"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH HURTING MARRIAGES"
1st John 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.
1st John 4:20 f someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
1st John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. John, is of course talking about love, which is so often what we need in our marriages.
2. He is also focusing on what Christ has done for us, and how it has changed us. He (Jesus loved us first and, the result is that we love Him. It's His love, that has brought our love. (how true it is that our love for our mates, is what begins to bring the healing into the hurts in the marriage. Not just sentimental love, but true, Divine, Godly love in our hearts and then showing up in our speech, demeanor, and our actions.
3. Now here is a very important truth to help us be authentic, and Godly in our marriages. 1st John 4:20 f someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? We cannot do the both. Say I love God and hate our brother. And, if we cannot love our brother who we can see (our mate) then how can we love God whom we cannot see. Thus the truth is, that the two in fact are supposed to go together. Love God, and love our mates. Let's start with God, let's love Him, and the rest will truly take care of itself. We all know that deep down.
4. Here's a very helpful truth. 1st John 4:21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. The word commandment means, precept, an order, charge, injunction, that which is prescribed to us by God. A prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is being done.
5. So often, the hurt, the tension, the lack of peace, the anxiety, and the hurtful attitudes, and the dangerous things thought and said, can be instantly removed, if we will simply, let God's Word be taken into our hearts, and taken seriously, and responded to in obedience. Amazing how God can change hurt, into healing in an instant.
A prayer:
Father, we are thankful to You, that You have not only saved us, but given us Your Word to know how to live our lives down here on Earth, while we serve You, and wait to be with You. Your Word is eternal, it's pure, it's without error, it gives us understanding, it when received and responded to brings success into our lives, it's really quite simple. We get so wrapped up in our thoughts, that we lose sight of the simplicity of what blessings and peace You can and want to bring into our lives and marriages.
We pray for hurting marriages today, and those that may be hurting and reading this devotional today. Lord pour Your love, grace and mercy into their souls this very moment, and bring healing to hurt. Bring a halt to hurt, and replace it with Your healing.
We love You.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HEAVEN"
Luke 23:41 “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
Luke 23:42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Some explanatory notes, and application:
1. The thief speaking in Luke 23:41, was acknowledging the rightness of the capital punishment he was receiving. He is a picture of a sinner, simply admitting he is a sinner, which of course is not only the work of the Holy Spirit convicting a person, bringing them to their senses, but, it's also the first step to being saved. Admitting I'm a sinner.
2. The thief, also realized something about Jesus, that happens to all people who become saved and go to heaven. The Holy Spirit convinces them, reveals to them, shows them much about Jesus Christ, primarily that He is righteous, holy, perfect if you will. Jesus is without sin. He was always without sin, (except that He became sin for us on the cross) and He is without sin as we read this devotional.
3. The thief, then made a request to Jesus. He talked to Jesus. He prayed if you will. Here's what his prayer consisted of. "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" In other words, he was asking Christ to have mercy on him. And, you will notice something else. In mentioning "Your Kingdom" it's clear that the Holy Spirit had also revealed to him, that Jesus was indeed the King of a kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven. He understood something about the after life as it were.
4. The Lord speaks in 23:43 and says to this man condemned to death, " Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. This word, which of course was speaking ultimately of heaven, was a word in that day used to speak of grand enclosure, preserve, a park, a shady, and well watered one. A beautiful garden, a pleasure ground.
5. Please notice a few things the Lord said to the man. Assuredly, or truly, or faithful, or so be it. It's similar to our saying, "amen", meaning, so be it. So, Jesus was saying, "amen" to the man, or yes, I will remember you. Or yes, I will save you etc. And, the Lord said, "I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Which means, that as soon as that man died, and as soon as the Lord died, they would ultimately be together in heaven. And, all that happened in a very short period of time. The thief died, and shortly thereafter Christ died, and they were together in Paradise.
6. What a picture all of this is for us, what an encouragement. We also are sinners, and when the Holy Spirit convicts us of the truths about sin, and about righteousness, and about judgment, and we yield ourselves to God, we become saved. And when we die, we also are with God forever, and forever in heaven.
A prayer:
Father, there is no other name given under heaven whereby a man can be saved, but by and through the name, the person of Jesus Christ. Thank You for bringing the Holy Spirit's conviction into our lives, and drawing us to Yourself by Your goodness. It's Your goodness, that has led us to repentance. We are thankful today, and will be through eternity. Someday, we will see You in person, face to face, and we will be able to express our gratitude in a much more fulfilling way. We will do it, along with the innumerable multitude of angels, and all the many who have also been saved. You are the Lamb of God which has taken away our sins. No one but You can do this, thank You Father.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 23:41 “And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
Luke 23:42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”
Some explanatory notes, and application:
1. The thief speaking in Luke 23:41, was acknowledging the rightness of the capital punishment he was receiving. He is a picture of a sinner, simply admitting he is a sinner, which of course is not only the work of the Holy Spirit convicting a person, bringing them to their senses, but, it's also the first step to being saved. Admitting I'm a sinner.
2. The thief, also realized something about Jesus, that happens to all people who become saved and go to heaven. The Holy Spirit convinces them, reveals to them, shows them much about Jesus Christ, primarily that He is righteous, holy, perfect if you will. Jesus is without sin. He was always without sin, (except that He became sin for us on the cross) and He is without sin as we read this devotional.
3. The thief, then made a request to Jesus. He talked to Jesus. He prayed if you will. Here's what his prayer consisted of. "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" In other words, he was asking Christ to have mercy on him. And, you will notice something else. In mentioning "Your Kingdom" it's clear that the Holy Spirit had also revealed to him, that Jesus was indeed the King of a kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven. He understood something about the after life as it were.
4. The Lord speaks in 23:43 and says to this man condemned to death, " Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. This word, which of course was speaking ultimately of heaven, was a word in that day used to speak of grand enclosure, preserve, a park, a shady, and well watered one. A beautiful garden, a pleasure ground.
5. Please notice a few things the Lord said to the man. Assuredly, or truly, or faithful, or so be it. It's similar to our saying, "amen", meaning, so be it. So, Jesus was saying, "amen" to the man, or yes, I will remember you. Or yes, I will save you etc. And, the Lord said, "I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Which means, that as soon as that man died, and as soon as the Lord died, they would ultimately be together in heaven. And, all that happened in a very short period of time. The thief died, and shortly thereafter Christ died, and they were together in Paradise.
6. What a picture all of this is for us, what an encouragement. We also are sinners, and when the Holy Spirit convicts us of the truths about sin, and about righteousness, and about judgment, and we yield ourselves to God, we become saved. And when we die, we also are with God forever, and forever in heaven.
A prayer:
Father, there is no other name given under heaven whereby a man can be saved, but by and through the name, the person of Jesus Christ. Thank You for bringing the Holy Spirit's conviction into our lives, and drawing us to Yourself by Your goodness. It's Your goodness, that has led us to repentance. We are thankful today, and will be through eternity. Someday, we will see You in person, face to face, and we will be able to express our gratitude in a much more fulfilling way. We will do it, along with the innumerable multitude of angels, and all the many who have also been saved. You are the Lamb of God which has taken away our sins. No one but You can do this, thank You Father.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Thursday, October 24, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST A LOVED ONE"
Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. We (who have come to faith in Christ) have this hope.
2. This hope we have, is an anchor to our soul.
3. This hope we have, is also 2 other things. It is both sure and steadfast. Sure, means, certain, firm, true. And, steadfast means, firmly grounded, guaranteed, unalterable.
4. Finally, this hope we have, enters the Presence behind the veil. That of course is speaking of the visible presence of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
5. So, behind the veil is God. Jesus has already entered behind the veil. And, He assures us of our entrance into heaven as well.
6. For our loved ones who have left this world, they being in Christ, are right there with Christ as we read this thought.
7. When we leave this world, we will see our loved ones, and we together with them will glory in the Lamb of God who has taken away our sins, and given us eternal life.
A prayer:
Father, there are so many of Your children who are already home with You. We are still here, waiting to be with You and with them.
What a homecoming it will be for us and for them. We will see them again, and they will see us. Thank You for Your unspeakable gift of eternal life. You have graciously given it to us. We look forward to the greatest reunion that ever will be. Thank You for a bright and glorious future. We love You Father, in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Hebrews 6:19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. We (who have come to faith in Christ) have this hope.
2. This hope we have, is an anchor to our soul.
3. This hope we have, is also 2 other things. It is both sure and steadfast. Sure, means, certain, firm, true. And, steadfast means, firmly grounded, guaranteed, unalterable.
4. Finally, this hope we have, enters the Presence behind the veil. That of course is speaking of the visible presence of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
5. So, behind the veil is God. Jesus has already entered behind the veil. And, He assures us of our entrance into heaven as well.
6. For our loved ones who have left this world, they being in Christ, are right there with Christ as we read this thought.
7. When we leave this world, we will see our loved ones, and we together with them will glory in the Lamb of God who has taken away our sins, and given us eternal life.
A prayer:
Father, there are so many of Your children who are already home with You. We are still here, waiting to be with You and with them.
What a homecoming it will be for us and for them. We will see them again, and they will see us. Thank You for Your unspeakable gift of eternal life. You have graciously given it to us. We look forward to the greatest reunion that ever will be. Thank You for a bright and glorious future. We love You Father, in Jesus’ name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRODIGAL CHILDREN"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRODIGAL CHILDREN"
PROVERBS 8:17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. God is love, and He states here in this verse of His love for people.
2. That love for people, would include your prodigal child, or children as the case may be.
3. God also says He loves those who love Him.
4. Prodigals are in love with everyone and everything but God at this moment.
5. But, God is able to change all that.
6. Jesus gave us the story of the prodigal son in Luke 16 to encourage us that prodigals can change.
7. When a person seeks the Lord diligently, they will find God.
A prayer for your prodigal(s):
Father, we thank You for Your love for our prodigal(s). You love them just as much as You love anyone. You loved us ourselves when we were not loving You, and You drew us to Yourself. We pray that You might show and reveal and allow Your love for our prodigal(s) to become so clear and overwhelming to them, and deliver them from any false ideas they may have about how You view them, and what You think of them, and what You desire for them.
We also pray that You would bring the needed conviction into their lonely, empty, and sad souls. Give them the gift of repentance, and bring restoration back to You into their lives. Please help us to diligently pray for them. Part of the verse in this devotional, speaks of finding You. We Lord as those with prodigals need to find You to help us with our pain and sadness over our prodigals.
So, Lord, we entrust them to You this day, we know that nothing is impossible with You, and we pray for You Lord to move in upon their lives and bring them back to their right mind, and bring them back to You, and back to us.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier.
PROVERBS 8:17 I love those who love me, And those who seek me diligently will find me.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. God is love, and He states here in this verse of His love for people.
2. That love for people, would include your prodigal child, or children as the case may be.
3. God also says He loves those who love Him.
4. Prodigals are in love with everyone and everything but God at this moment.
5. But, God is able to change all that.
6. Jesus gave us the story of the prodigal son in Luke 16 to encourage us that prodigals can change.
7. When a person seeks the Lord diligently, they will find God.
A prayer for your prodigal(s):
Father, we thank You for Your love for our prodigal(s). You love them just as much as You love anyone. You loved us ourselves when we were not loving You, and You drew us to Yourself. We pray that You might show and reveal and allow Your love for our prodigal(s) to become so clear and overwhelming to them, and deliver them from any false ideas they may have about how You view them, and what You think of them, and what You desire for them.
We also pray that You would bring the needed conviction into their lonely, empty, and sad souls. Give them the gift of repentance, and bring restoration back to You into their lives. Please help us to diligently pray for them. Part of the verse in this devotional, speaks of finding You. We Lord as those with prodigals need to find You to help us with our pain and sadness over our prodigals.
So, Lord, we entrust them to You this day, we know that nothing is impossible with You, and we pray for You Lord to move in upon their lives and bring them back to their right mind, and bring them back to You, and back to us.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
Pastor Bob Grenier.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES SUDDENLY IN A FIERY TRIAL"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO FIND THEMSELVES SUDDENLY IN A FIERY TRIAL"
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.
1st Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Some Explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Regardless of whether we are in a trial or not, there is still this beautiful and sincere word that God so often uses to speak of His children. It's the word beloved, so, You are beloved today, yesterday, and forevermore. Period. It's a settled fact, this is how God views you. This term beloved, is also translated, Dear friends. That's what it means. We are His dear friends. Again, Period, it's a settled fact.
2. The first thing God tells His dear friends here, is not to be surprised, or unduly alarmed at the fiery trials and ordeals that you may find yourself going through. There is a reason for this matter that has come into your life. And the reason is, that God is testing your faith. So, that's the reason, and furthermore, we are told by the Lord here, not to think that it's strange we are going through this trial, not to think it's some abnormal experience. These unexpected fiery trials should not be a surprise is the idea. They happen to all of God's children from time to time.
3. And, here is the next thing we are told. We are to be glad. Admittedly, that sounds odd, until you read the rest of the verse.
1st Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad--because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.
The reason for our rejoicing is that we are sharing in Christ's sufferings. And, one day, when we see Him, in all of His glory and all of His splendor we will be filled with the most tremendous joy. We will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world.
4. I suppose to put this in another way, or to look at the verses and gain from them this perspective. These things are not abnormal. These things do come suddenly, and without warning. So, don't be alarmed, or wonder what has happened to God and where He is, to have let this happen to you.
5. These verses particularly, (1st Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.) is actually calling us to turn from surprise and alarm to rejoicing. Because we in a very real sense partaking of the sufferings of Christ. And, that beyond this temporal existence, there awaits us the great eternal glory of Christ, which we are going to share in. It's or hope.. It's the big picture. And keeping our eyes on the big picture, always helps us to the keep the smaller details down here, in their proper place. There is more to this life then the fiery trials that come our way. There is eternal glory that is also coming our way.
A prayer about these things:
Lord, what would we do without Your Word to help set our minds and hearts straight, and to give us Your heavenly, eternal perspective on life? We would be in despair. So, thank You for giving us Your Word, and the Holy Spirit to teach us the truths in Your Word, and to help us put them to use and walk in the Spirit, taking Your Word to heart, and letting it comfort and guide us as we go through life. We pray today for friends, or family that are going through a fiery trial, that we might be able to share these truths with them. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
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.
1st Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Some Explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Regardless of whether we are in a trial or not, there is still this beautiful and sincere word that God so often uses to speak of His children. It's the word beloved, so, You are beloved today, yesterday, and forevermore. Period. It's a settled fact, this is how God views you. This term beloved, is also translated, Dear friends. That's what it means. We are His dear friends. Again, Period, it's a settled fact.
2. The first thing God tells His dear friends here, is not to be surprised, or unduly alarmed at the fiery trials and ordeals that you may find yourself going through. There is a reason for this matter that has come into your life. And the reason is, that God is testing your faith. So, that's the reason, and furthermore, we are told by the Lord here, not to think that it's strange we are going through this trial, not to think it's some abnormal experience. These unexpected fiery trials should not be a surprise is the idea. They happen to all of God's children from time to time.
3. And, here is the next thing we are told. We are to be glad. Admittedly, that sounds odd, until you read the rest of the verse.
1st Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad--because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.
The reason for our rejoicing is that we are sharing in Christ's sufferings. And, one day, when we see Him, in all of His glory and all of His splendor we will be filled with the most tremendous joy. We will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory when it is displayed to all the world.
4. I suppose to put this in another way, or to look at the verses and gain from them this perspective. These things are not abnormal. These things do come suddenly, and without warning. So, don't be alarmed, or wonder what has happened to God and where He is, to have let this happen to you.
5. These verses particularly, (1st Peter 4:13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.) is actually calling us to turn from surprise and alarm to rejoicing. Because we in a very real sense partaking of the sufferings of Christ. And, that beyond this temporal existence, there awaits us the great eternal glory of Christ, which we are going to share in. It's or hope.. It's the big picture. And keeping our eyes on the big picture, always helps us to the keep the smaller details down here, in their proper place. There is more to this life then the fiery trials that come our way. There is eternal glory that is also coming our way.
A prayer about these things:
Lord, what would we do without Your Word to help set our minds and hearts straight, and to give us Your heavenly, eternal perspective on life? We would be in despair. So, thank You for giving us Your Word, and the Holy Spirit to teach us the truths in Your Word, and to help us put them to use and walk in the Spirit, taking Your Word to heart, and letting it comfort and guide us as we go through life. We pray today for friends, or family that are going through a fiery trial, that we might be able to share these truths with them. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Monday, October 21, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH ANGER AND BITTERNESS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE DEALING WITH ANGER AND BITTERNESS"
Eph 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
Heb 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Prov 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Anger, is not in and of itself a sin, but, it can lead you to sin. Thus, in Eph 4:26, it's teaching us "do not sin" That is, if you are angry, be careful that it does not lead you to sin.
2. Anger, that is not sinful is a normal reaction in certain times, and in certain circumstances. Even Christ Himself was angry over the misuse of the temple, when those serving the people were taking advantage of the people.
3. One other thing about anger, is to try and find God's peace before you go to bed. Do not go to bed angry, because you will most likely wake up angrier then when you went to bed, and that can lead to real sin and trouble.
4. Bitterness, is something we are to be careful to avoid. See Heb 12:15 above for an explanation as to why. But, what is bitterness? The word itself means, gall, or a bitter root, that produces bitter fruit. Hatred is included in the meaning of bitterness.
5. Here is some comfort, and direction when angry and dealing with bitterness, or trying not to let your anger lead you to sin, and when you are trying to stay away from being bitter. See Prov 3:5-6
Here's how it reads in the NLT
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Prov 3:6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
This version is pretty similar to the NKJV, but, you will notice the word depend, in verse 5, and you will notice the word seek in.
Verse 6. Depend on God in your times of dealing with anger and bitterness, and seek the will of God in these times, and the Lord will direct your paths.
Do you know what the word "direct" means?. It means, straight, right, fitted, good, level, be smooth. to do straight. It's the picture of the Lord making the road ahead easier to travel on. He will show you how to walk, and where to walk, and He will make it easier to walk on that road. He will smooth the road out.
A prayer:
Lord, You know what it's like to be a human being and to experience many things that make us angry, and can lead us to become bitter and resentful and really ruin our lives, and the lives of others. Would You please help us to take the Word of God in these Scriptures to heart and let them dwell in us deeply, and that we might respond to them and find You helping us. Thank You Father.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Eph 4:26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
Heb 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Prov 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Some explanatory thoughts and application:
1. Anger, is not in and of itself a sin, but, it can lead you to sin. Thus, in Eph 4:26, it's teaching us "do not sin" That is, if you are angry, be careful that it does not lead you to sin.
2. Anger, that is not sinful is a normal reaction in certain times, and in certain circumstances. Even Christ Himself was angry over the misuse of the temple, when those serving the people were taking advantage of the people.
3. One other thing about anger, is to try and find God's peace before you go to bed. Do not go to bed angry, because you will most likely wake up angrier then when you went to bed, and that can lead to real sin and trouble.
4. Bitterness, is something we are to be careful to avoid. See Heb 12:15 above for an explanation as to why. But, what is bitterness? The word itself means, gall, or a bitter root, that produces bitter fruit. Hatred is included in the meaning of bitterness.
5. Here is some comfort, and direction when angry and dealing with bitterness, or trying not to let your anger lead you to sin, and when you are trying to stay away from being bitter. See Prov 3:5-6
Here's how it reads in the NLT
Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Prov 3:6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
This version is pretty similar to the NKJV, but, you will notice the word depend, in verse 5, and you will notice the word seek in.
Verse 6. Depend on God in your times of dealing with anger and bitterness, and seek the will of God in these times, and the Lord will direct your paths.
Do you know what the word "direct" means?. It means, straight, right, fitted, good, level, be smooth. to do straight. It's the picture of the Lord making the road ahead easier to travel on. He will show you how to walk, and where to walk, and He will make it easier to walk on that road. He will smooth the road out.
A prayer:
Lord, You know what it's like to be a human being and to experience many things that make us angry, and can lead us to become bitter and resentful and really ruin our lives, and the lives of others. Would You please help us to take the Word of God in these Scriptures to heart and let them dwell in us deeply, and that we might respond to them and find You helping us. Thank You Father.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia