"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING"
2nd Corinthians 2:11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:
1. Prayer helps the work of God, that's one way of saying it. That's what Paul said here. He had been doing his work as a missionary, apostle, pastor, and preacher, and he knew the Corinthians were praying for them, and he was now thanking them, and telling them how their prayers had helped the work of God.
2. Notice, Paul says, "You also helping together in prayer for us" In other words, Paul was doing his part, and they (who could not do what Paul did ) were doing what they could. They were unable to travel and do the work of planting churches, but they were working and helping together by their prayers. Prayer helps the work of God.
3. The kind of prayer they were praying, is called "intercession" Or "interceding prayer" Which means to plead with God on the behalf of someone else. That's what they were doing and it was helping the work of God.
4. Since their prayers had helped, Paul was saying that it was time to say "thank You" to God for hearing and answering the prayers that were helping the work of God. He says, ( that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.)
5. May I ask who is on your mind today, and what is on your mind, that is, the things that lay ahead of you, and the trials or difficulties You are facing today? And, may I encourage you to take a moment, and talk to God about those things, and simply tell Him what is on your mind, and ask Him to bring His will to bear and to pass in those matters, and in the lives of the people you have on your heart. Remember, prayer is effective, James 5
A prayer:
Lord, thank You for the fact and the reality that we can pray. And, thank You that Your ears are open to our prayers, and that You use them to bring about Your will. We would ask for ourselves today, that You would fill us with the Holy Ghost throughout this day. May He give us the strength and the wisdom we need to honor You, obey You, be good witnesses of You, and be part of furthering the work of the Kingdom of God.
Thank You for using prayer, and use ours today. in Jesus name.
Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING"
2nd Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation, (or comfort)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. In this section of 2nd Corinthians, Paul uses a form of the Greek word for comfort, (paraklesis) 10 times in this small section, 1:3-7. The word comfort is far more than a passing relief of sympathy. It pictures one who stands beside us in the midst of struggle to encourage and support. The same root word is used to speak of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Comforter and Helper, He is our Divine Paraclete. Paul's Words affirm
(1) God, who is the Father of Jesus Christ, will comfort us in the midst of adversity.
(2) This comfort will serve us in a powerful way when God uses us to comfort others.
2. The NLT reads this way 2nd Cor 1:7 We are confident that as you share in the sufferings, you will also share in the consolation, ( comfort ) that God gives us.
3. So, this verse is one where Paul expresses an absolute confidence that for those who were suffering, that they would also experience comfort. Thus, if you are suffering today, you also can be sure that God is already, or will be soon bringing You comfort. He is with You during Your suffering, and as noted, it's to not only comfort you, ( that is to make you comfortable in your sufferings, ) but ultimately to use you to comfort other people with the very same comfort you are receiving, or will receive from God.
4. How can Paul speak with such confidence, and assurance.? Good question. Or we could say, "How does he know, and how can he be so sure, and how can we have this same confidence that he has? Well, it's because the Bible says God will comfort You. It's a promise from God who does not lie. In fact, earlier in this chapter, it tells us that God is the Father of comfort and the Father of mercies. What a wonderful Father we have.
5. And, God promises to comfort us. Well, You might say, "I know He promises, but how can I be sure He will?" Again, the Bible says, that God cannot lie. When, He makes a promise He keeps it. All of His promises are yes, and yes, not no, and no. God does not say one thing, and really mean another. He says what He means, and He does what He says He will do, He is our faithful God and Father.
6. Here's a testimony from another believer, one who you may know a little about. King David. Listen to what he said, because in it, we find, the thing we must do when suffering. Ps 40:1-3 I waited patiently for The Lord to help me and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in The Lord.
(1) The word patient, or patiently in the Bible, does not mean to just bide your time, or mark time, rather it means to wait with an expectancy upon God, that God is going to faithfully do what He has promised to do. So, it's not just waiting in the normal sense of the word, but, it's waiting with a confident hope.
(2) You can wait in this same way. This is the prescription for you, to expect God to help You, He who has promised is faithful. He will comfort you. He is with you.
A prayer:
Father, Thank You for being our Faithful, dependable, and trustworthy God. And, thank You for explaining who You are through Your precious life giving Word. We Love You, and we so enjoy You speaking to us, and we pray this day for either ourselves who may be suffering, and or someone, or some group of people we know who are suffering, that You will help them to patiently wait on You, and receive Your comfort. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd Corinthians 1:7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation, (or comfort)
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. In this section of 2nd Corinthians, Paul uses a form of the Greek word for comfort, (paraklesis) 10 times in this small section, 1:3-7. The word comfort is far more than a passing relief of sympathy. It pictures one who stands beside us in the midst of struggle to encourage and support. The same root word is used to speak of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Comforter and Helper, He is our Divine Paraclete. Paul's Words affirm
(1) God, who is the Father of Jesus Christ, will comfort us in the midst of adversity.
(2) This comfort will serve us in a powerful way when God uses us to comfort others.
2. The NLT reads this way 2nd Cor 1:7 We are confident that as you share in the sufferings, you will also share in the consolation, ( comfort ) that God gives us.
3. So, this verse is one where Paul expresses an absolute confidence that for those who were suffering, that they would also experience comfort. Thus, if you are suffering today, you also can be sure that God is already, or will be soon bringing You comfort. He is with You during Your suffering, and as noted, it's to not only comfort you, ( that is to make you comfortable in your sufferings, ) but ultimately to use you to comfort other people with the very same comfort you are receiving, or will receive from God.
4. How can Paul speak with such confidence, and assurance.? Good question. Or we could say, "How does he know, and how can he be so sure, and how can we have this same confidence that he has? Well, it's because the Bible says God will comfort You. It's a promise from God who does not lie. In fact, earlier in this chapter, it tells us that God is the Father of comfort and the Father of mercies. What a wonderful Father we have.
5. And, God promises to comfort us. Well, You might say, "I know He promises, but how can I be sure He will?" Again, the Bible says, that God cannot lie. When, He makes a promise He keeps it. All of His promises are yes, and yes, not no, and no. God does not say one thing, and really mean another. He says what He means, and He does what He says He will do, He is our faithful God and Father.
6. Here's a testimony from another believer, one who you may know a little about. King David. Listen to what he said, because in it, we find, the thing we must do when suffering. Ps 40:1-3 I waited patiently for The Lord to help me and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in The Lord.
(1) The word patient, or patiently in the Bible, does not mean to just bide your time, or mark time, rather it means to wait with an expectancy upon God, that God is going to faithfully do what He has promised to do. So, it's not just waiting in the normal sense of the word, but, it's waiting with a confident hope.
(2) You can wait in this same way. This is the prescription for you, to expect God to help You, He who has promised is faithful. He will comfort you. He is with you.
A prayer:
Father, Thank You for being our Faithful, dependable, and trustworthy God. And, thank You for explaining who You are through Your precious life giving Word. We Love You, and we so enjoy You speaking to us, and we pray this day for either ourselves who may be suffering, and or someone, or some group of people we know who are suffering, that You will help them to patiently wait on You, and receive Your comfort. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S OPENING OF DOORS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S OPENING OF DOORS"
2nd Cor 2:9 Furthermore when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by The Lord "
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul is letting the church in Corinth know what had happened to him, when he arrived in the greek city of Troas. And, he was letting them know why he came to the city of Corinth.
2. He says, "And a door was opened to me by The Lord" Here are some thoughts about open doors, or God's will and opportunities for us.
(1) Paul was on a mission for The Lord. In other words, He was already serving God in one capacity. It's easier to find the door's God opens when we are already doing what He wants us to do, and such was the case with Paul.
(2) In particular Paul came to this city to do more of God's will, and his case, that was to "Preach the Gospel" This was Paul's determination in life, to preach Christ, because this was what God had called him to do. Again, if you are already doing what God has called you to do, I believe it's easier for us to see and find the doors that God opens and wants to open for us.
(3) God uses people to do His will. Is He using you at this time? Are you in His will at this time? Are you seeking His will at this time? I say at this time, because, perhaps you have in the past been seeking His will, or plan to seek His will in the future. But, what about now, what about at this time.
(4) God is focused if you will on getting the good news of His Son's work on the cross out to people, because He does not want anyone to perish, but that all would repent and come to salvation. See 2nd Pet 3:9
(5) So, if The Lord can find someone who is in tune with Him, and His plans, then, He will not only use them, but He will do for them as He did for Paul. God wants to open doors for You to walk through, so that He can continue to use You in the wonderful plans that He has for Your life.
3. One other thing about open doors. See 1st Cor 16:9b For a great and effectual door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
(1) Again, it's The Lord who opened the door, but Satan was not far behind. God wants to accomplish His will in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Satan works to oppose the work of God. It's been this way from the days of Adam and Eve, and it's that way now, and it will be that way all the way till The Lord comes back.
(2) So, in one sense, it's kind of encouraging if You are seeing and open door, and are trying to go through it, but are experiencing opposition. Its a sign You are on the right track.
(3) Two thoughts here about what you can do with the open door that God has provided. One, is You continue to stand firm in Your faith, and resist the devil, And, secondly, just do what God has placed in front of you to do. Just be faithful.
4. In closing, there is another open door that will one day be opened for each and everyone of one of God's children. And, that door is the door into heaven as it were. One day, when Your work down here is done, God will call You home, and personally welcome You, and open the door to heaven for You. And, guess what, there will be no more adversaries there. Because, the devil will not be there with you. He is going to wind up in the lake of fire, not heaven.
A prayer:
Father, thank You that we can even be in Your will for starters. And, thank You for the joy of serving You here on earth. Thank You for opening the doors for us to continue to do Your Will. And, thank You that we can have victory over our adversaries. We love You Father. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
2nd Cor 2:9 Furthermore when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by The Lord "
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul is letting the church in Corinth know what had happened to him, when he arrived in the greek city of Troas. And, he was letting them know why he came to the city of Corinth.
2. He says, "And a door was opened to me by The Lord" Here are some thoughts about open doors, or God's will and opportunities for us.
(1) Paul was on a mission for The Lord. In other words, He was already serving God in one capacity. It's easier to find the door's God opens when we are already doing what He wants us to do, and such was the case with Paul.
(2) In particular Paul came to this city to do more of God's will, and his case, that was to "Preach the Gospel" This was Paul's determination in life, to preach Christ, because this was what God had called him to do. Again, if you are already doing what God has called you to do, I believe it's easier for us to see and find the doors that God opens and wants to open for us.
(3) God uses people to do His will. Is He using you at this time? Are you in His will at this time? Are you seeking His will at this time? I say at this time, because, perhaps you have in the past been seeking His will, or plan to seek His will in the future. But, what about now, what about at this time.
(4) God is focused if you will on getting the good news of His Son's work on the cross out to people, because He does not want anyone to perish, but that all would repent and come to salvation. See 2nd Pet 3:9
(5) So, if The Lord can find someone who is in tune with Him, and His plans, then, He will not only use them, but He will do for them as He did for Paul. God wants to open doors for You to walk through, so that He can continue to use You in the wonderful plans that He has for Your life.
3. One other thing about open doors. See 1st Cor 16:9b For a great and effectual door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
(1) Again, it's The Lord who opened the door, but Satan was not far behind. God wants to accomplish His will in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Satan works to oppose the work of God. It's been this way from the days of Adam and Eve, and it's that way now, and it will be that way all the way till The Lord comes back.
(2) So, in one sense, it's kind of encouraging if You are seeing and open door, and are trying to go through it, but are experiencing opposition. Its a sign You are on the right track.
(3) Two thoughts here about what you can do with the open door that God has provided. One, is You continue to stand firm in Your faith, and resist the devil, And, secondly, just do what God has placed in front of you to do. Just be faithful.
4. In closing, there is another open door that will one day be opened for each and everyone of one of God's children. And, that door is the door into heaven as it were. One day, when Your work down here is done, God will call You home, and personally welcome You, and open the door to heaven for You. And, guess what, there will be no more adversaries there. Because, the devil will not be there with you. He is going to wind up in the lake of fire, not heaven.
A prayer:
Father, thank You that we can even be in Your will for starters. And, thank You for the joy of serving You here on earth. Thank You for opening the doors for us to continue to do Your Will. And, thank You that we can have victory over our adversaries. We love You Father. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A MISREPRESENTED AND UNSUNG HERO WHO FOLLOWED JESUS"
"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
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
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.
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