"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S LEADING AND HIS TIMING IN OUR LIVES"
1st Cor 16:6 And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go.
1st Cor 16:7 For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
Some explanatory thoughts and application, and a prayer:
1. These two verses have to do with Paul's own plans for God's leading and timing in his life and ministry.
2. What's interesting to note, is that he did not have a clear picture at this time of exactly when, what and where etc
3. Sometimes, we may be inclined to think that people like Paul always knew the answers to God's leading and timing etc.
4. The truth is, that sometimes they did, and sometimes they did not. Just like us.
5. Uncertainty, or not knowing what God may want us to do, or when He wants us to do it, is not unusual for the Christian, but, I would venture to say, more of the norm, then the other.
6. We do not live on explanations, but on promises. And, God does not always explain everything to us when we would like Him to, but He always does give us many promises to live on.
7. We can also be confident that while we don't know what lies ahead, God does, and He knows just when, He is going to do what He is going to do. He has a plan, a timing, and He will act, and we will know for sure what we don't know at this moment.
A prayer:
Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness to us. We are not left to trudge along through this world without Your guidance and oversight. You are our Shepherd, You lead us faithfully in Your paths of righteousness. You know where we are at this moment, You know our name, and You know what You have planned for us (even this very day, the next, and the next etc, etc) So, help us Lord to enjoy the moment, rest in Your promises, and not worry about the explanations that are in Your mind. You will take care of us just as You have promised, and You will guide us into Your perfect will. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SERVING GOD BY SERVING HIS PEOPLE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SERVING GOD BY SERVING HIS PEOPLE"
Ist Cor 16:15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints--
Ist Cor 16:16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:
1. As Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians, he begins to exhort them about a number of individuals, and in doing so tells about this Stephanas and his household. They are a great example for us to follow.
2. His name, "Stephanas" means, Crowned, and comes from a word meaning, to encircle with a crown, i.e the victor in a contest.
3. He is also said by Paul to be the firstfruits of Achaia. That is, Stephanas and his household, were the first converts Paul had when he went to Corinth to preach the gospel. They received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and were crowned with salvation if you will.
4. He and his household, after they were saved, "devoted themselves to the ministry to the saints" This is how it reads in the J. B
Phillips Translation. 1st Cor 15-16 "You remember the household of Stephanas, the first men of Achaia to be won for Christ? Well, they have made up their minds to devote their lives to looking after Christian brothers. I do beg you to recognize them as Christ’s ministers, and to extend your recognition to all their helpers and workers."
5. So, what a tremendous example to follow. Be saved by faith in Jesus Christ. And, then, grow as disciples learning about Christ, following Him, and becoming like Him, and "devoting oneself to the ministry of the saints" This man and his family had one thing in mind, they wanted to serve God by serving His people. What a good example to follow.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us good examples, and what we can do with our own lives. You have worked in the lives of the Household of Stephanas, whom we will meet in heaven one day. May what was said of them, be said of us also. Baptize us today Lord in the Holy Spirit of God. Please help us to set our hearts upon You, and Your will, and to live the way that You call us to live.
We are very blessed, and very enthused these days, as we sense You working in our lives. Thank You Lord..
In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Ist Cor 16:15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints--
Ist Cor 16:16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.
Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:
1. As Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians, he begins to exhort them about a number of individuals, and in doing so tells about this Stephanas and his household. They are a great example for us to follow.
2. His name, "Stephanas" means, Crowned, and comes from a word meaning, to encircle with a crown, i.e the victor in a contest.
3. He is also said by Paul to be the firstfruits of Achaia. That is, Stephanas and his household, were the first converts Paul had when he went to Corinth to preach the gospel. They received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and were crowned with salvation if you will.
4. He and his household, after they were saved, "devoted themselves to the ministry to the saints" This is how it reads in the J. B
Phillips Translation. 1st Cor 15-16 "You remember the household of Stephanas, the first men of Achaia to be won for Christ? Well, they have made up their minds to devote their lives to looking after Christian brothers. I do beg you to recognize them as Christ’s ministers, and to extend your recognition to all their helpers and workers."
5. So, what a tremendous example to follow. Be saved by faith in Jesus Christ. And, then, grow as disciples learning about Christ, following Him, and becoming like Him, and "devoting oneself to the ministry of the saints" This man and his family had one thing in mind, they wanted to serve God by serving His people. What a good example to follow.
A prayer:
Father, thank You for showing us good examples, and what we can do with our own lives. You have worked in the lives of the Household of Stephanas, whom we will meet in heaven one day. May what was said of them, be said of us also. Baptize us today Lord in the Holy Spirit of God. Please help us to set our hearts upon You, and Your will, and to live the way that You call us to live.
We are very blessed, and very enthused these days, as we sense You working in our lives. Thank You Lord..
In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Thursday, December 12, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WATCHFULNESS, STANDING FAST IN THE FAITH, AND BEING BRAVE AND STRONG, AND LOVE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WATCHFULNESS, STANDING FAST IN THE FAITH, AND BEING BRAVE AND STRONG, AND LOVE"
1st Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong,
1st Cor 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. First of all, there are about 5 exhortations given to us in these two verses.
2. They are encouragements as to what the believers in Corinth were to do, and what we also ought to do in our walks with The Lord.
3. Please take another look at the verses. These are things that God can work into our lives, these are attitudes if you will that we can have by His grace and power. He would never ask us to do something that we can't do.
4. Here's how it reads in the Amplified version. "Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (Your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it ) Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength" "Let everything you do be done in love ( true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us)."
5. There is not much to add to the above, except to say, these are words that truths and attitudes that are important for us day by day. Paul recognized the challenges we face from within ourselves, the world, and the devil. But, the teaching he gave here is to help us prevail and walk in victory.
A prayer:
Father, it always seems so natural to start our prayers with saying thank You. And, thus, we do. "Thank You Father" For all of Your blessings, and for the great power and nourishment we receive from Your Word. It's so wonderful for us. We pray that these exhortations would be taken to heart by us, and we pray that You would help us to remember them day by day. One day, we are going to leave this world, and see You face to face. Then, none of these things will be needed, but now they are, so, let us walk like men and women of God, pleasing our Heavenly Father. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
1st Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong,
1st Cor 16:14 Let all that you do be done with love.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. First of all, there are about 5 exhortations given to us in these two verses.
2. They are encouragements as to what the believers in Corinth were to do, and what we also ought to do in our walks with The Lord.
3. Please take another look at the verses. These are things that God can work into our lives, these are attitudes if you will that we can have by His grace and power. He would never ask us to do something that we can't do.
4. Here's how it reads in the Amplified version. "Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith (Your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it ) Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength" "Let everything you do be done in love ( true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us)."
5. There is not much to add to the above, except to say, these are words that truths and attitudes that are important for us day by day. Paul recognized the challenges we face from within ourselves, the world, and the devil. But, the teaching he gave here is to help us prevail and walk in victory.
A prayer:
Father, it always seems so natural to start our prayers with saying thank You. And, thus, we do. "Thank You Father" For all of Your blessings, and for the great power and nourishment we receive from Your Word. It's so wonderful for us. We pray that these exhortations would be taken to heart by us, and we pray that You would help us to remember them day by day. One day, we are going to leave this world, and see You face to face. Then, none of these things will be needed, but now they are, so, let us walk like men and women of God, pleasing our Heavenly Father. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD GIVING US PATIENCE"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD GIVING US PATIENCE"
Col 1:11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy;
A few explanatory thoughts, some application, and a prayer:
1. This verse is part of a prayer that Paul was praying for the believers in the Colossian Church.
2. He was praying that the Holy Spirit might strengthen them
3. You will notice that the results of being strengthened by the Spirit, result in a number of things.
4. Here's what the Holy Spirit can do in us by giving us His strength.
(1) He can and will give us all might, or power, or strength.
(2) His power is by the way glorious. The power comes from God who is glorious.
(3) For all patience, and long suffering with joy. Those are three specific things His power will give us.
5. Let's just look at each of these in some detail.
(Patience) It means, enduring, patient continuance, steadfastness, constancy. In the NT, it's the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. It speaks of a sustaining perseverance.
(Long suffering ) Very, very similar to patience. But, it includes the idea of patient forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs.
(Joy) This word, means, gladness, or happiness, It's been described as a calm delight
6. So, these blessings do not spring out of us, but, rather are given to us by the Holy Spirit. We can ask Him to help us this very day. I'm certain many of us need these things from Him.
A prayer:
Father, may we start by saying thank You for being patient and long suffering with us. And, for being joyful in and of Yourself. You also give us these things. They come through the wonderful person of the Holy Spirit. And, we can ask for His help in bringing these things into our lives. Today, may be a day for many of us who sense their need for these helps from You. Lord, give us strength now for this day, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Col 1:11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy;
A few explanatory thoughts, some application, and a prayer:
1. This verse is part of a prayer that Paul was praying for the believers in the Colossian Church.
2. He was praying that the Holy Spirit might strengthen them
3. You will notice that the results of being strengthened by the Spirit, result in a number of things.
4. Here's what the Holy Spirit can do in us by giving us His strength.
(1) He can and will give us all might, or power, or strength.
(2) His power is by the way glorious. The power comes from God who is glorious.
(3) For all patience, and long suffering with joy. Those are three specific things His power will give us.
5. Let's just look at each of these in some detail.
(Patience) It means, enduring, patient continuance, steadfastness, constancy. In the NT, it's the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings. It speaks of a sustaining perseverance.
(Long suffering ) Very, very similar to patience. But, it includes the idea of patient forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs.
(Joy) This word, means, gladness, or happiness, It's been described as a calm delight
6. So, these blessings do not spring out of us, but, rather are given to us by the Holy Spirit. We can ask Him to help us this very day. I'm certain many of us need these things from Him.
A prayer:
Father, may we start by saying thank You for being patient and long suffering with us. And, for being joyful in and of Yourself. You also give us these things. They come through the wonderful person of the Holy Spirit. And, we can ask for His help in bringing these things into our lives. Today, may be a day for many of us who sense their need for these helps from You. Lord, give us strength now for this day, in the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ENDURING STORMS"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT ENDURING STORMS"
Luke 6:46-49
But why do you call Me Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?
Whoever comes to Me and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like.
He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.
But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Jesus starts with those most penetrating and searching question. "But why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say. Can I give you a hint here. It the doing of what Christ says that lays the foundation in our lives, an thus we can endure the storms that come our way.
2. But, back to the question. Please read it again, and think about how you would answer it. What would the appropriate answer be, and what was Jesus trying to communicate through this question. The word Lord of course means master. So, some were saying to Jesus, You are my master, but, they were not acting as if He was their master. For had they been, they would have been obedient to what He was telling them.
3. Jesus went on then to explain what two types of people are like. The one's who hear Him, and then do what He says, and the ones who hear Him, but do not do what He says.
4. The hearer and the doer is like a man who builds a house on a good foundation, and it's able to withstand the storms that will inevitably come into their lives. The one who hears but does not do, is also building a house, but, it's built on earth, not on a rock like the other man. And when the storms came upon him, he crumbled, and the ruin was great.
5. So, what's the point and lesson for us here? God's Word, when heard, received and acted upon, builds a life on a rock solid foundation that can withstand the storms of life. On the other hand, when God's Word is heard, but not really received so as to act upon it, that person is building their life on a foundation that cannot withstand the storms that will come.
6. The wise and the foolish if you will. That's how Jesus taught this same story in Matt 7. God's Word is life giving, and life saving if you will. God's Word is storm resistant, and protective in our lives from what comes our way.
7. So, storms will come, and if we want to endure them when they come, then we must take God's Word to heart, and do what He says. We are in reality, building our lives on that which will sustain us in the days ahead.
A prayer:
Father, thank You. Thank You for teaching us Your Word, Thank You for giving us Your Word.
It's so penetrating, and sensible, and heart searching, and encouraging. Your Word tells us what to do, and how to do it. We want to be the wise man who builds His house on the rock.
Help us Lord to be sober minded, and to be teachable, and to repent when we sin, and to commit ourselves to obey You. We cannot do any of this in our own strength, we need the power of Your Spirit, and the grace, mercy and love of God in our lives. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia,
Luke 6:46-49
But why do you call Me Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?
Whoever comes to Me and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like.
He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.
But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Jesus starts with those most penetrating and searching question. "But why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say. Can I give you a hint here. It the doing of what Christ says that lays the foundation in our lives, an thus we can endure the storms that come our way.
2. But, back to the question. Please read it again, and think about how you would answer it. What would the appropriate answer be, and what was Jesus trying to communicate through this question. The word Lord of course means master. So, some were saying to Jesus, You are my master, but, they were not acting as if He was their master. For had they been, they would have been obedient to what He was telling them.
3. Jesus went on then to explain what two types of people are like. The one's who hear Him, and then do what He says, and the ones who hear Him, but do not do what He says.
4. The hearer and the doer is like a man who builds a house on a good foundation, and it's able to withstand the storms that will inevitably come into their lives. The one who hears but does not do, is also building a house, but, it's built on earth, not on a rock like the other man. And when the storms came upon him, he crumbled, and the ruin was great.
5. So, what's the point and lesson for us here? God's Word, when heard, received and acted upon, builds a life on a rock solid foundation that can withstand the storms of life. On the other hand, when God's Word is heard, but not really received so as to act upon it, that person is building their life on a foundation that cannot withstand the storms that will come.
6. The wise and the foolish if you will. That's how Jesus taught this same story in Matt 7. God's Word is life giving, and life saving if you will. God's Word is storm resistant, and protective in our lives from what comes our way.
7. So, storms will come, and if we want to endure them when they come, then we must take God's Word to heart, and do what He says. We are in reality, building our lives on that which will sustain us in the days ahead.
A prayer:
Father, thank You. Thank You for teaching us Your Word, Thank You for giving us Your Word.
It's so penetrating, and sensible, and heart searching, and encouraging. Your Word tells us what to do, and how to do it. We want to be the wise man who builds His house on the rock.
Help us Lord to be sober minded, and to be teachable, and to repent when we sin, and to commit ourselves to obey You. We cannot do any of this in our own strength, we need the power of Your Spirit, and the grace, mercy and love of God in our lives. In Jesus name, amen
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia,
Monday, December 9, 2013
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WONDERFUL MERCY"
"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WONDERFUL MERCY"
Luke 6:36 “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."
Some explanatory thoughts and application, and a prayer:
1. First of all, this is a beautiful verse that says two basic things to us.
2. Those things are what our Father is like, and how He wants us to live as His followers.
3. The truth about God is that He is merciful. For example, consider these verses that speak of His mercy.
Ps 100:5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Ps 103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
4. But, what does this verse in Luke 6:36 actually say to us?.
(it's speaking of what we are to be, i.e merciful.)
(it's speaking as mentioned what our Father in heaven is like, He is merciful)
(So, these are Jesus's words to us, as to how we are to act and to live with respect to mercy, we are to be merciful)
5. What is mercy?. It comes from a word meaning to have compassion, and it means to pity. Mercy is also a gift of the Spirit. All Christians, are called to be merciful, but, some have this given to them as a gift, they are very compassionate, and that is there gift and contribution to the body of Christ.
6. Mercy is often compared with justice and grace. For example, Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve, and Grace is getting what you do not deserve. So, by being merciful, we are not giving to people what they deserve. And, I might add, that Luke 6:36 was given as part of sermon by Christ, where He had been teaching about how we are to deal with our enemies, we are to love them, pray for them do good to them, etc, and we are to be merciful in how we live and treat others.
A Prayer:
Father, You are the Father of mercies. This entire wonderful concept has come from You, You created mercy if You will, it has flowed out from You towards us. And, You call us to be like You in our relationships, especially with those who hate us, and are our enemies. Lord, if You have given to any of us this gift, may we use it to it's fullest. And, as all of Your children, let us walk in mercy day by day, bringing honor to You. Thank You for being merciful to us Lord. You gave justice for our sins to Jesus, but You have given us mercy, thank you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
Luke 6:36 “Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."
Some explanatory thoughts and application, and a prayer:
1. First of all, this is a beautiful verse that says two basic things to us.
2. Those things are what our Father is like, and how He wants us to live as His followers.
3. The truth about God is that He is merciful. For example, consider these verses that speak of His mercy.
Ps 100:5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.
Ps 103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
4. But, what does this verse in Luke 6:36 actually say to us?.
(it's speaking of what we are to be, i.e merciful.)
(it's speaking as mentioned what our Father in heaven is like, He is merciful)
(So, these are Jesus's words to us, as to how we are to act and to live with respect to mercy, we are to be merciful)
5. What is mercy?. It comes from a word meaning to have compassion, and it means to pity. Mercy is also a gift of the Spirit. All Christians, are called to be merciful, but, some have this given to them as a gift, they are very compassionate, and that is there gift and contribution to the body of Christ.
6. Mercy is often compared with justice and grace. For example, Justice is getting what you deserve. Mercy is not getting what you deserve, and Grace is getting what you do not deserve. So, by being merciful, we are not giving to people what they deserve. And, I might add, that Luke 6:36 was given as part of sermon by Christ, where He had been teaching about how we are to deal with our enemies, we are to love them, pray for them do good to them, etc, and we are to be merciful in how we live and treat others.
A Prayer:
Father, You are the Father of mercies. This entire wonderful concept has come from You, You created mercy if You will, it has flowed out from You towards us. And, You call us to be like You in our relationships, especially with those who hate us, and are our enemies. Lord, if You have given to any of us this gift, may we use it to it's fullest. And, as all of Your children, let us walk in mercy day by day, bringing honor to You. Thank You for being merciful to us Lord. You gave justice for our sins to Jesus, but You have given us mercy, thank you.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia