"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING AND COMFORT"
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.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
Paul is explaining how much trouble they had gone through in their ministry, and how much comfort God had also given them.
This is always the way of the Lord, He allows the trouble and He brings the comfort as well.
1. We have a hope that is stedfast.
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.
Paul was writing to comfort the Corinthians. He was telling them how sure he was about what was going to happen to them.
He knew that just as sure as they were suffering, that they also would become partakers of God's comfort.
We truly have a hope that is stedfast. Christ is our hope. God's Word is our hope. Therefore we can rest assured that what's being said here is do true. There is no doubt about the surety of our hope.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
2. We know that we will suffer in this life.
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.
Suffering is part of the christian life. Jesus told us ahead of time that we would suffer in this life, and we sure do.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
3. We also know that we partake of the comfort of God in our souls.
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.
This is the sequence. Suffering comes first, but comfort is right on it's heels.
That's the way God has arranged life to be.
Comfort would not be comfort unless we knew what suffering was.
1st Thessalonians 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1st Thessalonians 5:11Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
1st Thessalonians 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient 2nd Thessalonians 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.
Questions:
1. Are you going through a period of suffering at this present time?
2. Do you know that You have hope, because Jesus is alive and He loves you more than you know.
3. Please know that the suffering you have now is to be followed by comfort. Just steady on with Jesus.
A prayer:
Father You are our God, and You are in control, and You allow what You allow, and You bring comfort as promised.
Thank you for using trouble to shape and mold our lives. Lord it's so comforting to us to know that Your Word is true.
We go through hard times, but You are faithful to comfort us. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A PIT OF DESPAIR"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A PIT OF DESPAIR"
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
Psalm 40:2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
David's life and ministry are used by God in the Psalms to help us. The reason they are so helpful is that David went through the same kinds of things that we go through in our lives. There are the high's and the low's.
It's the "Low's" that seem to stand out to us as we read the Psalm's.
There are the "High's" as well.
And we who walk with God also learn that every dark and difficult time is intended by God to bring blessing into our lives, to learn the ways of our wonderful God and to transform our lives.
1. God's children can wait on the Lord during difficult times.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
Interesting how David uses two words together that are very similar in meaning. Waiting and Patiently.
Patiently is actually describing how he waited. He waited, but he did it patiently.
The idea here is that he waited patiently for the Lord to help him.
That's what he was waiting for.
Waiting means to look for, expect. So David was expecting God to help him.
2. God hears the cries and pleadings of His children.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
David was rewarded for his patient waiting.
The Lord listened to him, the Lord heard his cry.
And this is what the Lord does for anyone who will wait for Him and cry out to Him.
His ears are open to our cries our prayers, and in His timing He will respond.
3. God brings His children up and out of the pit they were in.
Psalm 40:2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
David does not describe what this pit was. I doubt it was an actual pit.
David was using this to describe his sense of despair and his being unable to move out of the situation he was in.
He was not able on his own to make things change.
He cried out to God.
And, the Lord brought him out of this pit.
Notice that David calls it a "horrible" pit. And he speaks of miry clay, no doubt emphasizing his sense of being captive to his situation.
Horrible means, tumult, roar, din, crash, uproar.
The NLT calls it a pit of despair.
The word horrible comes from a word meaning to lay waste, crash into ruins, be desolated. be ruined
The Lord brought him out of this situation.
4. God sets our feet on a rock, and establishes our steps.
Psalm 40:2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
After bringing David out of this pit, God set David's feet on a rock and He established his ways.
From despair and no way out, to stability and a firm clear path to walk on.
God strengthened David after this "pit" experience. He was a different man.
David was no long in miry and muddy clay, but was now on solid ground, and he was steadied by God as he walked along.
5. God puts a new song in our mouths, "praise to our God"
Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
Here is something else God did for David. He was now no longer crying out in despair, but was singing praises to God.
God had taught David.
David had learned more about his wonderful savior.
True worship and praise is in response to what God has done.
David was filled with a new song, it was praise to our God.
6. God uses what we have gone through to help others trust in Him.
Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
David expresses what he knew would happen.
Many would see what God had done for him.
In other words David now had a fresh testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness.
And God would use David's life and new song to help others fear God and trust God.
Some questions:
1. Do you ever feel like you are the only one going through what you are going through?
2. Isn't it comforting to find that others also have or are in a similar situation?
3. And, ins't it encouraging to hear what God has done for them?
4. Are you in despair today?
5. Do you know God hears you as you cry out to Him?
6. And do you know that Your God is faithful and He is going to lift you up just like He did for David.
7. And isn't it something to realize that your cries will turn to singing, and God will use your life as an encouragement to others?
A prayer:
Father we bless You and honor You today. Thank You for the Scriptures. Thank You for the Psalms. What a blessing they are to so many.
I wonder how many people have found comfort in them down through the ages.
When we get to heaven we ought to talk with David and thank him for being a vessel that God has used to help us.
Lord we pray for friends, family, fellow church members who may be in despairing times at this time.
Would You bless them Lord with faith to wait patiently and to see You deliver them.
We love You Father.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
Psalm 40:2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
David's life and ministry are used by God in the Psalms to help us. The reason they are so helpful is that David went through the same kinds of things that we go through in our lives. There are the high's and the low's.
It's the "Low's" that seem to stand out to us as we read the Psalm's.
There are the "High's" as well.
And we who walk with God also learn that every dark and difficult time is intended by God to bring blessing into our lives, to learn the ways of our wonderful God and to transform our lives.
1. God's children can wait on the Lord during difficult times.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
Interesting how David uses two words together that are very similar in meaning. Waiting and Patiently.
Patiently is actually describing how he waited. He waited, but he did it patiently.
The idea here is that he waited patiently for the Lord to help him.
That's what he was waiting for.
Waiting means to look for, expect. So David was expecting God to help him.
2. God hears the cries and pleadings of His children.
Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry.
David was rewarded for his patient waiting.
The Lord listened to him, the Lord heard his cry.
And this is what the Lord does for anyone who will wait for Him and cry out to Him.
His ears are open to our cries our prayers, and in His timing He will respond.
3. God brings His children up and out of the pit they were in.
Psalm 40:2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
David does not describe what this pit was. I doubt it was an actual pit.
David was using this to describe his sense of despair and his being unable to move out of the situation he was in.
He was not able on his own to make things change.
He cried out to God.
And, the Lord brought him out of this pit.
Notice that David calls it a "horrible" pit. And he speaks of miry clay, no doubt emphasizing his sense of being captive to his situation.
Horrible means, tumult, roar, din, crash, uproar.
The NLT calls it a pit of despair.
The word horrible comes from a word meaning to lay waste, crash into ruins, be desolated. be ruined
The Lord brought him out of this situation.
4. God sets our feet on a rock, and establishes our steps.
Psalm 40:2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.
After bringing David out of this pit, God set David's feet on a rock and He established his ways.
From despair and no way out, to stability and a firm clear path to walk on.
God strengthened David after this "pit" experience. He was a different man.
David was no long in miry and muddy clay, but was now on solid ground, and he was steadied by God as he walked along.
5. God puts a new song in our mouths, "praise to our God"
Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
Here is something else God did for David. He was now no longer crying out in despair, but was singing praises to God.
God had taught David.
David had learned more about his wonderful savior.
True worship and praise is in response to what God has done.
David was filled with a new song, it was praise to our God.
6. God uses what we have gone through to help others trust in Him.
Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.
David expresses what he knew would happen.
Many would see what God had done for him.
In other words David now had a fresh testimony of God's goodness and faithfulness.
And God would use David's life and new song to help others fear God and trust God.
Some questions:
1. Do you ever feel like you are the only one going through what you are going through?
2. Isn't it comforting to find that others also have or are in a similar situation?
3. And, ins't it encouraging to hear what God has done for them?
4. Are you in despair today?
5. Do you know God hears you as you cry out to Him?
6. And do you know that Your God is faithful and He is going to lift you up just like He did for David.
7. And isn't it something to realize that your cries will turn to singing, and God will use your life as an encouragement to others?
A prayer:
Father we bless You and honor You today. Thank You for the Scriptures. Thank You for the Psalms. What a blessing they are to so many.
I wonder how many people have found comfort in them down through the ages.
When we get to heaven we ought to talk with David and thank him for being a vessel that God has used to help us.
Lord we pray for friends, family, fellow church members who may be in despairing times at this time.
Would You bless them Lord with faith to wait patiently and to see You deliver them.
We love You Father.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, August 23, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GRACE, CARE AND PRESERVATION OF YOUR LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GRACE, CARE AND PRESERVATION OF YOUR LIFE"
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
The Book of Job is filled with more pain than one can imagine.
It's also filled with many sayings, though meant to help, do not.
They are sayings by friends to Job that were thought to help explain why what happened to him did happen.
The friends could not have been more wrong.
They thought Job's problems were because of sin in his life, but in reality it was because of an attack by Satan, which God had allowed.
The verse we are looking at was spoken by Job himself. And, it's not only true, but it's true in the application Job was expressing.
Please enjoy it.
1. God has given His children life.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Jesus is life, and God has given us Jesus, and for those who have turned to Jesus and believed in Him, and received Him, He is theirs.
Believers have life, because they have Jesus.
The life spoken of here is of course life that is eternal, it is life that is connected with God through Christ.
We have both physical life, but we are no longer dead in our sins, we are alive together with Christ.
God has given us eternal life.
Joh 3:16* “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 5:26 “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,
1st John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
2. God has given His children favor.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Favor or grace. The undeserved blessings of God. We cannot earn it, we do not deserve it, there is nothing we can do to have it, except believe God. We are saved by Grace through Faith.
God has given us grab.
Ro 5:15* But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
2Co 8:1* Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
Col 1:6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
3. God has given us care, which preserves our lives.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
The idea here is put this way in the NLT
Job 10:12 You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care.
What a great way to say this. " My life was preserved by your care"
How true it is. He because of His care for us has, is and will preserve us all the way to heaven
Questions:
1. Can you please try to take a moment and imagine what your first thought will be like when you see the face of Jesus in heaven for the first time?
2. Can you think back over your life, and try to count the times that your life was spared? Only to realize now that it was God who did the sparing. And, He did it because He loved you and cared for you.
3. Do you know that the grace care and love and mercy of God have no end?
4. Are you filled with hope and joy in knowing that God has saved you and your on your way to heaven?
A prayer:
Father we tell you often, but we love You. And we will tell You forever and forever. We will be singing your praises through eternity.
We will always be grateful for what You have given to us. Please help our lives to be so genuine and glowing that they have an impact on those who are potential christians. They just aren't saved yet. Make us compassionate and caring and aware of who we speak to and who we are influencing. May we be used by You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
The Book of Job is filled with more pain than one can imagine.
It's also filled with many sayings, though meant to help, do not.
They are sayings by friends to Job that were thought to help explain why what happened to him did happen.
The friends could not have been more wrong.
They thought Job's problems were because of sin in his life, but in reality it was because of an attack by Satan, which God had allowed.
The verse we are looking at was spoken by Job himself. And, it's not only true, but it's true in the application Job was expressing.
Please enjoy it.
1. God has given His children life.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Jesus is life, and God has given us Jesus, and for those who have turned to Jesus and believed in Him, and received Him, He is theirs.
Believers have life, because they have Jesus.
The life spoken of here is of course life that is eternal, it is life that is connected with God through Christ.
We have both physical life, but we are no longer dead in our sins, we are alive together with Christ.
God has given us eternal life.
Joh 3:16* “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 5:26 “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself,
1st John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
2. God has given His children favor.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
Favor or grace. The undeserved blessings of God. We cannot earn it, we do not deserve it, there is nothing we can do to have it, except believe God. We are saved by Grace through Faith.
God has given us grab.
Ro 5:15* But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
2Co 8:1* Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
Col 1:6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
3. God has given us care, which preserves our lives.
Job 10:12 You have granted me life and favor, And Your care has preserved my spirit.
The idea here is put this way in the NLT
Job 10:12 You gave me life and showed me your unfailing love. My life was preserved by your care.
What a great way to say this. " My life was preserved by your care"
How true it is. He because of His care for us has, is and will preserve us all the way to heaven
Questions:
1. Can you please try to take a moment and imagine what your first thought will be like when you see the face of Jesus in heaven for the first time?
2. Can you think back over your life, and try to count the times that your life was spared? Only to realize now that it was God who did the sparing. And, He did it because He loved you and cared for you.
3. Do you know that the grace care and love and mercy of God have no end?
4. Are you filled with hope and joy in knowing that God has saved you and your on your way to heaven?
A prayer:
Father we tell you often, but we love You. And we will tell You forever and forever. We will be singing your praises through eternity.
We will always be grateful for what You have given to us. Please help our lives to be so genuine and glowing that they have an impact on those who are potential christians. They just aren't saved yet. Make us compassionate and caring and aware of who we speak to and who we are influencing. May we be used by You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Friday, August 22, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BLESSING US BY HIS CORRECTION"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BLESSING US BY HIS CORRECTION"
Job 4:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
Job 4:18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole.
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
The Book of Job is believed to be the oldest book in the Bible.
It's a story of how God allowed a man's faith to be tested to the limit.
And, Job passed the test, and in the end was blessed more than before.
We are simply going to look at 2 verses which deal with the blessing of God in our lives as He corrects us.
1. Happiness is found in the man whom God corrects.
Job 4:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
God actually will bring joy in to our lives through His correction.
It sounds odd to think that, but it's true.
It's not joyful when we are being chastened, but it yields joy if we yield to God through the process.
Chastening means, correction, instruction, to be taught.
Sometimes we bring on the chastening ourselves, but there are other times where God is the initiator.
He does so to help us learn, grow and mature in our walk with Him.
2. We are instructed not to despise the chastening of God.
Job 4:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
To despise means, to reject, abhor, become loathsome, refuse.
It's not easy to accept correction.
God knows that it's not easy.
And perhaps this is why we are instructed not to despise His correction.
3. Chastening is not pleasant to go through, but God binds us up, He wounds, but His hands make whole.
Job 4:18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole.
This is very informative.
While the chanting is not pleasant, we are told what God will do for us through it.
He will bind us up.
He may wound us through the chanting, but He follows it up by binding us up.
It's through His hands working in our lives that we are made whole, and put on the right path.
Some questions:
1. Have you ever taken the time to think about the fact that Your heavenly Father loves you so much that He will take the time to bring correction into your life when needed?
2. If you have been corrected by God you have a personal testimony do you not of the joy that follows the correction?
3. Doesn't it make sense to let the one who knows everything have His way with us in this matter of correction?
4. Isn't it true that though He wounds, He also bandages, and though He strikes, He also heals with His hands?
A prayer:
Father who do we have in heaven that is like You? No one. Who do we have anywhere here on earth like You? No one.
You alone are God, and You alone have all the wisdom, and all the power and love to bring correction into our lives.
Father we want to be those that do not despise, but welcome Your correction.
And, we want to say thank You for all the correction that You have brought into our lives over the years.
We love You Lord God. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Job 4:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
Job 4:18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole.
Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:
The Book of Job is believed to be the oldest book in the Bible.
It's a story of how God allowed a man's faith to be tested to the limit.
And, Job passed the test, and in the end was blessed more than before.
We are simply going to look at 2 verses which deal with the blessing of God in our lives as He corrects us.
1. Happiness is found in the man whom God corrects.
Job 4:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
God actually will bring joy in to our lives through His correction.
It sounds odd to think that, but it's true.
It's not joyful when we are being chastened, but it yields joy if we yield to God through the process.
Chastening means, correction, instruction, to be taught.
Sometimes we bring on the chastening ourselves, but there are other times where God is the initiator.
He does so to help us learn, grow and mature in our walk with Him.
2. We are instructed not to despise the chastening of God.
Job 4:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.
To despise means, to reject, abhor, become loathsome, refuse.
It's not easy to accept correction.
God knows that it's not easy.
And perhaps this is why we are instructed not to despise His correction.
3. Chastening is not pleasant to go through, but God binds us up, He wounds, but His hands make whole.
Job 4:18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole.
This is very informative.
While the chanting is not pleasant, we are told what God will do for us through it.
He will bind us up.
He may wound us through the chanting, but He follows it up by binding us up.
It's through His hands working in our lives that we are made whole, and put on the right path.
Some questions:
1. Have you ever taken the time to think about the fact that Your heavenly Father loves you so much that He will take the time to bring correction into your life when needed?
2. If you have been corrected by God you have a personal testimony do you not of the joy that follows the correction?
3. Doesn't it make sense to let the one who knows everything have His way with us in this matter of correction?
4. Isn't it true that though He wounds, He also bandages, and though He strikes, He also heals with His hands?
A prayer:
Father who do we have in heaven that is like You? No one. Who do we have anywhere here on earth like You? No one.
You alone are God, and You alone have all the wisdom, and all the power and love to bring correction into our lives.
Father we want to be those that do not despise, but welcome Your correction.
And, we want to say thank You for all the correction that You have brought into our lives over the years.
We love You Lord God. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, August 21, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE LORD DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE LORD DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE"
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, explanation, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm of David deals with two truths about God. It reveals to us how God deals with the wicked and with His own people.
The wicked act without knowing that God sees them, and that God will one day act towards them.
The righteous can take comfort in knowing that God is aware of them ( in their plight and difficulties ) and that He will ultimately deliver them. We see in this Psalm, "The ways of the Lord" In particular the ways of the LORD towards His own people.
1. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
God orders or directs the steps of a good man.
How true it is that we are not always aware in the moment of Gods directing our steps.
But, later on down the road as we look back we may be able to see very clearly how He was directing
Sometimes we are more conscious of His direction, when we hear HIm speaking to us and directing us right from His Word.
Thus one of the benefits of being in the Word regularly, is that you place yourself in a position when God can clearly speak to you, and you can be very aware that He is speaking to you.
2. The LORD delights in the way of a good man.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Here we see that every detail of our lives is of interest to the Lord.
He takes delight in every single detail of our lives.
We are His children, and he cares more than we can imagine.
The word delights means, to take pleasure in, be pleased with.
So that's what He does.
He takes great pleasure in all aspects of our lives.
3. Though a good man fall, he will not be utterly cast down.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
This is a very comforting truth.
The fact is that we do fall.
What man is there that does not sin.
But when we do fall, or sin, we are told here that we will not be utterly cast down.
We do and will stumble, and we will fall.
But that is not the end of the story.
We are in the hands of God.
4. The LORD will uphold him with His hand.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
This verse ends the thought and the truth for us of how God acts towards us when we do fall and stumble.
Here's what the Lord does for His people.
He upholds them with His hand.
Or He holds them by the hand.
Just as a parent would take hold of and keep holding the hand of their child, the Lord does not let go of us.
He holds our hands.
Questions:
1. Does it ever seem to You that God is not really there?
2. Haven't we all had those times, wondering where the Lord is?
3. But isn't it also true that God's Word tells us exactly where He is?
4. And isn't it true that God's Word tells us what God is doing in our lives?
A prayer:
Father, as we are in this day of our lives, a day that You have given us life and breath, we want to say thank You for Your exquisite and precise consistent never ending care for us. Who but You could care so much for us, and who but You has the capacity to exercise such loving and powerful and meaningful care for His children. Thank you Father in Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, explanation, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm of David deals with two truths about God. It reveals to us how God deals with the wicked and with His own people.
The wicked act without knowing that God sees them, and that God will one day act towards them.
The righteous can take comfort in knowing that God is aware of them ( in their plight and difficulties ) and that He will ultimately deliver them. We see in this Psalm, "The ways of the Lord" In particular the ways of the LORD towards His own people.
1. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
God orders or directs the steps of a good man.
How true it is that we are not always aware in the moment of Gods directing our steps.
But, later on down the road as we look back we may be able to see very clearly how He was directing
Sometimes we are more conscious of His direction, when we hear HIm speaking to us and directing us right from His Word.
Thus one of the benefits of being in the Word regularly, is that you place yourself in a position when God can clearly speak to you, and you can be very aware that He is speaking to you.
2. The LORD delights in the way of a good man.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.
Here we see that every detail of our lives is of interest to the Lord.
He takes delight in every single detail of our lives.
We are His children, and he cares more than we can imagine.
The word delights means, to take pleasure in, be pleased with.
So that's what He does.
He takes great pleasure in all aspects of our lives.
3. Though a good man fall, he will not be utterly cast down.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
This is a very comforting truth.
The fact is that we do fall.
What man is there that does not sin.
But when we do fall, or sin, we are told here that we will not be utterly cast down.
We do and will stumble, and we will fall.
But that is not the end of the story.
We are in the hands of God.
4. The LORD will uphold him with His hand.
Psalm 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
This verse ends the thought and the truth for us of how God acts towards us when we do fall and stumble.
Here's what the Lord does for His people.
He upholds them with His hand.
Or He holds them by the hand.
Just as a parent would take hold of and keep holding the hand of their child, the Lord does not let go of us.
He holds our hands.
Questions:
1. Does it ever seem to You that God is not really there?
2. Haven't we all had those times, wondering where the Lord is?
3. But isn't it also true that God's Word tells us exactly where He is?
4. And isn't it true that God's Word tells us what God is doing in our lives?
A prayer:
Father, as we are in this day of our lives, a day that You have given us life and breath, we want to say thank You for Your exquisite and precise consistent never ending care for us. Who but You could care so much for us, and who but You has the capacity to exercise such loving and powerful and meaningful care for His children. Thank you Father in Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FUTURE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FUTURE"
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
This Psalm, is simply called, "A Psalm of David" But, it's more than something simple.
It's chock full of truth.
Truth about God, about man, about grace, about sin, and about the ways of the Lord and the ways of man
It tells us of how the Lord acts towards people and what the future holds for people.
1. Sadly their are evildoers, and they shall be cut off.
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
Evildoers exist because of sin. We were all born sinners but we all do not have to remain in that state.
We can be born again, forgiven of our sins, and made children of God, heirs of God, and citizens of heaven.
And, we can look forward to spending eternity with God.
But, for those who refuse Christ, and insist on having their own way, the future is a far different picture.
They shall be cut off.
Cut off means that they will not enter heaven, but will stand before the Great White Throne Judgement of God and then consigned to the Lake of fire forever and ever.
This is what the future holds for evildoers.
2. Happily there are those who wait on the LORD, and they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
But for those who have come to faith, trusted in Christ to save them, and have been saved from and forgiven of their sin, the future is glorious.
Notice what it says awaits those who wait or trust in the Lord. "The shall inherit the earth" This is speaking of our reigning and ruling with Christ during his 2nd coming back to earth for 1000 years, and inheriting the new earth that God will prepare for his people.
We as sinners, evildoers have had a terrible past, but in coming the cross we have been changed by God and have entered into His family, and enjoy the rich hope of the most glorious future available to any human being.
Some questions:
1. Have you personally come to Christ for salvation?
2. If you have not will you please today, turn from your sins, and place your faith in Christ?
3. Will you ask God to reveal His mercy, grace and love to You?
4. Do you know that God will take no pleasure if you die in your sins?
5. And do you know that there will be joy in heaven if you repent of your sins and come to Christ?
A prayer:
Father there are two roads. A narrow and a wide. We were all on the wide one leading to destruction, but You met us along the way and said, turn in here, turn and come onto this narrow road that leads to heaven. Oh Lord whom do we have in heaven but You to thank.
If it were not for Your mercies we would still be perishing. But now we are being saved. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:
This Psalm, is simply called, "A Psalm of David" But, it's more than something simple.
It's chock full of truth.
Truth about God, about man, about grace, about sin, and about the ways of the Lord and the ways of man
It tells us of how the Lord acts towards people and what the future holds for people.
1. Sadly their are evildoers, and they shall be cut off.
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
Evildoers exist because of sin. We were all born sinners but we all do not have to remain in that state.
We can be born again, forgiven of our sins, and made children of God, heirs of God, and citizens of heaven.
And, we can look forward to spending eternity with God.
But, for those who refuse Christ, and insist on having their own way, the future is a far different picture.
They shall be cut off.
Cut off means that they will not enter heaven, but will stand before the Great White Throne Judgement of God and then consigned to the Lake of fire forever and ever.
This is what the future holds for evildoers.
2. Happily there are those who wait on the LORD, and they shall inherit the earth.
Psalm 37:9 For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth.
But for those who have come to faith, trusted in Christ to save them, and have been saved from and forgiven of their sin, the future is glorious.
Notice what it says awaits those who wait or trust in the Lord. "The shall inherit the earth" This is speaking of our reigning and ruling with Christ during his 2nd coming back to earth for 1000 years, and inheriting the new earth that God will prepare for his people.
We as sinners, evildoers have had a terrible past, but in coming the cross we have been changed by God and have entered into His family, and enjoy the rich hope of the most glorious future available to any human being.
Some questions:
1. Have you personally come to Christ for salvation?
2. If you have not will you please today, turn from your sins, and place your faith in Christ?
3. Will you ask God to reveal His mercy, grace and love to You?
4. Do you know that God will take no pleasure if you die in your sins?
5. And do you know that there will be joy in heaven if you repent of your sins and come to Christ?
A prayer:
Father there are two roads. A narrow and a wide. We were all on the wide one leading to destruction, but You met us along the way and said, turn in here, turn and come onto this narrow road that leads to heaven. Oh Lord whom do we have in heaven but You to thank.
If it were not for Your mercies we would still be perishing. But now we are being saved. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT LIFE AND LIGHT"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT LIFE AND LIGHT"
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm, Psalm 36, is called, "A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord"
In this Psalm, David covers the alphabet of life as it were.
From the terrors that we encounter as we serve God to the deliverance in the midst of those terrors, to the praise that fills our hearts as we see the wonderful faithfulness of God.
Let's just look at one simple but significant verse today. In this verse there are two important truths told us about God.
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
1. "For with You is the fountain of life"
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life;
Here we are told what is with God.
And what is with God is not found anywhere else except with or in God.
It's called the fountain of life.
What a great visual this is for us. A fountain that gives life.
Who does not love a fountain?
But, when have you ever seen one that gives life?
You have in Jesus Christ.
He is the way the truth and the life.
John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
We were in death, dead in our sins and trespasses, but God who is rich in mercy, even when we were dead in our sins, has made us alive together with Christ, for by grace we have been saved.
If you have Jesus you have life1st John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1st John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
2. In Your light we see light.
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
This second truth about Jesus is that He is light.
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 9:5 “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
In the Bible "light" means truth. Jesus is the truth as compared to that which is not, or compared to the lies of the father of lies the devil.
But there is something more here.
The verse says that "In Your light we see light"
What does this mean?
It seems to mean, that as we look at Jesus ( who is the truth ) we see more truth.
Jesus is eternal.
There is not end to Him.
We can never fathom all the truth that He is.
We will enjoy forever seeing the truth, more and more.
But down here, we can learn and grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Questions:
1. What questions do you have for God right now?
2. Have you considered asking Him for the answers?
3. Do you know He promises to answer you and give you wisdom?
4. But, do you now that He wants You to have faith in Him, and not be double-minded.?
A prayer:
Father thank You for life and thank You for life. They both are ours's as believers. And, they both have come from You to us by grace, through faith. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:
This Psalm, Psalm 36, is called, "A Psalm of David, the servant of the Lord"
In this Psalm, David covers the alphabet of life as it were.
From the terrors that we encounter as we serve God to the deliverance in the midst of those terrors, to the praise that fills our hearts as we see the wonderful faithfulness of God.
Let's just look at one simple but significant verse today. In this verse there are two important truths told us about God.
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
1. "For with You is the fountain of life"
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life;
Here we are told what is with God.
And what is with God is not found anywhere else except with or in God.
It's called the fountain of life.
What a great visual this is for us. A fountain that gives life.
Who does not love a fountain?
But, when have you ever seen one that gives life?
You have in Jesus Christ.
He is the way the truth and the life.
John 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
We were in death, dead in our sins and trespasses, but God who is rich in mercy, even when we were dead in our sins, has made us alive together with Christ, for by grace we have been saved.
If you have Jesus you have life1st John 5:11 And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1st John 5:12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
2. In Your light we see light.
Psalm 36:9 For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light.
This second truth about Jesus is that He is light.
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 9:5 “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
In the Bible "light" means truth. Jesus is the truth as compared to that which is not, or compared to the lies of the father of lies the devil.
But there is something more here.
The verse says that "In Your light we see light"
What does this mean?
It seems to mean, that as we look at Jesus ( who is the truth ) we see more truth.
Jesus is eternal.
There is not end to Him.
We can never fathom all the truth that He is.
We will enjoy forever seeing the truth, more and more.
But down here, we can learn and grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Questions:
1. What questions do you have for God right now?
2. Have you considered asking Him for the answers?
3. Do you know He promises to answer you and give you wisdom?
4. But, do you now that He wants You to have faith in Him, and not be double-minded.?
A prayer:
Father thank You for life and thank You for life. They both are ours's as believers. And, they both have come from You to us by grace, through faith. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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