"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO FORGIVE, TO HEAL AND TO RESTORE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO FORGIVE, TO HEAL AND TO RESTORE"

2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

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

This verse comes towards the end of a lengthy prayer by Solomon, and by a lengthy response from God.
It's a well known verse, used often in times when people need forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
Perhaps the most simple and wonderful thing about this verse, is that's "it's true" This is what God will do for His people who will follow His instruction. It applied to Israel, and it applies to us today.

1. God has his people who are called by His name.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name

The people here were of course the people of Israel. But, we are ( who have come to God through faith in Jesus Christ are also His people ) So, what is in this verse, by way of promise and instruction is for us today. These things are for the people of God.
So, if you are a Christian, this verse, and all that is in it, is for you. What a blessing.

2. God's people can humble themselves and pray and seek His face.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,

Now here, God tells us what will happen if we as His people follow His instruction. There are four things said here.

(1) Humble ourselves.

(2) Pray.

(3) Seek the face of God.

(4) Turn, or repent from our wicked ways.

These are the conditions that God has set for Him to bring His blessing into the lives of His people. Humility, prayer, and seeking His face, along with repentance from wickedness

3. God will hear from heaven, He will forgive sin, and He will heal our land.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Here is what God promise He will do, if we will do what He calls us to do. As it's been said before, "When God's people become what God intends for them to become, than God can do for them what He wants to do"

But, we must approach God on His terms, not on ours. And, He has laid them out for us right here.

Some Questions:

1. Isn't this a wonderful promise?.

2. Are you one of God's people?.

3. Are you in need of God's healing and restoration?

4. Can you see what God calls you to do in this verse?.

5. If you need help and healing from God and this verse fits your situation, will you take God at His word and be not just a hearer, but a doer?.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for this wonderful prayer of Solomon's. And, thank You for Your wonderful and encouraging response and promise to his prayer. This particular verse is so full of instruction, and promise, it's truly a great blessing, Thank You again for it. Would You help us, and any who are in great need of healing, forgiveness and restoration to meditate on this verse and take You at Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY"

2nd Chronicles 5:13 For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This verse, is part of a narrative of the moment when when the temple built by Solomon had been completed, and was about to be dedicated. Let's just break it down, and enjoy the truth and blessing found in it. 

1. God's people were united in their praise of God.
2nd Chronicles 5:13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying:

The people had worked hard and with joy to accomplish this wonderful task, and now at it's completion they were rejoicing together. They were God's people, and were united simply by their being Israelites, but, additionally, they were united in their worship of God. 

We today are also God's people, and while we are not building God's temple, we are actually the temple of God. Our bodies are His temple, and He dwells within each one of us. But, we are united by having been placed into Christ, and are united by virtue of sharing in His grace, His love, and His mercy. And, we can, and ought to express our unity when we gather together and sing the wonderful praises of our God, as so many have done down through the centuries. One day, we will join those in heaven, who are at this very moment praising God, along with the angelic beings, and what a day that will be. 

2. God's people declared, "For He is good"
2nd Chronicles 5:13b..... For He is good, 

Here is a declaration about the truth of who the Lord is. He is good. It's a simple phrase, but, it's profound in it's meaning and in it's truth. He has been good, He is good, and He will continue forever and ever to be good. 

What does it mean? It means, good, best, fair, fine, pleasant, agreeable, good and right in the ethical sense.
We only see God's darkly now through a glass as it were. But, one day, we will see Him face to face, and understand His goodness completely. But for now, which of us would not say He is good? He has been so good to the entire world, in providing a savior for all men, and any person who wants to can receive Christ, and receive the goodness of God into their lives. Here are two verses that I trust will be an encouragement to you about the goodness of the Lord.

Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

Psalm 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

3. God's people declared "For His mercy endures forever"
2nd Chronicles 5:13c For He is good, For His mercy endures forever

Not only is the Lord good, and that will never change, because He is unchanging in who He is. But, His mercy will endure, or continue forever. And forever, and ever, and ever. 

Right now, this very day, His mercy is a reality. His mercy has continued right up until this day. 

God's mercy, speaks of His compassion. That's essentially what mercy means, it's compassion.
It also means, His kindness, lovingkindness, goodness, favor, pity, and faithfulness. 

The people of God who were there dedicating the temple knew this about God, and that's why they were singing out about His mercy. You and I also know His mercy. And, we like they did, can sing it out from our hearts, honoring the Lord for His mercy. 

Psalm 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Some questions:

1. If asked, how would you describe the way God has been good to you?

2. Can you think of any other way's that God has been good to you?

3. How about His mercy, how has God been merciful to you?

4. Would You pray about how you might show and or tell others about God's goodness and His mercy?

A prayer:

Father, Thank You for who You are. Before were saved, we did not know these wonderful truths about You. in fact, we probably lived with a very distorted view of who You were. But, now that You have saved us, we are learning a little day by day about You. And, what a joy it is to grow in the grace and the knowledge of God. Thank You for Your goodness, and for Your mercy Lord. May we walk in those things, and may our lives be a living demonstration of who You are. May people see You in and through us. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SIN AND GRACE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SIN AND GRACE"

Romans 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

Paul is deep into his lengthy and most wonderful explanation of Justification by Grace through faith. He spends the first 11 Chapters of Romans explaining the need for salvation, and the false view of self salvation by good works, and the unspeakable gift of grace that God has given in and through Jesus Christ, to save all who will repent of their sins and turn to Him in faith.
In this verse today, Paul is contrasting the effect of sin, and the effect of grace. There is sin, and there is grace.

1. The fact is, that sin has entered the world, and all men are sinners, under it's power.
Romans 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience, resulting in all his descendants being born sinners, separated from God.

And living in world controlled by the devil. And, each person having a sinful nature. What a universal tragedy sin has brought.

This is why life is the way it is. It's because of sin. Ultimately, the worst effect of sin is death. Both physical and spiritual. We are dead in our sins, and we are separated from God.

2. The other fact is, that grace has also come into the world, and men can live forever with God by receiving it.
Romans 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now, here is the good news. Though sin came into the world, so has grace. And while sin reigns in death, grace reigns through righteousness to eternal life.
This means that we do not have to simply remain without God, guilty of sin, and bound for eternal separation from God.

Grace means, that we can now be united with God, no longer guilty, but forgiven of our sins, and given life forever with God.

Sin brings the worst possible experience and eternal outcome. Grace brings the very best life now, and the best life forever and forever.

3. To receive Christ giving us a right standing with God, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Here's how this verse reads in the NLT
Romans 5:21 So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful kindness rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin rules, and brings death. But, God who is rich in mercy, even when we were dead in our sins, has made us alive together with Christ, for it's by grace that we have been saved. Instead of death forever, God freely gives us life now, and life forever with Him.

Questions:

1. Are you confident you are saved?

2. When do you think You became saved?

3. Do you have assurance and peace that You are saved?

4. Can you remember what it was like to live under sin's power all the time?

5. How would you describe the change that has come into your life through the grace of God?

6. Do you know that God is going to finish His work in you, and take you to heaven, when it's all said and done?.

7. Finally, as a word of encouragement, do you know that God is working all things together for good in the lives of those who know Him, and love Him?

A prayer:

Father, this verse in Romans says it all. All of life, it's worst and it's best are summed up in this one verse. Sin/Grace. We sinned, but You have provided grace for we who are sinners. Grace is Your free gift to sinners. Faith is also a gift to sinners.
And, so is repentance a gift from God. Your goodness is what leads a person to repent and be saved. Thank You Lord for all that You have done through Christ. And, all that You have done in working in each one of our lives, in making those who believe the children of God, forever and forever.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE GIVING US AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH IN GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE GIVING US AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH IN GOD"

Rom 4:18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

Rom 4:19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

Rom 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

Rom 4:21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This short passage taken from Romans four, is part of a long explanation by Paul of the truth that man is not saved by works but by faith. And, in this passage, Paul goes in depth in showing us how it was that Abraham believed. He gives us four "keys" to faith if you will. I pray that you might take the time to really consider these keys, or explanations of what faith looks like in action. May God bless you in your faith in God. P.S these verses all have to do with the promise that God made to Abraham, that he and his wife Sarah would have a child, ( they were in fact by all normal understanding too old to have a child ) But, Abraham believed God, and they did have that child. Isaac was his name.

1. Faith hopes even when there is no logical reason to hope.
Rom 4:18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

God had spoken to Abraham, but, when he looked at the situation, his own body, Sarah's body etc, their age in general, what was there to hope in?. There was not physical, visible reason to hope. But, as the verse says, "contrary to hope, in hope believed" So, this is the first key or explanation about faith. Even when things look hopeless, faith says, "I believe God's Word" That's what Abraham did. He hoped against hope as it were.

2. Faith does not look at the circumstances, but at God.
Rom 4:19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

This is another very important key to faith. Faith does not look at the circumstances, but rather looks at God, and or believes what God has said. God spoke to Abraham, when he was an old man, his body was dead as it were, with respect to having children. He was too old to have children. He was 100 years old. Just think about that for a moment. Additionally, Sarah was too old to have a child. Her womb was dead. Think for a moment if two people about 100 years old walked in and announced to you, that God had spoken to them, that they were going to have a child. What would you honestly think?

Abraham had to deal with these same physical circumstances. But, he chose not to look at the physical impossibilities before him, but rather, he chose to look at, or believe in God, and believe in what God had told Him.

3. Faith does not waver at the promise of God through unbelief.
Rom 4:20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,

Here's how this reads in the NLT Rom 4:20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.

Waver means, to doubt, have misgivings. So, faith does not waver. What causes wavering is unbelief. Unbelief and Faith cannot co-exist side by side. They do not go together. Abraham chose to believe, not to walk in unbelief.

4. Faith is convinced that what God has promised, God is also able to perform.
Rom 4:21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

This last key, is a very simple and descriptive of faith. Faith is convinced that if God has said something, than that something is not only true, but it will come to pass. Wow. That's the kind of faith we all need isn't it.

Again, here's how it reads in the NLT Rom 4:21 He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything he promised.

5. In summary then, the four keys of faith are......

1. Faith hopes even when there is no logical reason to hope.
2. Faith does not look at the circumstances, but at God.
3. Faith does not waver at the promise of God through unbelief.
4. Faith is convinced that what God has promised, God is also able to perform.

Some questions:

1. Are you encouraged by reading this?

2. It's a real help isn't it. To see faith in action?

3. Do you know that you can also through faith, exercise your faith just as Abraham did?.

4. Do things look hopeless, and you can see no way out?. Remember, put your eyes on the Lord.

5. Do you know that you can ask God to strengthen you, and make you strong in faith?

6. Also, our faith comes from the Bible. When we are in the Word, that's how we gain faith.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for this wonderful story of the father of our faith Abraham. He had everything against him as it were, but he chose to believe you. That's the way we want to be Lord. Help us to be like Abraham. You have already given us faith, so we can believe You, and we do, but help us in our unbelief. Make us hungry for Your Word, and increase our faith. Give us strength Lord in our weakness, and lead us to believe You, look at You, and not at the circumstances which can and do discourage us so quickly. Help us to keep our eyes on You Lord. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE MERCY OF THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE MERCY OF THE LORD"

Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
Psalm 13:6 I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

David, as was often the case, was going through a time of great difficulty. And, as was also the case, he was crying out to God, which is the best thing we can do in times of trouble. And, as with many of David's Psalm's, they start out in the depths as it were, but end with a great sense of relief and confidence in God, and praise to God. Such is what happened in this Psalm.
You may want to read the first part of the Psalm, that lead up to these last two verses. The whole Ps is only 6 verses long.

1. We can trust in God's mercy.
Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in Your mercy;

Here David tells us what he trusted in. It was God's mercy. The word mercy means kindness, lovingkindness, favor, pity, goodness, and faithfulness. These are all descriptions of our God. He is merciful.

Ps 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
La 3:23* They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Ps 27:13* I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

2. We can rejoice in God's salvation.
Psalm 13:5 But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

So, not only did David trust in God's mercy, His goodness, but, his heart also rejoiced in God's salvation in his life.

Ps 37:39* But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble.
Ps 50:23* Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”
Hab 3:18* Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

3. We can sing to the Lord.
Psalm 13:6 I will sing to the LORD,

So, to review, David trusted in God's mercy, He rejoiced in God's Salvation, and what else could he do but sing to the Lord.
Ps 95:1* Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Ps 96:1* Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Ps 96:2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day.

4. We have a Savior who deals bountifully with us.
Psalm 13:6 I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

David sums it all up for us. God had dealt bountifully with him.
And, such is the case with us.
God deals with us in the same way.
Like David, you may be going through a tough time right now, but, take David as an example of what to do, and You also will find the bountiful goodness of the Lord towards You.

Some questions:

1. Would you say that at this time in your life, you are being encouraged to trust in God?

2. Would you say that, in fact, You are seeking to trust in God, or to have faith in God and His Word?

3. Can you attest to the fact of God's great mercy towards You?

4. Do you rejoice in His salvation?

5. Do you know that You are the object of God's mercy, salvation, and grace?

A prayer:

Father, what can we say about Your mercy? Your mercies are new every morning, and You have been so good to us, and You are being good to us, and You will be good to us forever, and ever. Please help us to not look at the troubles we have, but rather to look to the one who helps us in our troubles. Help us Lord to keep our eyes on You, and give us Your power and strength in our inner man. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT YOUR HEART AND GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT YOUR HEART AND GOD"

1st Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.

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

King David was preparing two things. One for the building of the temple. David had gathered most if not all of the supplies needed to construct the temple. And, had assigned the building of it to his son Solomon. Secondly, David gave wonderful Godly instruction to Solomon as to what to do with his heart as he moved forward in building the temple.

1. Now is the time we live in, and it's now that we can follow David's counsel.
1st Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.

We are alive today in Christ. Yesterday is over, and tomorrow is not here yet. We live now, today, one day at a time.
What a blessing to focus our attention on today, on the now, and to realize that this day we can act towards our God, and He will gladly accept our actions.

2. Thank God that we can make the decision to do what David advised Solomon to do.
1st Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.

We just like Solomon, and just like any other human being have the capacity of choice, we have a free will. David was encouraging Solomon to make a choice and act towards God.

You and I can make that same choice today, and throughout the day, and in the midst of any situation that arises this day.

3. God has given you a new heart and the freedom of will to follow this Godly counsel.
1st Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.

Before you were saved, it would have been impossible to do what David was advising Solomon.
But, now that you are alive in Christ, you also can do what is in this verse. You have been set free by the power of Jesus Christ to act towards God. And, You will find that as you do, God will also act towards you.

4. You can set your heart and your soul to seek after the LORD your God.
1st Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD God.

Well, here's the counsel about our hearts/souls and God.

(1) You can set your heart and soul.
This is the decision making freedom we have.
Here's how this reads in the NLT "Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart."
The word seek, means to give, put, deliver, bring, appoint, devote, consecrate, commit, entrust, yield.
There was a time when you could not do this. That was when you were dead in your sins and trespasses. When you were under the power and control of sin and Satan. But that has all changed now, you are free, and free to set your heart, the inner you towards God.

(2) You can set your heart and soul to seek after the LORD your God.
Seeking after the LORD your God. This is the goal, this the reason for the decision as it were.
We can draw near to God.
He will draw near to us.
If we seek Him, we will find Him.
He is supremely interested in our seeking Him.
In fact, He has created us to know Him, and to love Him, and to glorify Him.
So, you can rest assured that if you seek Him, He will be found by you.
And, we can seek Him with all of our heart.
We can consecrate ourselves throughout this day, to Him.

Some Questions:

1. What tasks or responsibilities has the Lord set before you to do?

2. Isn't it wonderful that God would actually have a plan for us to fulfill?

3. Do we realize that God has placed His relationship with us above even the task He has assigned to us?

4. Will you take a moment now, and simply do what David counseled Solomon to do.
1st Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.

A prayer:

Father, some days we wake up and have the spiritual blahs, other days we wake up and have the spiritual clarity of mind and great interest of heart. Either way, we can day by day, follow the advice given to Solomon. And, we ask that this day, as we move through the day, that You would remind us of Your being with us, and that we have direct access to You every moment of each hour. So, we ask for grace, for power and strength in our inner man, to set our hearts towards You to seek You.
We want to also say thank You for sending Christ, and forgiving us of our sins, and making us Your children. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE SOME TRUTHS ABOUT GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE SOME TRUTHS ABOUT GOD"

Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

There is no way to know for sure what the circumstances were when David wrote this Psalm. He may have been running and hiding from Saul, or his own son Absalom may have been causing him trouble, or it may have been just the normal fights he endured against the enemies of Israel. But, as you read this Psalm, you can see that David remained faithful. And, as he gets to the end of this Psalm he speaks of the greatness of God. There are three things that he says about God. And, these things are as true today for you who know the Lord, as they were for David when he penned them.

1. For the LORD is righteous.
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

So, here is the first truth about God. The word LORD means, Jehovah, or the existing one. This is one of the primary names of God throughout the Bible. It's the proper name of the one true God. God is the "existing one"

And, the LORD is righteous. Or the LORD is just, right, in conduct and character, justified, correct, and lawful.
That's who the Existing one is.
He is all of that today for you.

2. He loves righteousness.
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

Here's the second thing said about the LORD. Here is something He loves. He loves justice. And, justice means, righteousness, it's one of God's attributes, it speaks of truthfulness, of righteous acts, and simply, that which is right.
God loves justice.

What a great God we have and serve.

3. His countenance beholds the upright.
Psalm 11:7 For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright.

Not only is the LORD righteous and He loves righteousness or justice, but, notice this third thing that is said about Him.
It means, "Those who do what is right will see His face"

Jesus said it this way in Matt 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.
Or, God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.

Some questions:

1. Do you ever take the time to really think about who the Lord is, and what His character is like?

2. When we do, isn't it a blessing indeed?

3. In fact, is there anything you could compare it to in terms of the blessings you receive?

4. Would You agree "how great is our God?"

5. And, do you know today, that this is our LORD who loves us so much?

A prayer:

Father, Your Word is so enlightening and revealing to us. It shows us who You are. And, in this one simple verse, penned by Your inspiration so long ago, we learn once again about Your greatness. Thank You for being righteous, and for loving righteousness, and for loving us so, and allowing us to know You and to see your face. We love You Lord, and pray that today, You would help us to be mindful of You throughout the day.
In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia