"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR LONELY HEARTS"
Hebrews 13:5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. The writer as he ends his letter, deals with several issues. All in this one verse. The love of money, or
covetousness, and being satisfied, and finally, the promise of that God will always be with you.
He will never forsake you.
2. The first main thing he deals with is how we live or conduct ourselves, or what the Bible calls our walk with the Lord. And, the message to us is a simple, straightforward and very important one. It's telling us to not let our lives be filled with covetousness, or the love of money. What he says, is "Let your conduct be without covetousness" or "Stay away from the love of money" This is indeed something that we need to stay away from. It's been the downfall of many a person. Here's what Paul says about the love of money.
1st Tim 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
1st Tim 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
3. The second thing that the writer tells us about has to do with being satisfied, or being content. Here's what he said. Hebrews 13:5b "be satisfied with what you have" We are to be content with what we have. The word content, has the idea and meaning of "being sufficient, being enough, to suffice. To be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, and to be able to ward off.
Contentment and satisfactions is possible, it can be learned, and the Lord wants His people to live this way.
Here's what Paul said about it.
Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
If Paul learned to be content, that means he had to deal with those times when he was not, but the Lord was faithful to teach him how to be content, and he wound up learning it, and so can we.
4. Lastly, here's what's said in our verse today. Heb 13:5c For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” This is what God has said, and He has said it many times over in the Bible, and He means it, it's true, we can bank on it, and we find great joy in knowing it's true. Let's look at it one more time.
Heb 13:5c For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.”
There are actually two things God says in this portion of Heb 13:5
(1) I will never fail you. To never fail you, means, leave you. God will never leave you. It means, He will never relax or loosen His being with you. He will never give up on you, never quit you, always uphold you, and not let you sink.
(2) I will never leave you. To not leave you here, is similar to not forsake, but not completely similar. It means, I will never desert you, I will never abandon you. I will never leave you in straits, I will never leave you helpless, totally abandoned, utterly forsaken, I never leave you behind.
5. Here's the verse again in it's entirety. Hebrews 13:5 Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” NLT.
A prayer:
Father, what comfort we derive from You, and from Your Word. It seems that You always know just what to say to us. And, that no matter what part of Your Word we read, it speaks to the deepest part of our lives. Your Word always makes sense to us, and it resonates in our hearts, and we say amen, amen, and amen. We affirm that Your Word is true and right. And, we receive Your Word, and want to let it dwell in our hearts richly and deeply. May Your Word not only be heard by us, but may we also be doers of it. We will be blessed as we do, for you have promised that to us also. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE"
Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. This verse is actually part of what is being said to God in heaven, by the 24 elders who are before the throne of God. Here's what they are saying. Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
2. In looking at this verse more carefully we notice a number of truths.
(1) "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power" In other words, it's right that God would receive this praise.
(2) God is called "Lord our God" He is indeed the Lord, the master, but please notice, the word, "our" He belongs to these 24 elders, just as the Lord belongs to You. You can say, Lord My God.
He has made it to be so, when He saved you. He became Your God.
(3) For you created everything. Imagine that for just a moment if you will. All that exists in heaven, and on earth, in the skies, in the stellar heavens, that is the stars, the planets, the galaxy's, everything that is in the oceans, and under the oceans, all things that are visible and invisible, i.e angelic beings, hell itself, the lake of fire, literally everything has been created by God. That alone would make Him worthy to receive glory, honor and power.
3. But, now, we get to the last part of this verse, and here's where it deals with, and explains to us about our purpose for existing. We may not think about why we are are here on this earth very often, or perhaps you have never really stopped to think, why am I here? Well, the answer is contained in this verse.
(1) Rev 4:11b "For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
(2) Please notice the last part of the verse. "and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
(3) We have been created and we exist for His pleasure.
(4) The word pleasure means, desire, or what God wishes, or has determined shall be done. Or the purpose of God. Or of what God wishes to be done by us. It speaks of will, choice inclination, desire, and pleasure.
4. So, when you simply put this together, God's purpose for creating you and putting you here on this earth, is for Him, it's for His good pleasure. God has put You here according to His desire, He has something for you to do. And, it's to live for His pleasure, or to do His will.
5. Now, in closing here's the wonderful truth of knowing and applying what we have just read and learned from God's Word, Guess what happens to you, when You line up your will day by day with God's will, ( which is that You have been created for His good pleasure ) ? You will find fulfillment and joy, and personal satisfaction that you cannot find anywhere else in life. No matter what you do, what you live for, what accomplish, or acquire, if you are not living for God, none of those things will bring you the true happiness and sense of personal fulfillment you long for.
6. It's truly only when we say, Lord, I want to live for Your pleasure, so, please guide me today, tomorrow, and each day of my life, to live for You, and to accomplish what You have for me to do.
You will be among that group of people who are truly happy, blessed, filled with joy, peace, and personal satisfaction, unlike those who live for themselves, and for their own pleasure.
So, this is God's purpose for Your life. To live for His pleasure.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us all that we need to know in our lives. This particular truth goes right to the heart of what the vast majority of people want. To simply be happy and fulfilled.
And, here it is. You have created us for Your pleasure. And, how true it is, that we are the happiest when we yield ourselves to Your will, and walk in it day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. We simply are blessed, because we are aligned with You, and with Your purpose for us. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. This verse is actually part of what is being said to God in heaven, by the 24 elders who are before the throne of God. Here's what they are saying. Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
2. In looking at this verse more carefully we notice a number of truths.
(1) "You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power" In other words, it's right that God would receive this praise.
(2) God is called "Lord our God" He is indeed the Lord, the master, but please notice, the word, "our" He belongs to these 24 elders, just as the Lord belongs to You. You can say, Lord My God.
He has made it to be so, when He saved you. He became Your God.
(3) For you created everything. Imagine that for just a moment if you will. All that exists in heaven, and on earth, in the skies, in the stellar heavens, that is the stars, the planets, the galaxy's, everything that is in the oceans, and under the oceans, all things that are visible and invisible, i.e angelic beings, hell itself, the lake of fire, literally everything has been created by God. That alone would make Him worthy to receive glory, honor and power.
3. But, now, we get to the last part of this verse, and here's where it deals with, and explains to us about our purpose for existing. We may not think about why we are are here on this earth very often, or perhaps you have never really stopped to think, why am I here? Well, the answer is contained in this verse.
(1) Rev 4:11b "For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
(2) Please notice the last part of the verse. "and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.”
(3) We have been created and we exist for His pleasure.
(4) The word pleasure means, desire, or what God wishes, or has determined shall be done. Or the purpose of God. Or of what God wishes to be done by us. It speaks of will, choice inclination, desire, and pleasure.
4. So, when you simply put this together, God's purpose for creating you and putting you here on this earth, is for Him, it's for His good pleasure. God has put You here according to His desire, He has something for you to do. And, it's to live for His pleasure, or to do His will.
5. Now, in closing here's the wonderful truth of knowing and applying what we have just read and learned from God's Word, Guess what happens to you, when You line up your will day by day with God's will, ( which is that You have been created for His good pleasure ) ? You will find fulfillment and joy, and personal satisfaction that you cannot find anywhere else in life. No matter what you do, what you live for, what accomplish, or acquire, if you are not living for God, none of those things will bring you the true happiness and sense of personal fulfillment you long for.
6. It's truly only when we say, Lord, I want to live for Your pleasure, so, please guide me today, tomorrow, and each day of my life, to live for You, and to accomplish what You have for me to do.
You will be among that group of people who are truly happy, blessed, filled with joy, peace, and personal satisfaction, unlike those who live for themselves, and for their own pleasure.
So, this is God's purpose for Your life. To live for His pleasure.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us all that we need to know in our lives. This particular truth goes right to the heart of what the vast majority of people want. To simply be happy and fulfilled.
And, here it is. You have created us for Your pleasure. And, how true it is, that we are the happiest when we yield ourselves to Your will, and walk in it day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year. We simply are blessed, because we are aligned with You, and with Your purpose for us. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Monday, March 24, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Some explanatory thoughts/Application, and a prayer:
1. God is speaking to Jeremiah here, to speak to the children of Israel, He has a message for them, and it's one that applies to you and I as well.
2. Here's what the LORD said. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
3. Let's break this down little by little.
(1) The message of God was said to be delivered long ago to Israel.
(2) The message is "Yes I have loved you with an everlasting love"
(3) Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
4. What does all of this mean to us?
(1) God is love, and He has loved His people, and He loves You also.
(2) God also tells us that His love is everlasting. He always has been "Love" He is today.
(3) God is also declaring that His love is unfailing. His love never ceases or fails.
(4 ) God is also saying, that "I have drawn you to myself. His love draws people to Himself.
5. You and I have been loved by God, and we have been drawn to Him because of His love. We are His people, and we always will be His people. Nothing can separate us from the love of God ( Rom 8 )
For anyone we know who was drawn to the Lord and has passed from this life to the next, they also were drawn by that same love, and they two were drawn to God Himself, and they are at this moment with God in heaven.
6. As a pastor I regularly meet people who are dying and will soon be with the Lord. Here I am talking with someone down here in this world, and in just a few hours, or days, they will leave this temporary dwelling place called their body, and enter into heaven itself and see the Lord, and be clothed with an eternal body, one not made with hands. We will see them again. They are with the Lord and that's where we are headed to be with God forever, and ever.
A prayer:
Father, You have given Your Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and in doing so He paid for our sins. And, You did this because of Your great love, Your love for us. And, Jesus died not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. ( John 3:17, and 1st John 2:1-2 ) And, You by and through Your goodness, have led us to repentance, and You have given us faith to believe in You, and You have saved us. We are Yours today. We will be Yours tomorrow, and forever and forever.
We also know that our loved ones who are in heaven are waiting there for us, to see us no doubt, just as we are waiting to see them again. Thank You for saving them, and thank You for saving us.
In Jesus name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Some explanatory thoughts/Application, and a prayer:
1. God is speaking to Jeremiah here, to speak to the children of Israel, He has a message for them, and it's one that applies to you and I as well.
2. Here's what the LORD said. Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
3. Let's break this down little by little.
(1) The message of God was said to be delivered long ago to Israel.
(2) The message is "Yes I have loved you with an everlasting love"
(3) Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
4. What does all of this mean to us?
(1) God is love, and He has loved His people, and He loves You also.
(2) God also tells us that His love is everlasting. He always has been "Love" He is today.
(3) God is also declaring that His love is unfailing. His love never ceases or fails.
(4 ) God is also saying, that "I have drawn you to myself. His love draws people to Himself.
5. You and I have been loved by God, and we have been drawn to Him because of His love. We are His people, and we always will be His people. Nothing can separate us from the love of God ( Rom 8 )
For anyone we know who was drawn to the Lord and has passed from this life to the next, they also were drawn by that same love, and they two were drawn to God Himself, and they are at this moment with God in heaven.
6. As a pastor I regularly meet people who are dying and will soon be with the Lord. Here I am talking with someone down here in this world, and in just a few hours, or days, they will leave this temporary dwelling place called their body, and enter into heaven itself and see the Lord, and be clothed with an eternal body, one not made with hands. We will see them again. They are with the Lord and that's where we are headed to be with God forever, and ever.
A prayer:
Father, You have given Your Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, and in doing so He paid for our sins. And, You did this because of Your great love, Your love for us. And, Jesus died not for our sins only, but for the sins of the whole world. ( John 3:17, and 1st John 2:1-2 ) And, You by and through Your goodness, have led us to repentance, and You have given us faith to believe in You, and You have saved us. We are Yours today. We will be Yours tomorrow, and forever and forever.
We also know that our loved ones who are in heaven are waiting there for us, to see us no doubt, just as we are waiting to see them again. Thank You for saving them, and thank You for saving us.
In Jesus name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. We never know when a crisis or a fiery trial will hit us. But we do know what God tells us in
1st Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
He tells us first of all, that we are "Beloved" That is, we are His beloved, He loves you. Secondly, He tells us how to react, and this is really needed, because we tend to react in a way that is not going to help us. Here's what God says, 1Pet 4:12b do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; Or, don't be surprised, as if some surprising thing has happened to you. Jesus told us, John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So, Jesus said, these things would come, and Peter says don't be surprised when they do.
2. Now, on to what God says through Paul in Romans. This is such an encouragement to us, especially when these fiery trials come, or when we absolutely have no idea of what is happening, or why it's happening, or when it's going to be over, ( if it ever will )
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. So, let's break this down a little bit.
(1) There is something we know.
(2) What we know is that all things work together for good.
(3) We know that this is true for those those who love God.
(4) We know that this promise is true for those who are called according to His purpose.
3. So, when You reflect just a little bit on both of these wonderful verses, we are encouraged to understand two basic truths.
(1) Don't be surprised as if this difficulty is "some strange thing" that is happening to you.
(2) Know and rest in the fact, that God is in control, and He is working all this together for good.
4. As wonderful as these verses are, they must be "believed" And when we believe or trust in God, we do indeed find peace within ourselves, even though the fiery trial may continue on and even get more fiery.
5. I have learned in 41 years of knowing the Lord, that two things are very true about God.
(1) He cannot lie, so, everything He says is true.
(2) He indeed does work all things together for good in my life.
When you are going through or are in the middle of a fiery trial, you of course are in it, and and you are not at the end of it. So, you don't have any perspective, except that something has changed. All was calm and well, and now it's not. But, just be patient in tribulation, and wait on the Lord, believe Him, and You will soon be moving through the trial, and eventually, most likely, you will come out of it, and now you will be looking back at what You went through, and You will be praising God for what He has done in Your life.
So, hang in there, be patient, be trusting in the goodness of the Lord. He is faithful, and He has a plan and purpose for your life. He loves You very, very much, and He desires to work in you, so, He can then work through You.
A prayer:
Father, we have found You to be a truthful God. You are unable to tell us anything but the truth.
Thank You for being that way, and thank You for giving us so many explanations about life in Christ, and so many promises to believe and hang on to during the tough and troubling times we go through. So, Thank You. And, we today, want to pray for ourselves if we may happen to be going through a trying time, that Your Word would comfort, encourage, and instruct us. And, we also want to pray for others we know who may be going through the fire. Lord You know, and You are capable of ministering to their souls, and we pray that You would, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. We never know when a crisis or a fiery trial will hit us. But we do know what God tells us in
1st Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
He tells us first of all, that we are "Beloved" That is, we are His beloved, He loves you. Secondly, He tells us how to react, and this is really needed, because we tend to react in a way that is not going to help us. Here's what God says, 1Pet 4:12b do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; Or, don't be surprised, as if some surprising thing has happened to you. Jesus told us, John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So, Jesus said, these things would come, and Peter says don't be surprised when they do.
2. Now, on to what God says through Paul in Romans. This is such an encouragement to us, especially when these fiery trials come, or when we absolutely have no idea of what is happening, or why it's happening, or when it's going to be over, ( if it ever will )
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. So, let's break this down a little bit.
(1) There is something we know.
(2) What we know is that all things work together for good.
(3) We know that this is true for those those who love God.
(4) We know that this promise is true for those who are called according to His purpose.
3. So, when You reflect just a little bit on both of these wonderful verses, we are encouraged to understand two basic truths.
(1) Don't be surprised as if this difficulty is "some strange thing" that is happening to you.
(2) Know and rest in the fact, that God is in control, and He is working all this together for good.
4. As wonderful as these verses are, they must be "believed" And when we believe or trust in God, we do indeed find peace within ourselves, even though the fiery trial may continue on and even get more fiery.
5. I have learned in 41 years of knowing the Lord, that two things are very true about God.
(1) He cannot lie, so, everything He says is true.
(2) He indeed does work all things together for good in my life.
When you are going through or are in the middle of a fiery trial, you of course are in it, and and you are not at the end of it. So, you don't have any perspective, except that something has changed. All was calm and well, and now it's not. But, just be patient in tribulation, and wait on the Lord, believe Him, and You will soon be moving through the trial, and eventually, most likely, you will come out of it, and now you will be looking back at what You went through, and You will be praising God for what He has done in Your life.
So, hang in there, be patient, be trusting in the goodness of the Lord. He is faithful, and He has a plan and purpose for your life. He loves You very, very much, and He desires to work in you, so, He can then work through You.
A prayer:
Father, we have found You to be a truthful God. You are unable to tell us anything but the truth.
Thank You for being that way, and thank You for giving us so many explanations about life in Christ, and so many promises to believe and hang on to during the tough and troubling times we go through. So, Thank You. And, we today, want to pray for ourselves if we may happen to be going through a trying time, that Your Word would comfort, encourage, and instruct us. And, we also want to pray for others we know who may be going through the fire. Lord You know, and You are capable of ministering to their souls, and we pray that You would, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Friday, March 21, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"
Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Paul starts verse 3:1 by stating a fact. The word "if" really means "since." So, since you have been raised to new life with Christ. This is what happened to you when you first believed in Jesus Christ. You were raised from being dead in your sins into new life with Christ. You see, He has been raised from the dead, never to die again, and God has placed you in Jesus, and thus you have new life in Christ. You were raised into new life in Christ.
2. Now, please notice what is said next about what you are to seek,and where Christ is. Col 3:1b "seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." Another way of saying this, is now that you are a believer, " set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power." That's what it means to seek those things which are above. We move forward now in our new life by setting our sights on the realities of heaven. And, that is where Jesus is bodily, visibly seated. He is right next to the Father, seated at His right hand. We are to keep Christ as the primary focus of our lives.
3. Paul further explains what he has just said, by saying in Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Or to put it another way, " Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth." Let heaven fill your thoughts, that one truth, , and secondly, do not only be thinking about things down here on earth"
So, something to do, and something not to do.
One connected with heaven, and one connected with earth. Our thoughts can be directed by us, it's our choice. God wants us to be blessed, and one way is to fill our thoughts about where He is, and where many of our loved ones are, and where we are going. We can rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and what a rejoicing it truly is. Can you think of any better place than Heaven?
4. And, now the final explanation from Paul about all that he has been saying. Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. What he means is this, "You ( the old you ) died when Christ died, and your real life ( the new you ) is hidden with Christ in God. This verse is what I would call an "identity" verse. It speaks to your identity now that You have believed.
(1) For you died. Yes, You are still alive physically, but, spiritually, the old you, the person you were before coming to faith has died. It's not easy to understand, thats for sure. But, the Bible says, that Christ our representative died for our sins, and when we come to Him, we also have died. So, your old life is over.
(2) Your new life is hidden with Christ in God. That's where you are now. You have been placed into Christ. This took place also upon your conversion, the Holy Spirit placed you into the body of Christ. You are in Jesus. And Jesus is with God, thus, You are "hidden with Christ in God"
4. So, let's take one last look at these 3 very telling verses about who you are, where you are, and what you are to do, and what you are not to do, only this time, here they are in the NLT Version.
Col 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power.
Col 3:2 Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.
Col 3:3 For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God
A wonderful joy fills our hearts when we take God's Word to heart. I pray that You do, and that His joy fills you to overflowing.
A prayer:
Father, You are in Heaven. Jesus is in Heaven, and we have been placed into Christ. And, You are calling us to let heaven fill our thoughts, versus the only thinking about the things that are down here on this earth. The decision to follow Your Word has a transforming affect upon our lives.
We may only be able to think about heaven now, but before we know it, our thinking will turn into seeing. I can hardly wait. Thank You Father for the hope of Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Paul starts verse 3:1 by stating a fact. The word "if" really means "since." So, since you have been raised to new life with Christ. This is what happened to you when you first believed in Jesus Christ. You were raised from being dead in your sins into new life with Christ. You see, He has been raised from the dead, never to die again, and God has placed you in Jesus, and thus you have new life in Christ. You were raised into new life in Christ.
2. Now, please notice what is said next about what you are to seek,and where Christ is. Col 3:1b "seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." Another way of saying this, is now that you are a believer, " set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power." That's what it means to seek those things which are above. We move forward now in our new life by setting our sights on the realities of heaven. And, that is where Jesus is bodily, visibly seated. He is right next to the Father, seated at His right hand. We are to keep Christ as the primary focus of our lives.
3. Paul further explains what he has just said, by saying in Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Or to put it another way, " Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth." Let heaven fill your thoughts, that one truth, , and secondly, do not only be thinking about things down here on earth"
So, something to do, and something not to do.
One connected with heaven, and one connected with earth. Our thoughts can be directed by us, it's our choice. God wants us to be blessed, and one way is to fill our thoughts about where He is, and where many of our loved ones are, and where we are going. We can rejoice in hope of the glory of God, and what a rejoicing it truly is. Can you think of any better place than Heaven?
4. And, now the final explanation from Paul about all that he has been saying. Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. What he means is this, "You ( the old you ) died when Christ died, and your real life ( the new you ) is hidden with Christ in God. This verse is what I would call an "identity" verse. It speaks to your identity now that You have believed.
(1) For you died. Yes, You are still alive physically, but, spiritually, the old you, the person you were before coming to faith has died. It's not easy to understand, thats for sure. But, the Bible says, that Christ our representative died for our sins, and when we come to Him, we also have died. So, your old life is over.
(2) Your new life is hidden with Christ in God. That's where you are now. You have been placed into Christ. This took place also upon your conversion, the Holy Spirit placed you into the body of Christ. You are in Jesus. And Jesus is with God, thus, You are "hidden with Christ in God"
4. So, let's take one last look at these 3 very telling verses about who you are, where you are, and what you are to do, and what you are not to do, only this time, here they are in the NLT Version.
Col 3:1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God’s right hand in the place of honor and power.
Col 3:2 Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.
Col 3:3 For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God
A wonderful joy fills our hearts when we take God's Word to heart. I pray that You do, and that His joy fills you to overflowing.
A prayer:
Father, You are in Heaven. Jesus is in Heaven, and we have been placed into Christ. And, You are calling us to let heaven fill our thoughts, versus the only thinking about the things that are down here on this earth. The decision to follow Your Word has a transforming affect upon our lives.
We may only be able to think about heaven now, but before we know it, our thinking will turn into seeing. I can hardly wait. Thank You Father for the hope of Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH PRODIGALS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH PRODIGALS"
Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
1. We are breaking into this story almost towards it's end. In fact, the boy had come to the end of himself as well. Or as Jesus tells it, "when he came to himself". The son had reached a point of where he finally came to his senses.
2. Selfishness, lack of respect, and disobedience as was the case here, I believe were what drove this young man to do what he did. And, it got him into much trouble. The Bible says, in Job 4:8 "My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same"
And, that's what had happened to this young man.
3. But, he finally had enough of it. He came to his senses and starting heading home, having figured out what he was going to say to his father. But, he had a surprise waiting for him. And, that surprise is found in Luke 15:20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
4. Notice please the part of 15:20 that says, "And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming" Now what do you suppose that means? Let me tell you what I recently read from one very respected commentator, Dr David Jeremiah. I'm paraphrasing here a little, but he said, "it's believed that what the father would do day by day, was leave his property, and go a great distance off where he could get a good view of the surrounding horizon, and the road that anyone would most likely travel on if they were coming to his place. And, he would day by day, go there and look to see if his son was coming down that road."
5. What a grand picture of our Father in heaven, and His vigilant eye if you will looking for those who have wandered away and are wasting and ruining their lives. So, for all the pain you may feel, and all the wishing you have in your heart, and all the praying you do for your prodigal(s) please know God is right there with you, and He is looking as well. He wants them home.
6. Prayer is not unheard by God when it's in line with His will. We know that He does not want anyone to perish, and we know that He wants all men to come to repentance. and we know that repentance is a gift from God, and that it's the goodness of God that leads someone to repentance. And, we know that Christ's work on the cross was for the sins of all men, and that God loves your prodigal(s) just as much as He loves You or me, or anyone else for that matter.
And, we know that persistence in prayer is very Biblical. So, let's keep praying for them.
A prayer:
Lord, that is our prayer. We pray for their return to You, and to their loved ones. Nothing is impossible with You Lord. Please give comfort to the broken hearts of parents, siblings, spouses, and so on. Thank You for Your graciousness, and Your unending love and mercy, and the power of Your Goodness, to lead them to repent. We pray that You would pour Your goodness into their lives, bring that work of conviction into their hearts, remove the blindness that Satan may have placed, and show them Jesus, and His great love for them. Bring them to Yourself Lord, and then to their families in Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
1. We are breaking into this story almost towards it's end. In fact, the boy had come to the end of himself as well. Or as Jesus tells it, "when he came to himself". The son had reached a point of where he finally came to his senses.
2. Selfishness, lack of respect, and disobedience as was the case here, I believe were what drove this young man to do what he did. And, it got him into much trouble. The Bible says, in Job 4:8 "My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same"
And, that's what had happened to this young man.
3. But, he finally had enough of it. He came to his senses and starting heading home, having figured out what he was going to say to his father. But, he had a surprise waiting for him. And, that surprise is found in Luke 15:20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
4. Notice please the part of 15:20 that says, "And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming" Now what do you suppose that means? Let me tell you what I recently read from one very respected commentator, Dr David Jeremiah. I'm paraphrasing here a little, but he said, "it's believed that what the father would do day by day, was leave his property, and go a great distance off where he could get a good view of the surrounding horizon, and the road that anyone would most likely travel on if they were coming to his place. And, he would day by day, go there and look to see if his son was coming down that road."
5. What a grand picture of our Father in heaven, and His vigilant eye if you will looking for those who have wandered away and are wasting and ruining their lives. So, for all the pain you may feel, and all the wishing you have in your heart, and all the praying you do for your prodigal(s) please know God is right there with you, and He is looking as well. He wants them home.
6. Prayer is not unheard by God when it's in line with His will. We know that He does not want anyone to perish, and we know that He wants all men to come to repentance. and we know that repentance is a gift from God, and that it's the goodness of God that leads someone to repentance. And, we know that Christ's work on the cross was for the sins of all men, and that God loves your prodigal(s) just as much as He loves You or me, or anyone else for that matter.
And, we know that persistence in prayer is very Biblical. So, let's keep praying for them.
A prayer:
Lord, that is our prayer. We pray for their return to You, and to their loved ones. Nothing is impossible with You Lord. Please give comfort to the broken hearts of parents, siblings, spouses, and so on. Thank You for Your graciousness, and Your unending love and mercy, and the power of Your Goodness, to lead them to repent. We pray that You would pour Your goodness into their lives, bring that work of conviction into their hearts, remove the blindness that Satan may have placed, and show them Jesus, and His great love for them. Bring them to Yourself Lord, and then to their families in Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN AND SEEING THE LORD"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN AND SEEING THE LORD"
Rom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
1. Paul is talking in these verses about how we ought to be living in light of the fact that we are nearer now ( to seeing the Lord, and being in heaven ) then when we first believed. Let's take a look at what he has to say.
2. In light of the fact that we are now nearer, or as it says in 13:11b "for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." then, we ought to be walking in the ways the Lord has taught us to walk. And, in this case, though they are not listed here, the previous verses Paul is referencing have to do with loving one another. We ought to be loving one another is the idea.
Here's how it reads in the NLT Rom 13:11 Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. So, to just look at it again. Today, we are closer to being with the Lord, seeing Jesus face to face, being in heaven than when we first believed. Question. When did you first believe? How long ago was it? What a blessing to realize how much time has elapsed since then, and you are that much closer to seeing the Lord.
3. Here are the next few verses that explain in clear detail how we are to be living now, since we are closer to seeing the Lord, but, we are not there yet. Here's a picture of the Christian life.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
4. A quick look at what he has just said.
(1) Our old life is over, and we are in our new life now. So, in light of who we are, let's put off the ways of darkness, and let's put on God's armor of light, i.e put on, or clothe yourself in Jesus Christ. The idea here, is that your life is short, it's almost over in the sense that time flies. You will be with the Lord sooner than you can imagine if you will. So, while you are here, don't live in the dark ways you used to live in. Put the evil things of the past out of your life, get rid of those evil things and deeds. Get rid of them just like if you were taking off dirty clothes.
(2) Now that you are a Christian, live a decent life, and live truthfully in everything You do. Let your life be something that any and everyone can be affirming of, and approving as the right way to live. Don't get involved in wild parties, getting drunk, and living in adultery and sexual sins, or any type of immoral living. Don't be fighting, and don't be jealous of others. Be content where the Lord has placed You. Live to please Him.
(3) Now that You are saved, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" Or let Jesus control your life, let Him take the wheel you might say. Relinquish the control of Your life, day by day to Him. Be a disciple who follows and obeys Him. And, don't allow your imagination to come up with ways and ideas of how to fulfill your evil desires. When that type of thinking starts to come into your mind, just push them out, and ask Jesus to take over, and He will.
5. Well, even just reading through this devotional, has taken a few minutes, and now you are that much closer to seeing the Lord than when you first started reading. And, we have God's Word to tell us how to live as we wait to see Him.
A prayer:
Father, first of all, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, to pay for our sins, to take our punishment upon Himself, and not have to pay for our sins ourselves. We owe our salvation to You, and gladly want to praise You and to thank You. And, then Father, thank You that there is a new way to live, not only are we new creatures in Christ, but we have a whole new way to live while we wait to see Jesus. Thank You for laying it out so clearly in the Word of God. You have given us Your Word, and we want to not only hear You, but be also be doers of Your Word. We pray that You would indeed use our lives. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Rom 13:11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Some explanatory thoughts/application and a prayer:
1. Paul is talking in these verses about how we ought to be living in light of the fact that we are nearer now ( to seeing the Lord, and being in heaven ) then when we first believed. Let's take a look at what he has to say.
2. In light of the fact that we are now nearer, or as it says in 13:11b "for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." then, we ought to be walking in the ways the Lord has taught us to walk. And, in this case, though they are not listed here, the previous verses Paul is referencing have to do with loving one another. We ought to be loving one another is the idea.
Here's how it reads in the NLT Rom 13:11 Another reason for right living is that you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. So, to just look at it again. Today, we are closer to being with the Lord, seeing Jesus face to face, being in heaven than when we first believed. Question. When did you first believe? How long ago was it? What a blessing to realize how much time has elapsed since then, and you are that much closer to seeing the Lord.
3. Here are the next few verses that explain in clear detail how we are to be living now, since we are closer to seeing the Lord, but, we are not there yet. Here's a picture of the Christian life.
Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.
Rom 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
4. A quick look at what he has just said.
(1) Our old life is over, and we are in our new life now. So, in light of who we are, let's put off the ways of darkness, and let's put on God's armor of light, i.e put on, or clothe yourself in Jesus Christ. The idea here, is that your life is short, it's almost over in the sense that time flies. You will be with the Lord sooner than you can imagine if you will. So, while you are here, don't live in the dark ways you used to live in. Put the evil things of the past out of your life, get rid of those evil things and deeds. Get rid of them just like if you were taking off dirty clothes.
(2) Now that you are a Christian, live a decent life, and live truthfully in everything You do. Let your life be something that any and everyone can be affirming of, and approving as the right way to live. Don't get involved in wild parties, getting drunk, and living in adultery and sexual sins, or any type of immoral living. Don't be fighting, and don't be jealous of others. Be content where the Lord has placed You. Live to please Him.
(3) Now that You are saved, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" Or let Jesus control your life, let Him take the wheel you might say. Relinquish the control of Your life, day by day to Him. Be a disciple who follows and obeys Him. And, don't allow your imagination to come up with ways and ideas of how to fulfill your evil desires. When that type of thinking starts to come into your mind, just push them out, and ask Jesus to take over, and He will.
5. Well, even just reading through this devotional, has taken a few minutes, and now you are that much closer to seeing the Lord than when you first started reading. And, we have God's Word to tell us how to live as we wait to see Him.
A prayer:
Father, first of all, thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins, to pay for our sins, to take our punishment upon Himself, and not have to pay for our sins ourselves. We owe our salvation to You, and gladly want to praise You and to thank You. And, then Father, thank You that there is a new way to live, not only are we new creatures in Christ, but we have a whole new way to live while we wait to see Jesus. Thank You for laying it out so clearly in the Word of God. You have given us Your Word, and we want to not only hear You, but be also be doers of Your Word. We pray that You would indeed use our lives. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
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