is appointed for you. In this case, it means an official and authoritative sending by God in Jesus's life. In other words, Jesus had a God given task to do, and He was committed to doing it.
4. Now fast forward just a little and notice this Luke 8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
Jesus was doing what God had called Him to do, what He knew He must do. He was being faithful to the call of God upon His life.
As God Jesus is faithful. See 1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus was faithfully doing what God had called Him to do. Two other quick things that are a blessing. He was making disciples and He was preaching the good news.
These are two things that Jesus is still doing today, and seeking to do through His body the church. Telling people of the good news that they can be saved if they will believe in Him, and then making disciples. Teaching people about Christ, and showing them how to follow and live for Him.
5. Now here's something to consider and enjoy. If God is faithful to do what He says He will do, and He is. And, if God does not change, which He does not. And, if God it truth, which He is. And, if God cannot lie, which He cannot. Then, isn't it wonderful to consider that each and every promise that God has made He will do and He fulfill, because He is faithful and reliable. By the way, no one can prevent Him from doing what He intends to do.
6. Lastly, and here's where this applies to you in a slightly different manner. Actually, it's a few things. God has a plan for You, and He wants You to be like Jesus and be a person who is compelled to say, "I must" You see God has sent you also, and He wants You to faithfully carry out His plans for Your life. Question, are You being faithful to God at this time in Your life?. If you are, then let's thank God, but if Your not, here's good news, You can repent today, and start this day by doing what God has sent You to do.
Be faithful to Your faithful Lord. It's the best way to live your life.
A prayer:
Our Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins. And Jesus, thank You for faithfully doing what God sent You do to. And, thank You Jesus for setting and example for us to be faithful just like You were, and are even today. Lord, if we have failed to be faithful, then thank You that we can repent, and be cleansed by You, and restored and get right back into what You have called us to do. You are our great and faithful God. We love You. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Luke 4:42 Now when it was day, He departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowd sought Him and came to Him, and tried to keep Him from leaving them;
Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
Luke 4:45And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.
A few explanatory thoughts, some application and a prayer:
1. Jesus got up early one morning and went out into the wilderness. We don't know what He was doing there, but from other accounts, He would often go out to private places where He would alone with God, and pray, and become refreshed for what lay ahead. You might even say, Jesus had early morning devotions.
An excellent practice for you as a christian. We need to be re-filled day by day as it were, yesterday's blessing are yesterdays. Today is a new day, and God will fill us for what lays ahead. Like your car, you fill it up, drive it, and then need to fill it up again, God will do this for you also. Just ask Him to do it.
2. The crowds Jesus had been ministering to were looking everywhere for Him, and when they finally found him, they begged Him to to stay with them, and not to leave Him. Why do you suppose they did that? It's because of what He had done for them.
See Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them.
Luke 4:41a And demons also came out of many,
3. But, here's the part where we see the faithfulness of Jesus. Faithfulness, means, reliability, true, sure, one who keeps to his task, someone who can be relied on, one not easily persuaded away from what He is to do.
Notice please what Jesus said in response to the crowds request to remain with them. Luke 4:43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.”
I want to draw your attention please to the word "Must" for a moment. It means, that which is necessary, ought, the right and proper thing to do . But the main way of understanding this word is necessary. And, then, please look at this other word "sent"
Sent means, to go to a place or do a task that is appointed for you. In this case, it means an official and authoritative sending by God in Jesus's life. In other words, Jesus had a God given task to do, and He was committed to doing it.
4. Now fast forward just a little and notice this Luke 8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
Jesus was doing what God had called Him to do, what He knew He must do. He was being faithful to the call of God upon His life.
As God Jesus is faithful. See 1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Jesus was faithfully doing what God had called Him to do. Two other quick things that are a blessing. He was making disciples and He was preaching the good news.
These are two things that Jesus is still doing today, and seeking to do through His body the church. Telling people of the good news that they can be saved if they will believe in Him, and then making disciples. Teaching people about Christ, and showing them how to follow and live for Him.
5. Now here's something to consider and enjoy. If God is faithful to do what He says He will do, and He is. And, if God does not change, which He does not. And, if God it truth, which He is. And, if God cannot lie, which He cannot. Then, isn't it wonderful to consider that each and every promise that God has made He will do and He fulfill, because He is faithful and reliable. By the way, no one can prevent Him from doing what He intends to do.
6. Lastly, and here's where this applies to you in a slightly different manner. Actually, it's a few things. God has a plan for You, and He wants You to be like Jesus and be a person who is compelled to say, "I must" You see God has sent you also, and He wants You to faithfully carry out His plans for Your life. Question, are You being faithful to God at this time in Your life?. If you are, then let's thank God, but if Your not, here's good news, You can repent today, and start this day by doing what God has sent You to do.
Be faithful to Your faithful Lord. It's the best way to live your life.
A prayer:
Our Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins. And Jesus, thank You for faithfully doing what God sent You do to. And, thank You Jesus for setting and example for us to be faithful just like You were, and are even today. Lord, if we have failed to be faithful, then thank You that we can repent, and be cleansed by You, and restored and get right back into what You have called us to do. You are our great and faithful God. We love You. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OBEDIENCE, FORGIVENESS, AND SATAN'S SCHEMES"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OBEDIENCE, FORGIVENESS, AND SATAN'S SCHEMES"
2nd Cor 2:9 I wrote to you as I did to find out how far you would go in obeying me.
2nd Cor 2:10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive him (for whatever is to be forgiven), I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit,
2nd Cor 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul as an apostle and the pastor who had founded that church, was very concerned that the believers in Corinth would be walking and living in obedience to Jesus Christ. He had been given the authority by Jesus to speak to them, and to direct them and to instruct them by Jesus Christ. He had also written them at least two letters prior to this one, in which he was guiding them into obedience into a matter involving sexual immorality.
2. They needed to be forgiving towards one of their members who had sinned, and now had repented of his sin. They were slow to do this, but were finally coming around. But, Paul adds ( see 2:10 above ) that he also would forgive this man. So, both the church body and the apostle Paul were moving in the direction of doing what was right to do forgive someone who repents of their sins, and welcome them back into the church body as it were.
3. Forgiveness, is commanded by Christ. Remember how He told us to pray for forgiveness for ourselves, and for those who had sinned against us in what we call the Lord's prayer. Forgiveness is a concept that God created and has commanded us to do, and to walk in. But, being a forgiver is for our benefit also, not just for the one who had sinned. It's good for us to be forgivers. It frees us greatly. And, it protects us from our enemy Satan.
4. Please notice what Paul says in 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes.
You see, by being forgivers, we outsmart Satan, and he does not outsmart us. Satan is not as smart as God, but, he is smart. And, unless we abide in God's Word and armor, and are obedient, he can outsmart us easily. Forgiveness is one of the great defenses against Satan. When we forgive, it keeps Satan from outsmarting us. You say, how so? Unforgiveness, opens the door for Satan to have more influence then he should in our lives. He can gain an advantage over us. He can really disturb our walk with the Lord, our growth in the Lord, and our effectiveness in the Lord. God wants His children to walk around and reflect the grace and mercy of God, and that is centered in Jesus who came to save and to forgive, not to condemn and hurt sinners.
5. Satan has schemes. He is a schemer. See 2nd Cor 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes. There you have it. Paul was saying, we are not unaware or unfamiliar with his schemes and methods, or devices. God's Word sheds great light on the tactics and goals of the enemy of our souls. We know how he operates by reading the Bible and studying it. He has evil purposes, he thinks about ways to distract us, to deceive us, to lead us away from Christ and obedience to Christ. He has a mind, and he thinks about this kind of thing all the time, this is his purpose, this is what he devises, and that is to ruin the work of God. Which is all centered in the great love of God. God is love, and we are commanded to love God and to love one another, not hate or be unforgiving.
A prayer:
Father, we shudder to think what our lives would be like, if we were left to our own ways, and were the victims of Satan's plans and purposes and schemes. But, Lord You are our Savior, and You have given us light and understanding about the importance of being obedient to You, and to be forgivers of others, and thereby stand firm against our enemy the devil. Our obedience, and our forgiveness, are like a wall that satan cannot penetrate into and through.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd Cor 2:9 I wrote to you as I did to find out how far you would go in obeying me.
2nd Cor 2:10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive him (for whatever is to be forgiven), I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit,
2nd Cor 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul as an apostle and the pastor who had founded that church, was very concerned that the believers in Corinth would be walking and living in obedience to Jesus Christ. He had been given the authority by Jesus to speak to them, and to direct them and to instruct them by Jesus Christ. He had also written them at least two letters prior to this one, in which he was guiding them into obedience into a matter involving sexual immorality.
2. They needed to be forgiving towards one of their members who had sinned, and now had repented of his sin. They were slow to do this, but were finally coming around. But, Paul adds ( see 2:10 above ) that he also would forgive this man. So, both the church body and the apostle Paul were moving in the direction of doing what was right to do forgive someone who repents of their sins, and welcome them back into the church body as it were.
3. Forgiveness, is commanded by Christ. Remember how He told us to pray for forgiveness for ourselves, and for those who had sinned against us in what we call the Lord's prayer. Forgiveness is a concept that God created and has commanded us to do, and to walk in. But, being a forgiver is for our benefit also, not just for the one who had sinned. It's good for us to be forgivers. It frees us greatly. And, it protects us from our enemy Satan.
4. Please notice what Paul says in 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes.
You see, by being forgivers, we outsmart Satan, and he does not outsmart us. Satan is not as smart as God, but, he is smart. And, unless we abide in God's Word and armor, and are obedient, he can outsmart us easily. Forgiveness is one of the great defenses against Satan. When we forgive, it keeps Satan from outsmarting us. You say, how so? Unforgiveness, opens the door for Satan to have more influence then he should in our lives. He can gain an advantage over us. He can really disturb our walk with the Lord, our growth in the Lord, and our effectiveness in the Lord. God wants His children to walk around and reflect the grace and mercy of God, and that is centered in Jesus who came to save and to forgive, not to condemn and hurt sinners.
5. Satan has schemes. He is a schemer. See 2nd Cor 2:11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes. There you have it. Paul was saying, we are not unaware or unfamiliar with his schemes and methods, or devices. God's Word sheds great light on the tactics and goals of the enemy of our souls. We know how he operates by reading the Bible and studying it. He has evil purposes, he thinks about ways to distract us, to deceive us, to lead us away from Christ and obedience to Christ. He has a mind, and he thinks about this kind of thing all the time, this is his purpose, this is what he devises, and that is to ruin the work of God. Which is all centered in the great love of God. God is love, and we are commanded to love God and to love one another, not hate or be unforgiving.
A prayer:
Father, we shudder to think what our lives would be like, if we were left to our own ways, and were the victims of Satan's plans and purposes and schemes. But, Lord You are our Savior, and You have given us light and understanding about the importance of being obedient to You, and to be forgivers of others, and thereby stand firm against our enemy the devil. Our obedience, and our forgiveness, are like a wall that satan cannot penetrate into and through.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, January 3, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FORGIVENESS AND COMFORTING A FALLEN BROTHER"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FORGIVENESS AND COMFORTING A FALLEN BROTHER"
2nd Cor 2:7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.
2Cor 2:8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
Some explanation, application, and a prayer:
1. A little background would be very helpful here. The brother being spoken of here who needed forgiveness and comfort was indeed in danger of being swallowed up with too much sorrow as the verse says ( See 2:7 ) He had gotten involved in an immoral relationship with his step mother. She was in fact married to his father. We don't know anything about the father, or the age of the step mother, or the age of the brother in question.
2. The church body in Corinth, including the leaders of the church were fully aware of this immorality taking place in their body there. Yet, oddly enough, they were not seeking to do the right, healthy, and God honoring thing about it. Which would have been to help this man to stop sinning in this way. Instead, they were actually boasting about the fact that they were being so tolerant towards that which was so destructive. The sin would eventually move beyond the persons involved, and the tolerance would ultimately affect the entire body for bad. That is, sin is leaven, which spreads and affects the rest. It's like a disease that left unchecked, will spread and hurt others.
3. So, Paul had to write them to urge them in very strong words, to take action immediately, remove him from the church, turn him over to Satan, and allow the man to suffer the consequences of not being under the protective umbrella of the holiness of God in the church. With the goal of the man coming to his senses, repenting of his sins, and then being brought back into fellowship. And, this the church did. But, they were like we can be, slow to do what's right in the eyes of God. Well, they did take Paul's instruction, but guess what happened. The man did repent, but now they were not wanting to allow him back into the church fellowship. So, they were slow to act to remove him, and now were not acting to restore him to fellowship. Thus, Paul wrote this part of 2nd Cor to instruct them on what to do with a fallen brother who repents of his sin.
4. So, here are the things that Paul specifies they were to do. (by the way, we will no doubt meet this man in heaven)
(1) First of all, simply forgive the man. Let him know that You forgive him, the church forgives him.
(2) Secondly, comfort the man. Your forgiving him will indeed bring him comfort. Imagine how this man must have felt, knowing the terrible sin he had fallen into. I'm certain that Satan was pounding away on him, telling him he had sinned so much, that there was no hope for him. The word comfort here means, to beseech, to intreat, to exhort, to call to one's side, and to console, to instruct, and to teach. In other words reach out to the man, and draw him back into fellowship and help him know of God's love, forgiveness and grace.
(3) Thirdly, Paul warns them, that if they do not take this positive action to forgive and comfort the man might become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover, because he will be swallowed up with too much sorrow.
(4) Fourthly, to wrap this up. Show him you still love him, reaffirm your love to him. What a contrast. sin can destroy so much, and love and forgiveness can restore and build up prevent a complete ruin with no hope in sight.
5. It's important to remember isn't it, that Jesus did not come to condemn sinners but to save them. And, it's important to know how serious sin is. It can begin it's destructive work in one person, and then spread to others and bring a wider band of trouble and disgrace and discouragement. But, Love can heal, it can restore, and it can build up. We are called to deal with sin in God's way, and deal with the restoring of a fallen brother in God's way also. That's a balance that is pleasing to God.
A prayer:
Father, You are the great forgiver of us the great sinners. Thank You for forgiving sin. Thank You for restoring sinners who have come to their senses, and are repenting of their sins. Thank You for the power of Your love through us to another person who may need it so desperately. If there is anyone we know that needs to have Your love to them and our love to them reaffirmed, then, please let us know, and guide us to take the action that would be pleasing to You. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
2nd Cor 2:7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow.
2Cor 2:8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
Some explanation, application, and a prayer:
1. A little background would be very helpful here. The brother being spoken of here who needed forgiveness and comfort was indeed in danger of being swallowed up with too much sorrow as the verse says ( See 2:7 ) He had gotten involved in an immoral relationship with his step mother. She was in fact married to his father. We don't know anything about the father, or the age of the step mother, or the age of the brother in question.
2. The church body in Corinth, including the leaders of the church were fully aware of this immorality taking place in their body there. Yet, oddly enough, they were not seeking to do the right, healthy, and God honoring thing about it. Which would have been to help this man to stop sinning in this way. Instead, they were actually boasting about the fact that they were being so tolerant towards that which was so destructive. The sin would eventually move beyond the persons involved, and the tolerance would ultimately affect the entire body for bad. That is, sin is leaven, which spreads and affects the rest. It's like a disease that left unchecked, will spread and hurt others.
3. So, Paul had to write them to urge them in very strong words, to take action immediately, remove him from the church, turn him over to Satan, and allow the man to suffer the consequences of not being under the protective umbrella of the holiness of God in the church. With the goal of the man coming to his senses, repenting of his sins, and then being brought back into fellowship. And, this the church did. But, they were like we can be, slow to do what's right in the eyes of God. Well, they did take Paul's instruction, but guess what happened. The man did repent, but now they were not wanting to allow him back into the church fellowship. So, they were slow to act to remove him, and now were not acting to restore him to fellowship. Thus, Paul wrote this part of 2nd Cor to instruct them on what to do with a fallen brother who repents of his sin.
4. So, here are the things that Paul specifies they were to do. (by the way, we will no doubt meet this man in heaven)
(1) First of all, simply forgive the man. Let him know that You forgive him, the church forgives him.
(2) Secondly, comfort the man. Your forgiving him will indeed bring him comfort. Imagine how this man must have felt, knowing the terrible sin he had fallen into. I'm certain that Satan was pounding away on him, telling him he had sinned so much, that there was no hope for him. The word comfort here means, to beseech, to intreat, to exhort, to call to one's side, and to console, to instruct, and to teach. In other words reach out to the man, and draw him back into fellowship and help him know of God's love, forgiveness and grace.
(3) Thirdly, Paul warns them, that if they do not take this positive action to forgive and comfort the man might become so discouraged that he won't be able to recover, because he will be swallowed up with too much sorrow.
(4) Fourthly, to wrap this up. Show him you still love him, reaffirm your love to him. What a contrast. sin can destroy so much, and love and forgiveness can restore and build up prevent a complete ruin with no hope in sight.
5. It's important to remember isn't it, that Jesus did not come to condemn sinners but to save them. And, it's important to know how serious sin is. It can begin it's destructive work in one person, and then spread to others and bring a wider band of trouble and disgrace and discouragement. But, Love can heal, it can restore, and it can build up. We are called to deal with sin in God's way, and deal with the restoring of a fallen brother in God's way also. That's a balance that is pleasing to God.
A prayer:
Father, You are the great forgiver of us the great sinners. Thank You for forgiving sin. Thank You for restoring sinners who have come to their senses, and are repenting of their sins. Thank You for the power of Your love through us to another person who may need it so desperately. If there is anyone we know that needs to have Your love to them and our love to them reaffirmed, then, please let us know, and guide us to take the action that would be pleasing to You. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JOY, AND STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JOY, AND STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST"
2nd Cor 1:24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
A word or two of explanation, and some application, and a prayer:
1. Paul is telling the believers in Corinth, and us today, something about leadership in the body of Christ.
2. What he is telling them and us, is that he and those in leadership in the body, do not have dominion over our faith.
The word dominion, means to exercise lordship over, to have power over. In other words, God's leaders in the body are not to see themselves as ruling over, or exercising lordship over the flock.
3. There are several other things that Paul says about leadership in the body.
(1) Leaders are fellow workers with those they lead. Or, that leaders are to work together with God's flock.
(2) Leaders are working together with the flock for their joy. The NLT, says, "We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy" There is a joy that God's people are to have, and it can be a fullness of joy. Joy, comes from a word meaning, glad, or gladly. And joy means gladness, joyful, a calm delight.
(3) God's people stand by faith. Or again, as the NLT has it, "as you stand firm in your faith." So, not only are believers to have joy, but, the Lord wants them to stand firm in their faith. Faith of course is to rely upon, to cling to, to trust in. But, to stand firm, has the idea of not being moved about, not being blown about by false teaching, etc. God's wants His people to be rooted and to be grounded in Christ. To stand Firm, unmoveable.
4. So, this is God's goal for leaders, for those they lead, it's joy, it's standing firm as we trust in, and rely upon, and depend upon our Lord.
5. How do we have this joy, and stand firm in Christ? Well, joy, is part of the fruit of the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit is produced in our lives as simply abide in the Lord, and let His Word abide in us, and respond in obedience to God's Word. Not only will this kind of living in Christ produce joy, but, it will also result in our being able to stand firm in our walks. This is why it's so important to be Christians who truly are in God's Word. I like what I read once about walking with the Lord. "Let's not give lip service to God, but let's give life service to God"
A prayer:
Father, how thankful we are for having been adopted by You, and made not only Your children, but joint heirs with Christ.
And, Thank You that You have promised to bless us with Joy and Stability. Your Holy Spirit is our Helper. Lord, may You baptize us afresh, even now as we read this devotional. We pause and bow our hearts before You and ask that You fill us to overflowing with Your Spirit. Thank You Lord Jesus.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd Cor 1:24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
A word or two of explanation, and some application, and a prayer:
1. Paul is telling the believers in Corinth, and us today, something about leadership in the body of Christ.
2. What he is telling them and us, is that he and those in leadership in the body, do not have dominion over our faith.
The word dominion, means to exercise lordship over, to have power over. In other words, God's leaders in the body are not to see themselves as ruling over, or exercising lordship over the flock.
3. There are several other things that Paul says about leadership in the body.
(1) Leaders are fellow workers with those they lead. Or, that leaders are to work together with God's flock.
(2) Leaders are working together with the flock for their joy. The NLT, says, "We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy" There is a joy that God's people are to have, and it can be a fullness of joy. Joy, comes from a word meaning, glad, or gladly. And joy means gladness, joyful, a calm delight.
(3) God's people stand by faith. Or again, as the NLT has it, "as you stand firm in your faith." So, not only are believers to have joy, but, the Lord wants them to stand firm in their faith. Faith of course is to rely upon, to cling to, to trust in. But, to stand firm, has the idea of not being moved about, not being blown about by false teaching, etc. God's wants His people to be rooted and to be grounded in Christ. To stand Firm, unmoveable.
4. So, this is God's goal for leaders, for those they lead, it's joy, it's standing firm as we trust in, and rely upon, and depend upon our Lord.
5. How do we have this joy, and stand firm in Christ? Well, joy, is part of the fruit of the Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit is produced in our lives as simply abide in the Lord, and let His Word abide in us, and respond in obedience to God's Word. Not only will this kind of living in Christ produce joy, but, it will also result in our being able to stand firm in our walks. This is why it's so important to be Christians who truly are in God's Word. I like what I read once about walking with the Lord. "Let's not give lip service to God, but let's give life service to God"
A prayer:
Father, how thankful we are for having been adopted by You, and made not only Your children, but joint heirs with Christ.
And, Thank You that You have promised to bless us with Joy and Stability. Your Holy Spirit is our Helper. Lord, may You baptize us afresh, even now as we read this devotional. We pause and bow our hearts before You and ask that You fill us to overflowing with Your Spirit. Thank You Lord Jesus.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF JESUS'S MINISTRY"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF JESUS'S MINISTRY"
Luke 8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
Luke 8:2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
Luke 8:3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:
1. Jesus, His disciples, and a group of women were on a preaching tour. They were going through every city and village, preaching the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. This would be like in our day, to see Billy Graham, or Greg Laurie going from city to city, holding crusades and preaching the Gospel of Christ, calling people to salvation.
2. Let's look a little closer at who was with Him, and where they went. There was Jesus of course. He was the preacher. And, they were very meticulous in that the went to "every city and village" None were left out. They went to big cities, and they went to small villages. And, in each place they went, they had one message. "the glad tidings of the kingdom of God" The good news, that men can be saved from their sins, forgiven of their sins, and know, and walk with God in this life, loving Him, loving others, and serving Him with all their might, and wind up in heaven.
3. An even closer look at those with Him, and what they were doing.
(1) There were 12 disciples. We have met them earlier in Luke, but, they were learning from and about Jesus, and they were going with Him wherever He went. And, they were with Him on this preaching tour.
(2) There were certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. We don't know how many women there were, but we do know how grateful them must have been to have had Jesus heal them of these terrible and evil spirits and their infirmities or sickness's. Three of the women are named and we are given a little more specific info about them.
(3) Mary called Magdalene, which means "A tower" she was from a place called Madala. She formerly had had, 7 demons in her. But no longer, for Jesus had cast them out. He had set her free. My what she must have been like in the past, and now, what a different person she was as a result of the ministry of Jesus. ( Not unlike many of us, very dramatic changes because of Jesus )
(4) Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna. Joanna must have been brave to be such an insider in Herod's world, and yet she was following Jesus. Courageous indeed. Joanna means, "Jehovah is a gracious giver" And, then there was Susanna. Nothing is said here about her, except that her name, means, "Lily" Perhaps she was as beautiful and gentle as a lily. More importantly though, she followed Jesus.
(5) And, many others. That's all that's said of these many others. We don't know how many, and we know nothing of them. But, Jesus knew and loved them, and they knew and loved Jesus. That's what's important.
(6) " who provided for Him from their substance." Along with following Him, they were the ones who were supporting Him financially, taking care of the needs He had materially. We would call them today, "tithers, and givers" They were providing from what they had, from their substance. So, out of their own funds, they were funding the ministry.
4. What a great amount of truth is packed into these 3 verses. What great examples there are for us. Following Jesus, being involved in the proclamation of the Gospel not just in our homes, but in places where God might have us go. Into cities, into villages as it were. And, to take from our substance and support the work of God in and through the church. All of this ought to be normal activity for the believer.
A prayer:
Thank You Father for the Glad tidings that You have brought into our lives. What would we be today without Jesus in our lives.
Thank You that we can follow You, learn from You, serve You, and contribute to the work of God through our giving. We thank You for those privileges. And, we pray that this year, we might individually be set free from any stinginess and covetousness regarding our own finances, and be thrilled to contribute and to invest in the eternal work of God.
We love You Lord.
In Jesus name,
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 8:1 Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him,
Luke 8:2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons,
Luke 8:3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:
1. Jesus, His disciples, and a group of women were on a preaching tour. They were going through every city and village, preaching the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God. This would be like in our day, to see Billy Graham, or Greg Laurie going from city to city, holding crusades and preaching the Gospel of Christ, calling people to salvation.
2. Let's look a little closer at who was with Him, and where they went. There was Jesus of course. He was the preacher. And, they were very meticulous in that the went to "every city and village" None were left out. They went to big cities, and they went to small villages. And, in each place they went, they had one message. "the glad tidings of the kingdom of God" The good news, that men can be saved from their sins, forgiven of their sins, and know, and walk with God in this life, loving Him, loving others, and serving Him with all their might, and wind up in heaven.
3. An even closer look at those with Him, and what they were doing.
(1) There were 12 disciples. We have met them earlier in Luke, but, they were learning from and about Jesus, and they were going with Him wherever He went. And, they were with Him on this preaching tour.
(2) There were certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities. We don't know how many women there were, but we do know how grateful them must have been to have had Jesus heal them of these terrible and evil spirits and their infirmities or sickness's. Three of the women are named and we are given a little more specific info about them.
(3) Mary called Magdalene, which means "A tower" she was from a place called Madala. She formerly had had, 7 demons in her. But no longer, for Jesus had cast them out. He had set her free. My what she must have been like in the past, and now, what a different person she was as a result of the ministry of Jesus. ( Not unlike many of us, very dramatic changes because of Jesus )
(4) Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna. Joanna must have been brave to be such an insider in Herod's world, and yet she was following Jesus. Courageous indeed. Joanna means, "Jehovah is a gracious giver" And, then there was Susanna. Nothing is said here about her, except that her name, means, "Lily" Perhaps she was as beautiful and gentle as a lily. More importantly though, she followed Jesus.
(5) And, many others. That's all that's said of these many others. We don't know how many, and we know nothing of them. But, Jesus knew and loved them, and they knew and loved Jesus. That's what's important.
(6) " who provided for Him from their substance." Along with following Him, they were the ones who were supporting Him financially, taking care of the needs He had materially. We would call them today, "tithers, and givers" They were providing from what they had, from their substance. So, out of their own funds, they were funding the ministry.
4. What a great amount of truth is packed into these 3 verses. What great examples there are for us. Following Jesus, being involved in the proclamation of the Gospel not just in our homes, but in places where God might have us go. Into cities, into villages as it were. And, to take from our substance and support the work of God in and through the church. All of this ought to be normal activity for the believer.
A prayer:
Thank You Father for the Glad tidings that You have brought into our lives. What would we be today without Jesus in our lives.
Thank You that we can follow You, learn from You, serve You, and contribute to the work of God through our giving. We thank You for those privileges. And, we pray that this year, we might individually be set free from any stinginess and covetousness regarding our own finances, and be thrilled to contribute and to invest in the eternal work of God.
We love You Lord.
In Jesus name,
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HAVING FORGIVEN YOUR SINS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HAVING FORGIVEN YOUR SINS"
Luke 7:48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:
1. These words were spoken by Jesus to a woman who was known to be a sinner, it's thought that she had been a prostitute.
2. Jesus spoke directly to this woman and told her the good news. "Your sins are forgiven" Earlier, in the previous verse, Jesus spoke about her sins also. Here's what He said. Luke 7:48 “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
3. When Jesus said what He said in 7:48, He was talking to a religious leader named Simon. Simon did not see things the way Jesus did. Just as many people today don't see things the way Jesus does. You and I were perhaps like Simon at one time in our own lives. Tending to be more condemning, then forgiving and compassionate.
4. At any rate, the point here, is not really about Simon, but about Jesus, this woman, her sins, and what Jesus did with them.
He forgave her sins. And, her sins were many. It's hard to imagine what her life was like, but, we can reflect on our own lives, and only imagine the enormity of our own sins. She had many, and every one of them was forgiven by Jesus Christ.
5. The word forgive or forgiven, mean, to leave, to forsake, to let alone. To send away, or depart. The same greek word is used in our english language when speaking of divorce. It's speaks of separation. To disregard.
6. Interesting that those sitting by said, Luke 7:49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” The people were taken aback. The answer to their question of course is God. God is the only one who can forgive sins. And, in this entire section of Luke 7, Jesus was affirming once again that He is God. He is the Messiah. Here are two Scriptures that speak to the fact that He is God
Ps 99:8 You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
Ps 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
7. Here are some additional verses along this line.
Ps 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
Da 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
Ac 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Ac 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
Ac 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Col 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for being the forgiver of our sins. Thank You that You have forgiven our sins by our believing in Jesus Christ.
You are the great forgiver. We are the great sinners. And, Our sins have been forgiven, and they are now gone.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 7:48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:
1. These words were spoken by Jesus to a woman who was known to be a sinner, it's thought that she had been a prostitute.
2. Jesus spoke directly to this woman and told her the good news. "Your sins are forgiven" Earlier, in the previous verse, Jesus spoke about her sins also. Here's what He said. Luke 7:48 “Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
3. When Jesus said what He said in 7:48, He was talking to a religious leader named Simon. Simon did not see things the way Jesus did. Just as many people today don't see things the way Jesus does. You and I were perhaps like Simon at one time in our own lives. Tending to be more condemning, then forgiving and compassionate.
4. At any rate, the point here, is not really about Simon, but about Jesus, this woman, her sins, and what Jesus did with them.
He forgave her sins. And, her sins were many. It's hard to imagine what her life was like, but, we can reflect on our own lives, and only imagine the enormity of our own sins. She had many, and every one of them was forgiven by Jesus Christ.
5. The word forgive or forgiven, mean, to leave, to forsake, to let alone. To send away, or depart. The same greek word is used in our english language when speaking of divorce. It's speaks of separation. To disregard.
6. Interesting that those sitting by said, Luke 7:49 And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” The people were taken aback. The answer to their question of course is God. God is the only one who can forgive sins. And, in this entire section of Luke 7, Jesus was affirming once again that He is God. He is the Messiah. Here are two Scriptures that speak to the fact that He is God
Ps 99:8 You answered them, O LORD our God; You were to them God-Who-Forgives, Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
Ps 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
7. Here are some additional verses along this line.
Ps 130:4 But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
Da 9:9 “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.
Ac 5:31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Ac 13:38 “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;
Ac 26:18 ‘to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’
Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
Col 1:14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for being the forgiver of our sins. Thank You that You have forgiven our sins by our believing in Jesus Christ.
You are the great forgiver. We are the great sinners. And, Our sins have been forgiven, and they are now gone.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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