"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRUE CONDITION OF THE UNSAVED PERSON"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRUE CONDITION OF THE UNSAVED PERSON"

2nd Corinthians 4:4 Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

Paul is explaining the ministry, and in so doing gives us very important insight into the true condition of the unsaved.
In this verse we learn what they are, and why they are the way they are, and what the goal of Satan is in their lives. May this truth help us to have compassion for the lost, and to know how to pray for them.

1. The unsaved man's mind has been blinded.
2nd Corinthians 4:4 Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Normally we think of blindness as being associated with the eyes, but here Paul says their hearts are blinded.
They are unable to see from, and with, their hearts what you and I can see who have already come to faith in Jesus Christ.
They are said to be "who do not believe”. That is their condition, they do not believe. They are unsaved because they have not believed.

2. The unsaved man's mind has been blinded with a purpose.
2nd Corinthians 4:4 Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Please notice who blinded them and why they are blinded.
2nd Corinthians 4:4 Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

They are blind because the "god of this age”, who is Satan, has blinded them. We are not given much more explanation in the Bible about how he did this, and or how he does it, but he does. He blinds their hearts.

The reason he blinds their hearts is to prevent the light of the gospel, or the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ, from being seen and understood by them.

In order for a person to be saved they must come to an understanding of the gospel and they must believe. Satan makes every effort he can to keep them from seeing, so that they will not have the gospel to believe in.

This verse helps us to see just how perverse and evil Satan is. He is the ultimate spiritual terrorist, and he is actively on the loose doing his work in the lives of the unsaved.

3. The unsaved man's soul can be saved by the light of the gospel shinning into their hearts and believing in Christ.
2nd Corinthians 4:4 Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

God, and God alone can remove the blindness of a man's soul. God uses prayer and preaching to bring about this ability to see.
He also brings conviction into the hearts of the unsaved.
He brings them to a point where they are convinced that the gospel is the truth they need in order to be saved from their sin, and the coming eternal judgement of God upon them.

May we be encouraged to never give up praying for a lost person. As long as they are alive they stand a chance to have the blindness removed, and for the first time be able to see the truth as it is in Jesus Christ.

Once they see the truth about Jesus, they need to turn to Him, believe in Him, and receive Him, and they will be saved.

Here's how this verse reads in the NLT:
2nd Corinthians 4:4 Satan, the god of this evil world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe, so they are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News that is shining upon them. They don’t understand the message we preach about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

One thing God does is set our hearts to praying for the lost.
Let's not only pray but believe God to save the lost.
There are lost people in our lives.
They can become saved souls.

Questions:

1. How many people right off the top of you mind do you come in contact with daily that are potential believers?

2. How many people in our own church do you think are not yet saved?

3. Do you realize that you were once blinded by Satan?

4. And, together we can thank God that He has opened our eyes to the truth and led us to repentance by His goodness.

5. Will you try to pray regularly for the people in your own church (even if you don't know who they are) to be saved?

6. Do you believe that God wants them to come to repentance and be saved?

7. God hears prayers. Let's be a praying people who don't give up on praying for lost family members, church members, co-workers, friends and neighbors.

A Prayer:

Father, right now, in this very minute, we want to pray for the lost in those categories we have just mentioned. Tomorrow is Sunday, and we will be gathering together to worship You, and perhaps sitting next to us, in front of us, behind us, or several chairs away from where we are sitting. Imagine for just a moment their true condition. They can't see the truth. You can, but they can't. Lord, bring an awakening to our churches, and to the lost in them. Bring an awakening to the saved in our churches who have fallen asleep spiritually, and are sleep walking through life, unaware of what they are doing and what is truly going on around them. Jesus, You have all authority and power in heaven and earth vested in You. Move amongst us, Lord, as only You can do. Save the lost, awaken the sleepers.
And as someone once said about the role of the minister, “he is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable”. May it be so, Lord, may it be so. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SOWING AND REAPING"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SOWING AND REAPING"

Proverbs 22:8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.

Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

The Book of Proverbs is God's Book to us, and for us, so that we may have God's wisdom in the practical day to day matters of life.
Literally, there is almost no part of life that is not dealt with in these 31 chapters.
In these two verses, we learn something about what has been called the Law of Sowing and Reaping. In these verses the law, or principle, is connected to the sowing of iniquity of sin, and what one will reap. And, it's connected to the sowing of care for others, being generous in helping others, and the reaping that will take place.

1. There is a principle God has built into life, and we call it Sowing and Reaping.
Paul states this principle clearly in Galatians 6:7-8

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Paul tells us not to be deceived about all this. God will not be mocked. In other words, man is accountable to God in heaven for his actions here below on earth. The principle is simple, and God ensures that this principle is active in life. “For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap”.

The two verses in Proverbs are specific examples of this principle. Two types of sowing and two types of reaping.

2. A man can choose to sow iniquity or live in sin, and he will reap two things.

Proverbs 22:8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.

Here's how this reads in the NLT:
Proverbs 22:8 Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end.

If a man lives in an unjust way, he is planting seeds as he goes.
God tells us that a harvest will come from those seeds.
The harvest will be one of disaster and terror.
And that one day this man's life of sowing injustice will come to an end.

3. Or a man can choose to sow generously, investing in helping others, and he will also reap.

Proverbs 22:9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.

This is now the contrast, the other way a man can live or sow as he goes through life.
He can be a man whose life is marked by generosity.
He is said to have a generous eye, or heart.
And that if he is generous he will be blessed.
His generosity is expressed in helping the poor.

Again in the NLT it reads:
Proverbs 22:9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.

How interesting that man wants to keep what he has, but in doing so, he does not find satisfaction.
But on the other hand, if he is caring for others who are in need, he will find himself being blessed.
God has made life to be this way.

Life is more than food and drink, says the Lord.
Life is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 14)

Some Questions:

1. Have you had enough experience in life to know the truthfulness of this principle?

2. Have you experienced the emptiness that comes from living a life of iniquity, or sowing iniquity?

3. And, have you experienced the blessing of sowing generously into the lives of other people?

4. God has given us an example to follow. He did not sow iniquity into this world, but rather love as shown by sending Jesus to die on the cross for us. Look what He has reaped, multitudes of children adopted into His family. We who believe are some of them, and we have been made part of an eternal family, all because of God's generosity and grace towards us.

A Prayer:

Father, Your Word is our daily bread. You feed us the truth that renews our minds and gives us a clear path to walk down. You show us what to avoid and what to pursue. You want to bless our lives, it's Your good pleasure to give us the kingdom. You tell us not to be afraid.
You encourage us sow to righteousness while we live here on this earth, waiting to be with You in heaven. It's then that we will reap the greatest blessing of all. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ENCOURAGING YOURSELF IN THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ENCOURAGING YOURSELF IN THE LORD"

Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

As with many of the Psalms this is another one where David is have a very challenging and painful time in his life and ministry.
He expresses the pain in his heart and twice in this Psalm he repeats the verse we are looking at. One of the times has a slight variation but the main point is the same. This is a tremendous prescription for a troubled soul.

1. David spoke to himself about his own soul.
Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

Please notice what David did here. This is a very helpful pattern and example for anyone who is troubled to consider applying in their own life. It's not complicated. It's very simple.
David was speaking to himself about the condition ( which was that his soul was cast down and disquieted )

2. David asked himself two different questions about his own soul.
Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

In essence David was asking himself why he was do discouraged. And he was asking himself why he was so sad.
Believers down through the ages have found this approach helpful.
It really is slowing everything down and attempting to get focused on what is happening within yourself.
If you are troubled at this time in your life, may I suggest you try doing what David did, and see how God might help you.
You may also want to share this passage and Psalm with a friend who is troubled as well.

3. David then advised himself as to what to do.
Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

After having questioned himself, he than began telling himself what to do.
What he told himself is simple yet profound and yields great fruit.
He told himself to "hope in God" Or to "put his hope in God"

Who can deny that this is undeniably a win win situation.
The Bible encourages us to put our hope in God.
Psalm 40:4 Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

4. Finally, David expressed faith that God wast going to help him in his trouble.
Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

So after have questioned himself, and after having advised himself about trusting in God, David expresses his faith and hope as to what was going to happen.
He knew that beyond his current troubles that he would eventually be praising God.
And he described God as "The help of my countenance and my God"
David regarded God as his Savior and his God personally.

Some questions:

1. Are you in a time of trouble at this time?

2. Have you ever read this Psalm and this verse before?

3. If you have read it before, have you ever really given it any serious thought and consideration as a good example to follow.?

4. Isn't it encouraging to know that when we trust God and put our hope in God that we reap the benefits?

A prayer:

Father You have not hidden from us the realities of life in the people of the Bible. Even King David had his share of troubles.
Thank You for the examples we have to look at, and the lessons we an learn and apply in our own lives.
We pray for ourselves if we are troubled, and we pray for all those in our own church family who may be troubled, that You would lead them to put their hope and trust in You. Help them Lord to look away from their troubles and look intently and consistently at You.
In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO BEING TRIED BY GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO BEING TRIED BY GOD"

Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

In this as with most sections of Job, Job was simply expressing what was on his heart regarding the tremendous fiery trial he was going through. Also many of the things he said were in response to the so called wisdom that his 3 friends were giving him.
They consistently told him that his problems had to be because of some sin in his life. And, in Job's case this was not the case as it's often not the case with God's people. They could be being attacked as here by the devil, God could simply be allowing a trial to mature and teach His child. Whatever the case may be, what we have in this verse is the expression of faith by a man who was being severely tested.

1. God knows the way that we take.
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job understood that God understood exactly what was happening in his life. God knew where Job was going.
And so it is with all of us who are in God's Family.
God knows each and every detail, down to the very hairs on our head.
So in the midst of this fiery trial, Job expressed his faith in God.
Job knew that the trial did not in any way change the unchanging reality that God was with Him, and knew Him intimately.
And so it is with you my dear brother or sister in Christ, God is with you also.

2. God tests us, and there will come a conclusion to the test.
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job also understood ( as best he could ) that what had happened to him, and what was happening to him was a trial, or a testing of his faith.
Additionally Job understood that trials are like seasons, they come and then they go.
So Job was looking ahead as it were to the fact that the trial he was in would come to end.
And this is exactly what happens to all of us in Christ.
We are in a trial and the trial will be over at some time in the future.

3. God will refine those He tests, and they will come forth as gold ( refined and purified gold )
Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Here Job expresses more than just knowing he was in a trial.
He explains what he knew was going to happen to him through this trial.
He knew what God would do in his life through the means of this trial.
Job was looking ahead to the future, that time beyond the trial.

Job knew that God was refining him, purifying his life, and he likened what he would become to what happens to gold when it is heated up and the result being a pure gold. The dross is removed and the gold is now minus the dross, and is of purer type.
This is precisely what happens to God's children who trust Him through the trials He allows us to go through.
God refines our faith and consequently changes our lives, matures us, makes us stronger etc, etc.

Some questions:

1. What did you think when you read this verse today?

2. What was the first thought that came to your mind?

3. Were you thinking back to trials you have been through and were saying, "amen" that is what happened to me also?

4. Did this verse give you hope if you are the middle of a trial?

5. Will you believe the truth of this verse today and find the comfort of God in so doing?

A prayer:

Father we will one day meet Job personally and be able to talk to him. Now we only know him through the pages of Your wonderful Word.
We had even heard his name before we were christians in many cases. We know him as a man that suffered so greatly.
And Father we know him as a man who hung in there throughout his ordeal and came out on the other side more blessed than he could have ever imagined. There are many of us who can testify to that in our lives as well.
For Your faithfulness we say "Thank You Lord" And we want You to know what great blessings we receive from Your Word.
In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING AND COMFORT"

"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

"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

"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.

"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

"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

"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

"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.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS SECOND COMING"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS SECOND COMING"

1st Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:

Paul was not writing about the 2nd Coming of Christ, though he certainly mentions it.
He was actually writing about the ordinance of taking communion, or the Lord's supper.
There was a lot of disorder and lack of respectful worship taking place in the Corinthian Church, and even during the time of celebrating the Lord's supper there were some very ungodly things taking place. So, Paul was writing to bring correction to them about these problems.
But in doing so, he happens to mention in 11:26 this astounding and wonderful truth. Jesus is coming back once again to the earth.
And, we are to celebrate what He did for us on the cross by taking communion, and keep celebrating it, right up till the time of His 2nd Coming. So in that sense the Lord's supper is a good reminder, Jesus is coming again someday.

1. We can celebrate what Jesus did as often as we like to.
1st Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

There is no Biblical prescription for how often we are to celebrate the Lord's supper. It's really an individual matter for us personally, and also for the church leadership to determine as they feel led by the Holy Spirit.

Each time we do observe it though, we are looking back to the cross where Jesus died in our place, paying the full payment for our sins.
It's interesting that the Lord has given us this ordinance to celebrate, because it does help us remember what He did for us.
It actually focuses us very specifically on what He did for us.
He died in our place, He took our punishment when He deserved none.

2. We are celebrating the Lord's death on the cross for our sins when we take the Lord's supper.
1st Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Imagine that God wants us to be mindful on a regular basis of what He has done for us.
He certainly knows that we can have our minds so crowded out with so many things, that we can in a sense forget what He did for us.

So, knowing our tendency to forget and become so filled with so many other thoughts, He helps us by having us pause to simply remember what He did for us.

He is reminding us of the greatest act ever accomplished for mankind.
Without Christ shedding His blood for us we would not have a way to get to heaven.

3. We look back to the cross, but in doing so, we are instructed to look forward to the 2nd Coming.
1st Corinthians 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The communion service is a double blessing as it were. We not only look back, but we look forward.
Each look is focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ.

We look back to the cross.
We look forward to the clouds parting and Jesus descending to the earth once again.

The cross and the clouds.
The next time we see a cloud, which of course we see every day, may God remind us that Jesus is going to one day descend right through the clouds and make His return to the earth.

Questions:

1. Isn't it a blessing that God wants us to remember these two most glorious truths?

2. Isn't it wonderful that God understands our human weakness and frailty to forget?

3. Isn't it a blessing that He has given us these practical means to remember His Son?

4. God says, look back, and look forward. Thank You Lord.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for sending Jesus. Holy Spirit we pray that You would teach us more about His wonderful name.
We also pray that our lives would be supremely focused upon Jesus. That may sound like a lot to ask, but not for You. You can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. May we be found day by day, "looking unto Jesus" In His name we pray, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HAVING A BLESSED LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HAVING A BLESSED LIFE"

Psalm 34:12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:

In these three verses the Lord gives us simple but profound and powerful truths that lead to a happy or blessed life.

1. Who does not want to have a blessed life?
Psalm 34:12 Who is the man who desires life, And loves many days, that he may see good?

The question is asked, "Who is the man who desires life, etc, etc?
The answer is "everyone"
Have you ever met anyone that would say no to this question?
Most every human being wants to enjoy life and have blessed and happy life.
The blessed life is described as "many days" and "that he may see good"

2. Here are the ways of living that lead to a blessed life.
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Psalm 34:14 Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

The Lord tells us here what not to have in our lives, and what to have in our lives.

First of all, if we want to be blessed, than we are to keep our tongue from evil and our lips from speaking deceit.
So, it starts with our speech.
And, our speech is connected with our heart.
What is in our heart will come out of our mouths.
We need to put off the old ways of living.

Secondly, we are to depart from evil. Leave it, run away from it, have nothing to do with it.

Thirdly, we are to do good, or live in the way that is pleasing to the Lord and in keeping with His will.

Finally, we are to seek peace and pursue it.
That would be peace with God, and peace with man.
To live at peace, not unrest and trouble.
We can do this by Loving God and Loving one another.

Questions:

1. Are you seeking to have a blessed life?

2. Do you know that the way to a blessed life is found right in these few short verses?

3. Will you place your faith in God and ask Him to help you, giving you strength, grace and wisdom to walk in His ways?

A prayer:

Father we appreciate the fact that while life itself can be complicated, Your Word and Your ways are not. You lay Your will out for us in plain and easy to understand terms. It's Your good pleasure to give us the kingdom, and to bless our lives. It's up to us to trust You and respond to Your Word. Help us in both of those actions Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE SCOFFER, THE WISE AND THE WICKED"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE SCOFFER, THE WISE AND THE WICKED"

Proverbs 21:11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
Proverbs 21:12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, statements, and a prayer:

Proverbs has been given to us as God's book of wisdom. In it we learn how to walk through life, learning how to have wisdom, and avoid being foolish. These 31 chapters are chock full of practical teaching for us about life. Today's passages deal with three kinds of people.
The scoffer, the wise person, and the wicked person.

1. Scoffer's wind up being punished, but the simple is made wise
Scoffers are mockers. They talk arrogantly, they boast, they deride. A scoffer is an inflated person, it means to show oneself as a mocker. To deride, and to scorn.
The Bible says this type of person will be punished. They will experience punishment for being scoffers, that's just what happens to them.
And, when they are punished one benefit is that "the simple is made wise"
Sometimes it takes someone being punished for a simple man to to truly learn.
Proverbs 19:29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

2. But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
On the other hand, this person, the wise person can be instructed, and in his being instructed he receives knowledge.
In other words he learns from instruction.
The scoffer is punished.
The wise man is instructed.
Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.

3. The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.
This verse is telling us that God who is righteous know what is taking place in the homes of the wicked.
Nothing is hidden from His eyes.
And, eventually God will bring disaster upon the wicked.
Proverbs 5:22 His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, And he is caught in the cords of his sin.

Some questions/statements:

1. Isn't it true that we make our own choices and we also reap the consequences of those choices?

2. And, isn't it true that God is calling out to us everyday to allow Him to lead and guide us in His ways?

3. What a blessing to know that we can make choices that yield blessed results and consequences in our lives.

4. Men may think they can hide their sins from God and get away with their wicked deeds, but that's not true.

5. God does not punish men immediately, and this leads man to think that he is getting away with his sins.

6. One day, God will make all things right, it will be in His time and His way.

7. A wise man once told me comforting words. "God, Time, and Truth. Rest in these my friend"

A prayer:

Father, You have given us 31 entire chapters with extreme detail of how to live our lives day by day with Your wisdom. And, by following Your ways, we can avoid so much trouble that we could otherwise bring upon ourselves. Thank You for forgiving us of our sins. And, we pray that You lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. And, help us Lord to learn Your wisdom from what we see going on around us day by day. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD"

Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,
Psalm 33:19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.
Psalm 33:22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.

Some introductory thoughts, explanations, application, and some questions:

As with most Psalm's, this was written by none other than a man we will meet in heaven on day. A man after God's own heart, a man who was a shepherd boy chosen by God to be the king of Israel. There are some wonderful and encouraging truths about the blessings that come into the lives of those who wait on the Lord. Throughout the Psalm, David is contrasting the futility of trusting in man rather than God. May God bless this truth to our souls.

1. God's eye is upon those who fear Him, and on those who hope in His mercy.
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope in His mercy,

Here we are told who God's eye is upon. It's upon those who respect Him, and upon those who hope in His mercy, or hope in Jesus Christ who is the mercy of God.
He is our heavenly father, and we are his beloved children.
How He loves us.
He keeps His eye upon us because of that love and our relationship to Him.
He is looking at you this very moment.

2. God delivers his people from death, and keeps them alive in times of famine.
Psalm 33:19 To deliver their soul from death, And to keep them alive in famine.

Here we have two promises from God.
He delivers His people from death.
And, He keeps them alive during times of famine.

God cannot lie, so we know these promises are true, and can be believed with all of our hearts.
We will never be separated from Him, and He will never be separated from us.
He will always deliver us, and He will always provide for us even in the most difficult of times.

3. God's people can wait on the LORD, because He is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.

This verse now speaks of what we ought to do.
And, it tells us why we ought to do them.

God's people wait on Him, or believe Him, trust Him, expect Him to do as He has promised.
The reason we can wait on Him, is because He is our help and our shield.
How wonderful to see that God really takes care of His people, helping them, and shielding them.
We could never do these things for ourselves, that's why God wants us to trust Him, He can do them.

4. God's people shall rejoice in Him, because they have trusted in His Holy name.
Psalm 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name.

This is speaking of what we will do.
In fact we already do it.
But one day we shall do it like never before.
That time is when we get to heaven.
My how we will praise Him.

5. God's people can pray for His mercy to be upon them, as they hope in Him.
Psalm 33:22 Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You.

This is a prayer.
It's a prayer that is conditional.

The prayer is for His mercy.
The condition is "just as we hope in You"

God's mercy means we do not receive what we deserve.
And, as we hope in God, or actively believe Him, we find ourselves experiencing the richness of His mercy.

Some questions:

1. Isn't it a blessing to realize that right at this very moment, God is looking at you through eyes of love and mercy?

2. And isn't it a tremendous promise that He has and will deliver our souls from death. We are no longer separated from Him.

3. Do you know that God invites you to wait on Him, because He wants to help you and be your shield?

4. Try for a moment to think about how you will praise God when we first see Him face to face?

5. And isn't it great to know we can pray for His mercy and that we can hope in Him?

A prayer:

Father, Your Psalms are such a blessing to us. They lift us up, they comfort us, they instruct us, they bless us more than we can imagine. Thank You for giving us 150 of them. We believe that more people read the Psalms than any other book in the Bible. Lord the Psalms are one of our most favorite books in the Bible. They never cease to encourage us. And, may You help us Lord to be those that pass on Your encouragement to others. We love You.
In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS BY OUR LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS BY OUR LORD"

Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
Psalm 32:3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long.
Psalm 32:4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

This Psalm is called a Psalm of contemplation by King David. It's what he wrote after he had finally acknowledged his sins of adultery, lying, and murder. He speaks of the blessing of forgiveness, and the horridness of walking in unconfessed sin for well over a year, about 1 1/2 years to be exact.

1. God's blessing comes to His people through forgiveness.
Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:2 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Blessed means, "Oh how happy". And that's what happens when God forgives our sins. Happiness comes back into our lives.
God forgives, God covers our sins, God removes our sins. And, God does not hold us accountable any longer for them.
And when a man or women confesses their sins to God, they are also no longer being deceitful. And that is a blessing in and of itself.

2. God's blessing is absent from our lives until our sins are confessed to Him.
Psalm 32:3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long.
Psalm 32:4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah

When David did not confess his sins, it affected as described in the two verses directly above.
His bones grew old, he was groaning all day long on the inside.
God's hand was heavy upon David.
David's vitality was turned to the drought of summer.

3. God is sure to forgive anyone who will take responsibility for their sin, and that is something to really think about.
Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

Finally, David confessed his sins. God used a friend, a prophet named Nathan to confront David, and David took full responsibility for his sins.
He was no longer hiding it from God.
He agreed with God, that he had sinned.
And, here's the blessing, God forgave him of all of his sin.

Questions:

1. Have you had David's experience of walking in unconfessed sin?

2. I would imagine there is not a christian alive who cannot relate to these realities.

3. Have you experienced the blessing of God's forgiveness?

4. Do you know that God loves you and will forgive you today if you come to Him?

A prayer:

Father thank You for this tremendous testimony of Your grace and mercy. We are all sinners who need Your forgiveness from time to time. Thank You for never turning us away, and always being ready to restore us.
We pray for ourselves where this is applicable and for friends or family who need forgiveness today.
Please come them in Your mercy, grace and love. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN DEALING WITH ENEMIES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN DEALING WITH ENEMIES"

Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”
Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions and a prayer:

As Nehemiah was doing the work of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, the enemies of Israel were consistently attacking him, and one of their primary ways of attack was through lies. Lies meant to discourage and intimidate Nehemiah.
In this case a letter ( one of many ) had been sent to Nehemiah making suggestions to him, that would have led him away from the work that God had put his hands to. These two verses represent Nehemiah's response and they give us some principles and truths to bear in mind when dealing with our own enemies.

1. One thing about God's enemies is that they tell lies.
Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”

Many accusations were being leveled against Nehemiah. Nehemiah knew they were not true. And Nehemiah came right out and said so. Neh 6:8b “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”
God's enemies are liars plain and simple.
They are led by a liar Satan who is the father of lies.
Satan cannot tell the truth, and thus he tells lies.
God is true, His Son is the truth, and the truth can be found in Jesus Christ and in the Holy Bible.

2. The lies of God's enemies are not only not true, but they are invented in their own hearts.
Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent to him, saying, “No such things as you say are being done, but you invent them in your own heart.”

Please notice what is said about the origin of the lies. "But you invent them in your own heart"
Lies are not facts, they are made up statements that are not true.
The lies originate in the hearts of God's enemies.

God does not invent anything.
He does not invent truth.
He is truth.
And He tells us the truth in the Bible.

3. The lies of God's enemies are designed to make God's people afraid, and to discourage them from doing the work at hand.
Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

The enemy wants to stop you dead in your tracks in your relationship and service to God.
He does not want the work of God to take place in your life, or in the life of the general body of Christ through you.
Make no mistake about it, you play an important role in the body, as you serve the body you are helping to make it strong in love.

Satan likes to lie and through his lies to discourage God's people and make them afraid.
When you feel afraid, don't be afraid to admit it to God and ask Him to help you.

When You feel discouraged, tell the Lord about it, and ask Him to fill you with courage and He will.
And you will then be fearless and courageous in your walk, witness, and work for the Lord.

4. A good way to deal with the lies of the enemy is simply to pray as Nehemiah did, and ask the Lord to make you strong.
Nehemiah 6:9 For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

The enemies ways can become very complicated.
But God's prescription for us is very simple.
Pray.
That's what Nehemiah did, he prayed.

His prayer was simple.
It was directed towards God.
And, he asked God for one thing.
He asked God to "strengthen my hands"

You and I can do the same thing, and God will do the same thing, He will give you the strength you need to serve Him.

Some questions:

1. Do you have enemies who are bothering you at this time?

2. Are you busy doing the work of God at this time.?

3. Can you see how the enemy would like to make you afraid and discouraged?

4. Don't believe the enemies lies not even for a moment.

5. Will you do what Nehemiad did? He prayed. Will you pray and ask God for strength.

A prayer:

Father what a great little true story this is about Nehemiah. Thank You for giving it to us. It's so helpful to see how You helped Your people to deal with fear and discouragement. We pray for ourselves if we are afraid and we are discouraged that You would give us strength. And, we pray for the members of our own particular church body who may be being attacked, and ask that You would help them as well. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD"

Psalm 31:23 Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person.
Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

This Psalm was written by King David, it's a Psalm of lament. It's a Psalm where David first speaks to God in addressing his physical distress and danger. He asks the Lord to deliver him and to silence his enemies. He goes on to praise the Lord for delivering his own people. And encourages the Godly to love the Lord and be strong.

1. God's people ( His saints ) are encouraged to love God.
Psalm 31:23 Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints!

What a great bit of direction for us. To love the LORD. The word love here means friend, to like, it speaks of loving. And is used in the sense of our now having a God given appetite for God.

In fact to love God is the greatest commandment. The second is like the first, where we are to love our neighbors.
So, we are exhorted to love God. Jesus described loving God as including our obedience to Him.
This helps us to understand loving God. In part it means to obey Him, to hold Him in high regard.

The word saints means, those who have been set apart to God for His exclusive use and pleasure.

2. God is the one who preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.
Psalm 31:23 Oh, love the LORD, all you His saints! For the LORD preserves the faithful, And fully repays the proud person.

Here's how this reads in the NLT
Psalm 31:23b For the LORD protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes all who are arrogant.

We have this promise from the LORD to protect us, and He will also have vengeance on those who are proud and arrogant.

3. God's people are to be of good courage, and are promised that God will strengthen the hearts of all who trust in Him.
Psalm 31:24 Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

Here we are exhorted to be of good courage. Or to be strong and to take courage. We find our strength in God as we look to Him, and we can rise up and away from discouragement, and take the courage that comes from God.

Here is what the Lord said to Joshua as he was assuming the role of leading Israel and about to go into the promised land and fight the enemies of God. And what Joshua told the people towards the end of his life.

Joshua 1:7 “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
Joshua 23:6 “Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left,

The other thing we are told here, is that God will strengthen the hearts of those who put their trust in Him.
We are weak in and of ourselves. But God is strong in and of Himself. He is generous and loving, and wants to gives us the strength that we need.

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

Paul had learned that when he was weak, then God could make him strong.
The same applies to all of us who trust God. He will make us strong as we look to Him.

Questions:

1. Are you in a fog today spiritually?

2. Did you know that God regards you as a saint? He has set you apart for Himself.

3. Are you worried about making it all the way through whatever you are going through today?

4. Can you see in these verses that God promises to preserve the faithful ( the believers )

5. If you are discouraged God can replace it with courage, will You ask Him to give you courage now?

6. If you are experiencing weakness, you are in the right position for God's strength to fill you.

A prayer:

Father we can so identify with these expressions of David's. Though he was a king, he was a normal human being like we are.
Thank You for giving us these verses that help us to regain perspective and give us clear direction on what to do with ourselves. Help us O LORD to take Your Words to heart. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BEING IN CONTROL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD BEING IN CONTROL"

Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions, and a prayer:

The Book of Proverbs is God's book of wisdom for us. God tells us about how to live wisely as we go about our walk with Him day by day. There are warnings, there are encouragements, and there are comforts that lead to rest and peace. Such is this verse we are looking at today. What a comfort to know that God is in control of all things.

1. God has a hand if you will and everything is in it.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

When the Bible speaks of the "hand of the LORD" it is using language to help us understand something that is true about God.
The hand is normally what is used to control or effect something.
We use our hands from the moment we get up to proceed through our day.
We do things with our hands that make other things happen.

Well, God has hands also And He uses His hands to accomplish His will. He is in control of all things. He moves throughout the world second by second bringing to pass that which He wants to do.

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

2. God has the Kings heart in His hand.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Kings or those who are in authority, are also in the hand of the king. Or to put it another way, He is controlling those who are in control here on an earthly level.

We are to be subjection to those that God has placed over us, but there is someone who is over them. It's our God.
Our God is not in subjection to anyone.

Who is like our God, there is none like Him.
God is above all, and all is under His control.
Even the kings of the earth are in His hand and control.

3. God does what He wants to to through the kings heart that is in His hand.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Here's how this verse reads in the NLT
Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; he turns it wherever he pleases.

This is tremendous imagery. It gives us a visual picture in our minds eye of God's control of all things.
God actually brings about His will through those who are in authority.
God is in control.

And, for the Christian we also have this wonderfully comforting and encouraging verse.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Not only is He in control, but He is working all things together for our good.

Some questions:

1. Are you facing a situation where someone is going to make a decision that will effect you?

2. Is that person or persons in a position of authority over you?

3. Are you wondering, hoping, praying for a certain outcome?

4. May I encourage you to keep praying to the Lord.

5. Will you take comfort today that those persons in authority over you are actually under authority and may not even know.

6. God has a plan, and His plan is going to come through those that He has placed in authority. Be comforted.

A prayer:

Father, how comforting it is to know that we are not just under the control of men. But all men are under Your control.
And, You are working out Your plan in our lives. There is never a moment where we are not in Your sight and under Your caring watchful eye. There is no one who can override what You want to do. May we find great peace and comfort in this Lord.
In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TWO BLESSINGS THAT GOD GIVES TO HIS PEOPLE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TWO BLESSINGS THAT GOD GIVES TO HIS PEOPLE"

Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

Another great Psalm inspired by God, and given to us through King David. In this Psalm he talks about giving honor and glory to God. And he speaks of God's greatness and power over all things. In particular he speaks of how God works in nature. He ends the Psalm by speaking of God sitting as the sovereign over all. And then here in verse 11, he mentions two blessings that God gives to His people.

1. This is a promise that LORD will give blessings to His people.
Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

David is expressing what the LORD will do. In that sense it's a promise.
One of the wonderfully comforting truths about the LORD is that He cannot lie.
Another comforting truth about the LORD is that He is faithful or dependable.
Thus we have in this verse a promise from our truthful and faithful LORD.

2. The LORD will give strength to His people.
Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

The first blessing the LORD promises to give is strength.
The word strength means might.
And, it comes from a word meaning to prevail, to make firm.
Thus we know that our God the LORD will give us might, and enable us to prevail.
He can make our hearts firm as it were in our walks with Him.

3. The LORD will bless His people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Here's the second blessing the LORD gives His people.
He blesses us with peace.
Peace means peaceably, welfare, prosperity, health.
It carries the idea and is used to speak of completeness, soundness, safety quiet, tranquility, contentment

Paul addresses this blessing in Philippians 4 and Col 3

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

And, our Lord also spoke of peace in John 14

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Some questions and application:

1. Isn't it a blessing to know that the LORD gives these blessings to us?

2. Do you need strength and peace today?

3. He has promised to give them to you.

4. All you need to do is take a moment and ask Him for that strength and peace and have faith He will give it to you.

5. These two blessings are just a thimble full if you will of all the many, many blessing that God gives us, but these two are very needful on a daily basis, and especially in times of weakness and trouble.

A prayer:

Father, day by day we have thanksgiving that is in our hearts as we read Your Word and continue to be fed and to learn about You, and to enjoy the comfort we have from Your Word. In particular we would like to say thank You for promising to give us these two blessings. Strength and Peace. We pray for friends today who need these graces, and ask that You would flood them to overflowing with strength and peace. And may they have the sense that it's God who is at work in their lives.
In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FOUR THINGS GOD DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT FOUR THINGS GOD DOES FOR HIS PEOPLE"

Psalm 28:9 Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

This is of course another Psalm of David. It is like so many other Psalms, one in which David cries out to the Lord for help against his enemies. And in doing so, we learn much of a man who walked closely with God, and had learned to trust in God.
The Psalm starts with a cry for help, but ends in praise to God.

1. God will save His people.
Psalm 28:9 Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

Here is the first of the four blessings we have from our God. He will and does save His people.
The word save means, to be delivered, liberated be victorious
He not only saves us, but continues to save us, and will save us all the way to heaven.
Our God is a saving God.
He is your saving God if you have put your trust in Him.

2. God will bless His inheritance ( His people )
Psalm 28:9 Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

Secondly, we see that we God's people are called His inheritance.
Imagine that for a moment please.
God looks upon you as His inheritance.

But, as His inheritance He has, is, and will bless you.
To bless means to salute, to kneel down, congratulate.
God if you will kneels down to help us.
He has given us a Savior.
And, one day at the marriage supper of the Lamb, Jesus Himself will serve us.
God blesses His inheritance.

3. God will shepherd His people.
Psalm 28:9 Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

God also shepherds His people.
This means to lead them as a shepherd does.
The word shepherd means, to tend, graze to feed. To rule, to associate with, to be companions, and to be a special friend.
This is how God regards you who believe in Him.

4. God will bear up His people forever.
Psalm 28:9 Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever.

Finally here is one last thing that God does for His people.
He will bear them up forever.
Or He will carry them forever in His arms.
That is what Shepherds do for their sheep.
When needed, they will carry them in their arms.
His arms are capable of carrying you when needed.
And He loves to carry us when we need it.

Some questions:

1. Do you need God's help today?

2. Do you know God is more than ready and willing to help you today?

3. Do You desire God's blessing today?

4. Do you know He desires to bless you today?

5. Will You ask God to help you and to bless you today?

6. How about being led by God, do you need that today?

7. And, will you take rest in the fact that God is going to carry you forever in His arms as needed, right on into heaven?

A Prayer:

Father, our Savior, and our Shepherd. Thank You for all that You do for us. So often we are not aware of Your behind the scenes work as it were. But we know that You are actively involved in caring for us. Thank You for Your eternal and unconditional love. Your blessings to us are more than we can count. And when we get to heaven we will begin to understand them much more clearly. And, Your blessings are going to continue forever and forever. In Jesus name amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO WAIT ON THE LORD"

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

This is another Ps written by King David. This is a great anthem of praise, and an expression of David's confidence in the Lord, and a prayer for continued victory. It's also full of praise from David for God and His wondrous work in his life. It's also an expression of how David dealt with his fears and troubles, it was by his confidence in God.

This particular verse is an exhortation of what to do, and of what God will do. In fact, David tells us twice what to do.

1. Christians can wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

The word wait means to look, to look for, to hope in, and to expect. To look eagerly for, to lie in wait for, and to linger for.
In fact, this could be read, "wait patiently" for the LORD.
This is often what God calls us to do.
Just to simply wait on Him, and to do it patiently.
LORD means the existing one.
We are to look for Him, and be patient as we do.

2. Christians can be of good courage.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

The second thing we are told here has to do with something we are to be as we wait.
It's to be of "good courage"
Or to be brave and courageous.

This is an attitude of faith that God calls us to live in.
Courage means to hold, prevail, take, be strong, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, to be secure.
This again is an attitude of simply choosing to believe in God.
And the benefits of this attitude are spoken of in the next verse.

3. God will strengthen the Christians heart.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

As we wait on the Lord, God strengthens our hearts.
This means that God will make us strong, He will confirm us, establish us, fortify us, make us alert, stout, bold and assured.
We cannot go wrong believing God and just waiting patiently for Him, He will come through and make us strong.

4. Christians are encouraged a second time to wait on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Hebrew poetry uses repetition often. ( no pun intended ) But, it's good to be told more than once what we need to do.
To have our course of faith re-enforced.
That's what is being said here.
It's a repeat of what was said earlier.
Wait on the LORD.

Remember, this means, to look, to look for, to hope in, and to expect. To look eagerly for, to lie in wait for, and to linger for.
In fact, this could be read, "wait patiently" for the LORD.

Some questions:

1. Are you in a time right now of needing God's help?

2. Do you know He knows all about what you need help with?

3. Do you know that God loves you and is more faithful than you can imagine?

4. In fact do you know that God loves you more than you can imagine?

5. Do you know that if God is calling you to just trust Him, He is in fact, going to make you strong?

6. Do you know that if today you ask God to help you wait on Him, and ask Him to help you be of good courage He will do these things for You?

A prayer:

Father in heaven hallowed be Your name. You may be in heaven, but You are also right here with us in our very hearts.
And You know all about every single little detail of our lives. Nothing is hidden from You. Nothing escapes Your notice.
You are in love with us. You are love. You are faithful and true. You are so generous to help us.
Help us Lord to wait on You, and to be of good courage.
And, thank You in advance for what You are going to do.
You are going to give us strength.
In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU IN TIMES OF TROUBLE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD HELPING YOU IN TIMES OF TROUBLE"

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

King David is believed to be the author of this particular Psalm. He was not stranger to trouble, nor was he any stranger to the help that God would give him when he found himself in trouble. Here he explains how God would help in times of trouble.

1. God's people do experience times of trouble.
Psalm 27:5 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Jesus told us about the trouble we could expect.
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.”

And, so did Paul.
2nd Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

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

2. God will act on His people's behalf during times of trouble.
Psalm 27:5 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

David defines what God would do for him, and it's what God will do for you also as you put your faith in Him, and act on His Word to you. There are 4 things that David mentions here.

(1) God will help you in the time of trouble.

(2) He shall hide you in His pavilion

(3) In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide you.

(4) He shall set you high upon a rock.

3. Putting this into application for us today.

Here's how this verse reads in the NLT
Psalm 27:5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

Trouble will come to the believer.
You are either just coming out of trouble.
Or you are getting ready to experience some trouble.

In either case, one thing remains constant.
And that is the promise of God towards you.

Look again at what God says He will do for you,
Psalm 27:5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

He will conceal you when troubles come.
He will Hide you in His sanctuary.
He will place you out of reach on a high rock,

For us today as New Testament believers this means that God will do all of these things for us in and through our Lord Jesus Christ, and our helper the Holy Spirit.

He is with you to help you, and He will speak to you through His Word, or perhaps through a friends love and care.
Maybe it will be when you are at church, and the Word is being taught and it strikes you as if it was written just for you.

God will confirm His help to You, and guide you as to what to do, and when to do it.
It's important to just stay tuned in, and to listen to Him, and respond in obedience.

Some questions:

1. Are you going through a time of trouble right now?

2. If you are will you please take the time to read and meditate on this verse?

3. Also, will you ask the Lord just exactly what He wants you to do at this time?

4. It's important once He speaks to you to respond in obedience.

5. Will you in faith right now thank Him in advance of the fact that He is faithful and He is going to help you?

A prayer:

Father how wonderfully comforting are Your Psalms to our souls. Thank You for giving them to us. We can and do find such comfort and guidance in and through them. We pray for ourselves if we are in some trouble at this time, and we pray for those we know who may be in trouble that they would find You helping them.
Perhaps You would have us share this verse with them, and pray with them.
Thank You Lord.
In Jesus name. Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.