"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S SUFFICIENCY FOR YOU DURING TIMES OF INFIRMITIES, INSULTS, HARDSHIPS, PERSECUTIONS, AND CALAMITIES"
2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2nd Cor 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.
2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:
1. Let's start with the first verse above to set the tone and context of what Paul was saying. 2nd Cor 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
Paul was being helped by God not to be puffed up with pride, in light of the fact that he had been taken up into heaven, and saw and heard things that were unlawful to speak about. He had been given as he says, "the abundance of revelations" So, what the Lord allowed was this "thorn in the flesh to be given to him" We are not sure if it was a physical malady, or it might even be a reference to the false teachers who had crept into the church of Corinth, teachers differ as to the exact nature of the thorn, but it was something painful in his life. He also says it was a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him, and the whole point was so Paul would not be lifted up with pride.
2. In light of this "thorn in the flesh" Paul tells us 2nd Cor 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
So, he had asked the Lord over and over again, to please take this away from him. He pleaded with God that it might go away. But, the Lord's answer was 2nd Cor 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.
Essentially, this means that God said, no, I'm not going to take away this problem, but what I'm giving you is my grace, which is enough for your you. And, then the Lord explained why this was so. God told Paul that His strength would be made perfect in Paul's weakness. Or to put it another way, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. How about that. God's power works best when we are in times of weakness.
Paul then concluded So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me." 2nd Cor 9b NLT.
3. To wind up this whole teaching by Christ, here's the final verse again in this section.
2nd Cor 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
And, here's how it reads in the NLT 2nd Cor 12:10 "Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
So, Paul had learned, ( and I know the Lord wants us to learn the same lesson, and respond the same way Paul did. ) That when we go through times that are filled with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, that that's when we can find God's strength in our lives.
Isn’t' it funny in a sense that it when we are really in touch spots that God's unmerited favor, His unlimited strength and power really find their way into our lives. So, that like Paul we can say, that when I'm weak, then, I'm strong.
A prayer:
Father, as always, we are so thankful to You. Not only for having rescued us from permanent separation from You by coming to faith in Jesus Christ who died for our sins. But, also Lord for the fact that You do not leave us helplessly alone here while we serve You and wait to see you in heaven. But, You actively help us when we need it. You are with us to give us grace and power in all of the painful and difficult times of our lives. Help us to remember this truth about the way that You do things. And, help us to believe what You have said about all this in Your Word. You cannot lie. We love You and we thank You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR LONELY HEARTS"
"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.
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.
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
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