"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GRACE TO SINNERS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GRACE TO SINNERS"

2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:10 And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen.
2 Chronicles 33:11 Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon.
2 Chronicles 33:12 Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
2 Chronicles 33:13 and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.

Some explanatory notes, application, questions and a prayer:

These verses detail an incident in the life of King Mannaseh. He was the son of King Hezekiah. As it turns out, he wound up being the most evil of the kings in Israel. Yet, in this particular incident, we see the enormous and tremendous grace of God towards the king, and towards his people. God is indeed gracious isn't He.

1. A man can be very evil and very stubborn and not listen to God.
2 Chronicles 33:9 So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.
2 Chronicles 33:10 And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen.

This king seduced the people of God to do evil, and when the Lord spoke to him he would not listen.
We as men and women, are capable of doing sinful and evil things.
We are also capable of refusing to listen to God when He speaks to us.
Such was the case here.

2. God is capable and does chastise His people when they are disobedient.
2 Chronicles 33:11 Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon.

Our actions have consequences. The seductive ways, and the stubborn ways of King Manasseh brought judgment from the Lord. In this case, God used a foreign king to put a hook into king Manasseh and bound him and carried him off into captivity.
I'm certain the king never imagined what would happen to him as a result of his sin.
God tried to speak to him, but he refused to listen.
And thus God took very severe measures with him.

3. A man can come to his senses repent to God and find grace and restoration.
2 Chronicles 33:12 Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
2 Chronicles 33:13 and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.

It took the pain of being in captivity to bring King Manasseh to his senses.
And he began to implore or cry out to God.
He humbled himself greatly before God.
He prayed to God.

And God received his prayers, and heard his supplications, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom.
Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God.

Some questions and statements:

1. It's quite sobering to know what the human heart of capable of doing isn't it?

2. And it's easy to not realize how our actions can affect so many people.

3. We are capable of tuning the Lord out when He tries to speak to us.

4. If we don't listen to God He may choose to bring some severe chastening into our lives.

5. But, if we come to our senses, and turn to God, He will forgive us and restore us.

6. Sometimes it takes a lot to bring a man to his senses, and for him to really realize that God is God.

A prayer:

Father, You are so merciful. Look how You dealt with this King. He was stubborn and would not listen to You, so You brought him into a situation that would humble him. Father would you please not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
We do not need to get ourselves into trouble with You. We would rather walk in close intimacy and obedience to You.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY TO THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT YOUR MINISTRY TO THE LORD"

2nd Chronicles 29:11 “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

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

Hezekiah had just become king. And the first thing he did was to repair the temple. He did all that was needful to get it up and running so the people could worship the Lord. The above verse was an exhortation from the king to the workers who were about to engage in the clean up work. It's a verse that hold much instruction and application for us today in our ministry to the Lord.

1. We ( who have been born again ) are in fact the sons of God.
2nd Chronicles 29:11 “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

King Hezekiah was speaking to the children of Israel. The people of God. He called them "my sons" We who have come to faith in Jesus Christ are in fact the sons of God also. We have been born again, and have been adopted into the family of God.
At one time we were without God, but now through His mercy and grace that has all changed. We are the children of God.

2. We are also called to not be negligent, but rather diligent in our ministry to the Lord.
2nd Chronicles 29:11 “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

This was a needed exhortation. "do not be negligent now" Or do not delay, do not procrastinate, but be diligent to do what God has put before you. They had a work to do that centered directly on God. We are in the same position. We are called to look unto Jesus and to serve Him with all of our hearts. And, it's important that we are faithful in our service to Him, and not to be delay, or be unfaithful, or neglectful, but rather diligently doing whatever it is that He has called us to do,

3. We have been chosen by God to be His children and to stand before Him.
2nd Chronicles 29:11 “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

The King told the people how God had chosen them. The Bible tells us the same thing.
We have been chosen by God to be His children.
He called us, and He saved us, and we are now His.
We are the children of God.
Here's what Jesus said.

Joh 15:16* “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

4. We are also called to serve Him, and to minister to Him.
2nd Chronicles 29:11 “My sons, do not be negligent now, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, and that you should minister to Him and burn incense.”

So, to sum it all up the King was exhorting the people to busy about the ministry that God had set before them to do.
We are in the same position. God has placed each of us right where He wants us. And He has given each of us at least one spiritual gift. He wants us to use our spiritual gifts. We are exhorted in the NT to "redeem the time" or to make the most of the time we have.

There is so much work to be done in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. God will use you if you make yourself available to Him,
He will work in you, and He will work through you. He will use your life to minister to other people, just as He has used other peoples lives to minister to you.

Some questions:

1. What gifts do you think the Lord has given to you?

2. Have you put those gifts to work yet in serving the Lord?

3. Do you need help from God in figuring out what He wants you to do?

4. Do you know that God is more anxious than you are for you to be busy about His work?

5. God has a plan and it included using your life and your gifts to bring glory to His name.

A prayer:

Father thank You for Your wondrous grace and mercy towards us. And thank You for these stories in the Bible that serve as examples to motivate us in our relationship with You. We need that motivation. We want to please You. You deserve to be honored, served and glorified in and through our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TWO THINGS THAT WILL FOLLOW YOU"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT TWO THINGS THAT WILL FOLLOW YOU"

Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

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

This is perhaps one of the most well known Psalms in all of the world. Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd etc.
Written by King David who had himself been a shepherd as a young boy. But now writing as the king he saw the Lord as his shepherd, and himself as one of the Lord's sheep. In this particular verse, there are two things that he says will follow him, and then closes this off by telling us about his eternal future as one of God's children.

1. What's said here to follow David, is also true of every believer in Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

You will notice the verse starts with the word "surely" designed to affirm beyond any doubt the truthfulness of what is about to be said. This is true is the idea. Thus this is true for you and I who also follow and know the Lord, we can count on these things in our lives.

2. Here are the two things that followed David, and also follow us.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

Goodness and mercy. What a blessing. David was declaring that each and ever day, in fact all the days of his life, that goodness and mercy would follow him.

This is true for you and I also. As we look back behind us we see these two things, the goodness and the mercy of the Lord.

Goodness comes from a word meaning beneficial, blessing.
Mercy is also translated "God's unfailing love"

Today God is being good to us, today God is loving us. And tomorrow we can look back on today, and see that these two blessing were there, and that's the way it will be all through our lives.

3. We can look forward also to dwelling in God's house forever.
Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

David was declaring that there were these two blessings in his life day by day, and that his future residence would be in the house of the LORD forever.

The same can be said of us. Blessings from God each and every day, and the confidence of being in heaven with God, in the city of God forever, and forever.

Some questions:

1. Isn't it a blessing to pause a little and consider the wonderful truths and blessing from God in our lives?

2. Do you know that because God said it, you can bank on it being true?

3. Do you know that these blessings are following you day by day?

4. Do you know that as a christian you will dwell with God in His house forever and ever?

5. Will you take a moment right now to bow your heart before Him, and tell Him thank you, and that you love Him?

A prayer:

Father, even though we have heard this Ps over and over, it may be new for some. And even though it may be familiar to us, the truth of it is a powerful blessing in our lives today. You are behind us, You are with us, and we will be with You forever.
Thank You for sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Thank You for Your goodness that led us to repent. Thank You for giving us faith to believe, and thank You for saving us when we did believe in Jesus and receive Him. And finally, thank You Lord for the glorious eternal future we have waiting for us. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT KNOWING THE WILL OF GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT KNOWING THE WILL OF GOD"

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, questions and a prayer:

This 12th Chapter of Romans begins the practical application of the Epistle. The first 11 chapters explained how God saves men, and from here on till the end, it about how saved men are to live. The very first issue Paul explains about living the Christian life, is how we are to know the will of God. Or to put it another way, it's how we can experience God's will in our lives.

1. God gives us the opportunity to know His will.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,
Here's how it reads in the NLT. Rom 12:1a And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God.

This is not a command, but a plea, and an invitation. God invites you to give yourself to Him. It's been said, that we can have as much of God as we want. And, God is willing to give as much of Himself to us as we want.
But, we must make ourselves available to Him, that is step number one.

2. God will receive you as you you place yourself at His disposal.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,

God will accept you as you place yourself at His disposal. He saved You for a reason. And if you will present your body to God, He will welcome you, and He will begin working in your life to show you His will. He will accept you as you give yourself to Him.

3. God has been so merciful to you, that you giving yourself to Him is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

You can see at the end of this verse, that giving yourself to God is your reasonable service. In light of all that He has done for you in saving you and justifying you by His grace, it's the only logical and reasonable thing to do. Give yourself to God.
When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? No.

4. God wants you to not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The first part of this verse explains what we should not do. We should not allow the world to conform us. It will if we are not careful. This is why the Lord states it so clearly. Do not be conformed to this world. Don't live the way the world lives.
Or don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,

5. God promises that you will experience His will if you follow the teaching in these 2 verses.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Here's how this verse reads in the NLT Rom 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

So along with not copying the ways of the world, we are to let God transform and change us. He brings about this change by changing the way we think and He does that through His Word.

If we follow this instruction we will find ourselves personally experiencing the will of God for our lives. And how pleased God will be to reveal His will to you.

Some questions:

1. Are you not thankful for God's having saved you?

2. Isn't it wonderful that He has been so merciful to you?

3. And, isn't it a blessing to know that you can give yourself to Him and experience His will for your life?

4. Please take a few moments to read the verses and let them sink in, and soak your heart and your mind in them.

5. Do you want to know God's will?

6. Do you believe God will reveal it to you if you follow His instructions?

A prayer:

Father these two verses are so pivotal for the christian. They take us from being saved to growing into the knowledge of Your will. Thank You that You have a will for us, and that it's Your good pleasure to make that will known to us. Lord please help us understand that to know Your will we must follow Your guidance, and come to You on Your terms. Thank You for Your grace , Your mercy, and Your love. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR GREAT GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR GREAT GOD"

Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

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

Paul is concluding his teaching about the the Grace of God in and through Jesus Christ, and the people of Israel.
He spent three chapters ( 9-11 ) dealing with this subject. And, what a glorious ending we have here in verse 36. It's filled with many truths about our God, and what that means to us as His children.

1. Everything comes from our God.
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Our God is the source of all things. As the verse states "of Him and through Him and to Him are all things"
He is above all, He is before all. How great is our God.

2. Everything exists by His power.
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

God is all powerful. That's how the Bible describes Him. We use the word "Omnipotent" when saying that God is all powerful.
And all powerful He is. So powerful that everything that exists, exists because of His power.
He is responsible for all things that exists.

3. Everything is intended for His glory.
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Not only have all things come from Him, and exist because of His great power, but all things are intended for His glory.
He is our creator and we were created for Him. This explains what our purpose in life is. It's for Him. God made us for Himself.
And, when we begin living our lives in accordance with His purpose, our lives are transformed into the image of Christ, and our lives begin to reflect our wonderful God. We become living witnesses of our God. We become filled with a peace and joy and hope that we cannot find anywhere else in the world.

4. Everything will be to His glory forever and forever.
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

We live in the now, but will live on past the now into the future which is called the hereafter. While here we are created for Him and are to give Him glory, but we will also give Him glory forever and forever.

This life is very very short. But once we leave here and enter into the next life we enter into the greatest blessing that is available to man. So we can have a fulfilling life here as we line up our wills with God living for Him, and we will continue once we leave here and meet God face to face. What a glorious future awaits us.

Some questions:

1. How often do you think about why God created you?

2. How does it affect you when you realize that God has a purpose for you?

3. What happens to you as you yield yourself to God and His purpose for your life?

4. What words would you use to describe the blessings of living for God as He intended you to live?

5. Would you affirm your purpose in life today to the Lord, telling Him you want to live for Him, and to know Him?

A prayer:

Father what wonderful truths are contained in this verse.
Romans 11:36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Thank You for loving us so. And thank You for showing us that we have a God given purpose in our lives. It's You. It's living for You. And it's not only to know You, but to make You known to the world we live in. Please empower us with the Holy Spirit, and help us to live in accordance with Your perfect will for us today. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT NOT TO TRUST IN, AND WHO TO TRUST IN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT NOT TO TRUST IN, AND WHO TO TRUST IN"

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

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

This particular Psalm, as with the vast majority of the Psalms, was written by King David. And the simple theme of this Psalm is the assurance of God's Saving Work. As you read through the entire Psalm, you can see David singing of, and pointing his readers to the Lord, and encouraging them to put their trust in Him. He especially encourages trust in God during the days and times of trouble. And he states over and over again how God will help those who trust in God.

1. There are some things we should avoid trusting in.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;

David is not saying that we should not use the normal and appropriate means in life to protect ourselves, or to defend ourselves. But what David is saying is that these things that we may need to use in life, are not really what we should trust in to save us. We can use these things, but we do not need to trust in them is the point.

"Preparation for battle is necessary, but trust in God is priority one" David Jeremiah.

2. But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

David now clearly points to what we ought to remember, it's the name of the LORD our God.
Whenever the phrase "the name of the LORD" is used, it's a reference to the character, reputation, and the nature of God.

To remember the LORD means to call to mind, to think, to recall, or you could say to meditate on. When we call to mind who the LORD is, and we meditate on Him, we find Him giving us strength.

For example, David may have been remembering what happened when he fought Goliath. He did not use the weapons and armor provided for him, but rather he picked up 5 stones and used a sling, but he fought Goliath in the strength of God.
He slung that one stone at this over 9 foot tall giant and brought him down, and then went and cut his head off with the giants own sword. David did not win that fight on his own, but rather he won it by God's power and strength.

Some questions:

1. What is the first thing you normally default to when a real challenge comes your way?

2. Can you remember the last time you really called out to God when you were in trouble?

3. Can you compare the times of trusting in something other than God and the times of trusting in God?

4. Do you know that if you will think about the Lord, i.e meditate on Him, you will find strength coming into your soul?

5. Will you pause right now and ask God to help you deepen your trust in Him, and make God the one you turn to first?

A prayer:

Father thank You for Your Word. Thank You especially for the Psalms. They always seem to resonate with our lives and circumstances. They are so encouraging and instructive to us. They are filled with one testimony after another of both human weakness, and God's great strength and power in the lives of those who put their trust in You. May we be those people Lord.
May we learn to think about You more often, to really ponder You day by day. We thank You in advance for the grace, and the power, strength, and victory You will bring into our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A FACT, AND A PROMISE GOD HAS FOR YOU"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A FACT, AND A PROMISE GOD HAS FOR YOU"

2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

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

This wonderful fact, and promise about what God will do was actually given to King Asa, after he had foolishly trusted in a pagan king to help him deal with a threat against Judah. Asa had previously trusted the Lord against adversaries, but for some reason when this new threat came, rather than trusting in and turning to God for help, he turned to a Syrian King, a pagan. So, this verse was given to re-explain if you will to King Asa what God will do for His people. The verse is a promise given in the context of a reproof and rebuke to King Asa.

1. God has eyes and is searching the whole earth.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth....

The Lord is looking each and every day, all through the earth as it were. He is actively doing this.
He is doing this for a reason, which is stated in the next point.
But, for now, it's a blessing to know that this very day, our God is looking throughout the whole earth, and He is looking for a certain kind of heart. And He is looking in order to do something for that person's heart.

2. God is searching the earth in order to strengthen hearts.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong.....

So, here we have the explanation as to why God is looking and searching through the earth day by day. It's so that He can show Himself strong. He wants to strengthen the person who has a heart that is a certain way.
That heart is described in the next point.

3. God will strengthen the heart that is loyal or fully committed to Him.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

The heart God wants to strengthen, is the heart that is loyal to Him, or the heart that is fully committed to Him.
That is, as compared to what King Asa did. Asa could have received strength from God as he had in the past, but in this instance his heart was not loyal to God but he was trusting in a man a king, an earthly pagan king at that.

4. May God help us to not follow King Asa's example of trusting in man rather than in God.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

When Asa trusted God, God strengthened him. When we trust God, He will strengthen us also. That's called having faith in God. But if we choose to neglect trusting God then He is unable to help us. Listen to these wise words from Proverbs

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

So on the one hand we can trust the Lord and receive His blessing, strength, and guidance etc. Or on the other we can be like King Asa, and trust in man and reap the consequences. In his case it was war after war after war.
God wants us to trust Him and let Him direct our paths and make the way plain for us.

Some Questions:

1. Isn't this a wonderful promise from God.?

2. And isn't it also a good warning to be careful as to who and what we are trusting in .?

3. Imagine that at this very moment our God is looking all through the earth and He is looking for hearts that are looking to Him as it were. He promises to give us strength.

4. Are you looking to God today. Will You look to God today and will you thank Him in advance for the strength He will give you?.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for giving us these true accounts of men and women in the Bible who we can relate to. You do not hide their faults and we can learn from them. Please help us to take these examples, whether they good one's or bad one's. We want to follow the good examples, and avoid the bad ones. .

Help us Lord to learn how to walk with You, and thank You that today You are looking for loyal or committed hearts to You in order to give them strength. Give us strength Lord, give us strength, we need it. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia