"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR CONSCIENCE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT OUR CONSCIENCE"

From the NKJV

2nd Cor 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

2nd Cor 1:13 For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end

From the NLT

2nd Cor 1:12 We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have been honest and sincere in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own earthly wisdom. That is how we have acted toward everyone, and especially toward you.

2nd Cor 1:13 My letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us,

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:

1. Paul was being attacked by some false teachers within the church of Corinth, and they were making many different accusations against his apostleship, and his character. One of the things they were accusing him of, was not meaning what he said, when he said something, or, of being a liar. 

2. Paul boasts to them, and says he has a clear conscience. The word conscience, means, the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other. Paul has a clear conscience regarding their accusations. 

3. He goes on to say that the way he conducted himself among them, and in general was that he had "been honest and sincere in all of his dealings with them"

4. Additionally, He told them, that "he depended on God's grace, and not on his own earthly wisdom" And, that his writings to them, had been straightforward, and there was nothing written between the lines, and nothing they could not understand. He also hoped that someday they would really fully understand him, and his fellow ministers.

5. When you put all of this together, there is a great example for us to understand, what to expect, and how to live in Christ.
(1) Don't be surprised by attacks against your character if you are doing the work of God.
(2) Realize that false teachers lie, that's because they are false, and lie like their father the devil lies.
(3) Having a clear conscience is indeed a blessing. By the way, if it's not clear, it can become clear by confessing our sins.
(4) Being honest, and sincere is the way Jesus was, and the way that He calls us to be. It's a powerful witness in the world.
(5) We do not have to depend on our own wits, but we can depend on the wonderful grace of God.
(6) Telling the truth in love, and living with "nothing between the lines" as it were. Just honest and sincere. A blessing indeed.
(7) We can always hope that those who may not believe us, will one day have a change of mind.
(8) In the meantime, the Lord knows the truth about all of us, from top to bottom, from the inside and the out. 

A prayer:

Father, You have saved us. So, may we start by simply saying thank You. And, You have given us spiritual food to nourish our new life on, Your Word, thank You for that also. And, we appreciate how the Bible, no matter where we open it to, seems to have something to say to us, that resonates with our souls, and encourages us, convicts us, helps us, comforts us, instructs us etc.
Please help us to live in all good conscience before You, and before people, day by day, until we get to heaven. We love You Lord, in Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia 

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING"

2nd Cor 1:11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many.

And, in the NLT, it reads, 2nd Cor 1:11 He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us. As a result, many will give thanks to God because so many people’s prayers for our safety have been answered.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. Paul who had just spoken of the many tribulations he had gone through, and the comfort he had received from God, now turns the subject back to the prayers of the believers in Corinth, and acknowledges how God has used those prayers.

2. He calls it "helping together in prayer for us" Isn't that a neat way to express it. Prayer is helping together. Helping in what?
Helping in the will and the work of God being accomplished. So, if you are praying, You are helping in God's work.

3. Prayer of course is talking to God, and it's effective when we pray according to God's will. He not only hears prayer, but He answers it, and does so in His own timing and in His own way.

4. Additionally, Paul says ( in the NLT ) "He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us" Prayer and rescue being linked together.

5. One other thing about prayer, is that it results in thanksgiving by many. That is, when God hears our prayers and answers them, we wind up saying thank You to God. So, prayer helps in the work of God, prayer is used to rescue, and prayer results in thanks being given.

6. So, if you are praying about a particular thing, situation, event, challenge, project, person or whatever, please be encouraged.
Be persistent, and patient, be submitted to God's timing and His way, and His will in answering Your prayer, but, be sure of this, He is hearing You pray.

A prayer:

Father, there was a time when we never ever prayed. But, since we have come to know You we do talk to You. We would like to talk to You more, but we do talk to You. And, we also thank You that You hear us when we talk to You. Prayer is really simply talking to You in either requests, or praise, or thanksgiving. My prayer today, is for any and all who are praying that they will be encouraged by this devotional, and by the testimony of the apostle Paul here in 2nd Cor1:11. Lord, You are the prayer hearer, and the prayer answerer, and the one who winds up being thanked by those who have prayed. What would You have us to pray for today Lord? Put it on our hearts, and let's go for it.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE DOING GOD'S WORK, BUT, IT ALL LOOKS HOPELESS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE DOING GOD'S WORK, BUT, IT ALL LOOKS HOPELESS"

2nd Cor 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.
2nd Cor 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

Some explanatory thoughts, application and prayer:

1. Paul did want the Corinthians to be without the knowledge of how difficult things had gotten in his ministry activities.
He goes into great detail explaining it to them. 

2. For example in 1:8, he calls it trouble, burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 

3. Let's look at how bad it actually was. Trouble, means, affliction, anguish, persecution, a pressing together, great pressure, oppression. ( in England at one time, they used to execute criminals by "pressing them" that is, they would lay heavy stones and rocks on them, and press them to death. Thats the idea behind this word trouble. He was in today's language under "alot of pressure" to say the least. 

4. The other words, above strength, mean, they had literally no more strength to face the troubles they were in, but, here's the main one that says the most, "so that we despaired even of life" which means, they had come to the place where they thought they were going to die. By the way, Paul does not go into the details of the situation, other then to describe their own personal thoughts and feelings. But, it was perhaps due to a riot that took place while in Ephesus, see Acts 19, and or the other things that are recorded for us in 11th chapter of this letter, all of which happened to him as he was traveling through Greece doing the work of God. ( it's worth taking a look there to see what he went through. See 2nd Cor 11:23-28

5. Here is the main point he wanted to get across to them, and I believe to us who are facing what we might call hopeless situation, when all "looks lost" as we say, or "when all things are against me" and so on. Here it is. 2nd Cor 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

This means, he really thought it was over for him. He could see no way out, and figured this was it, this was the end, I'm going to die. But, notice please at the end of the verse, because here's the lesson he learned, and God wants us to learn also. "That we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead" In other words, God brought Paul to what he thought was the end, he could see no way out, so, he in a sense had to trust God. Isn't that great. God used the situation to bring him to trusting in God. 

6. Here's how it reads in the NLT with an extra verse added. 

2nd Cor 1:8 I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it.
2nd Cor 1:9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead.
2nd Cor 1:10 And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us.

What Paul says, that they were learning to not rely on themselves, but on God. He adds, that God did deliver them, and that they were confident God would continue to deliver them. 

A prayer:

Father, what a great passage this is from Your Word. Thank You for it. It hits the spot with us. We often feel just as Paul did. But, these verses help us understand, that You also want us to learn to trust in You, and not in ourselves. We need to learn these things Lord, and we pray that You would help us to learn, teach us Lord. Thus, we can approach these time where it may seem hopeless, and realize that it's not. Because You are here, and we can put our trust in You, and You are our deliverer. 

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE WEIGHED DOWN WITH TROUBLES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE WEIGHED DOWN WITH TROUBLES"

NLT Version.
2nd Cor 1:6 So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.

2nd Cor 1:7 We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God’s comfort. 

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:

1. Paul in writing to the Corinthian church, and ( God's Word to us today ) in this verse, has to do with those times when we are weighed down with troubles. He is going to tell us some things that will help us and give us peace if we believe it, and take it to heart. 

2. First, of all, there are times when we do get weighed down with troubles. These times come to each and everyone of us. You may be in that situation today, or you may know someone who is. Or you may be in this situation tomorrow. Jesus told us in the world we would have tribulation, and He knows what He is talking about. 

Joh 16:33* “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

3. The phrase "weighed down with troubles" means, to be troubled, to be afflicted and distressed. These things come into our lives. But, this is not the end of the story as it were. 

4. Please notice the purpose that is stated here when we are weighed down etc. The purpose has to do with the benefit and salvation of others. Here's how it works. When we are weighed down and troubled, then God comes and comforts us, so that we in turn can be an encouragement to others. This will help others to patiently endure the troubles they are going through. 

5. Other people are going through similar troubles. They have their own misfortunes if you will, and their own calamities, just like You may have at this time. 

6. Paul's hope for the Corinthians, (should I say God's hope for them and for us) is that as we share in the sufferings, we will also share in the comfort. Or to put it another way, that just like Paul did, we also will find comfort and encouragement from God. And, then we can pass that on to others. 

7. God really does use us to help others. May I ask if you are weighed down today with troubles? Then, I pray that God will comfort you. Is He using someone to comfort you? Then let's thank God for using that person or persons. Do you know someone who is weighed down with trouble, then maybe God wants you to reach out to them, and help them, by sharing how God has helped you. 

A prayer:

Father, You are the God of all comfort, and the God of mercies. Thank You for connecting us with Yourself through our faith in Jesus Christ. We have fellowship with You, we can come to You and find help and mercy in our times of need. We do that now, at this moment, not only for ourselves, but for any of our friends that may be going through a tough time. Lord, direct us today, to share and encourage. We love You Father. In Jesus name. 

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 2 THINGS THAT ABOUND IN OUR LIVES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT 2 THINGS THAT ABOUND IN OUR LIVES"
2nd Cor 1:5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:
1. Paul tells us what these 2 things are in verse 5. Sufferings, and consolation. These both abound in our lives.
2. Let's look at these words more closely.
(1) Sufferings. Also translated, affliction, misfortune, calamity, evil. Speaking of the afflictions which Christians must undergo in behalf of the same cause which Christ patiently endured. It's an inward state, an affliction, passion, an enduring, undergoing 
suffering
(2) Consolation. Or exhortation, that is a calling near, encouragement, solace, what which affords comfort or refreshment
3. Here's how this reads in the NLT 1st Cor 1:5 You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.
4. Putting this into application, and viewing it as a promise from God, it's telling us that we can be sure of two things. The more we suffer for Christ, and the sake of Christ, and the things of Christ, the more God will faithfully shower us with His comfort through Christ. These two things are very real in the lives of those who know and serve the Lord.
5. So, if you are suffering, then please look for and ask for, and expect the Lord to comfort You. 
He will do it. Be patient, wait on the Lord, and He will bring you through, and He will strengthen You
A prayer:
Father, Your Son suffered more then we can imagine. And, You know what we go through for His sake. Thank You for what Jesus did for us on the cross, dying for our sins, so that we could be saved, and thank You for your promise to comfort us. We pray right now for those we know who are suffering, that You would pour Your comfort into their lives. And, if by some chance, the person reading these words is suffering, we pray that You would pour your comfort into them this very day.
In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE COMFORT OF GOD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE COMFORT OF GOD"

2 Cor 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

2 Cor 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer to God our Father:

1. These verses come from God through Paul in the very first part of his letter to the Corinthian church, (which was having all kinds of trouble.)

2. What Paul does here is to speak of God, and tells us a number of things about God that are such a blessing in our own lives.

3. If you read verses 3-7 of this chapter, you will notice that God uses the word comfort some 10 times. He is really trying to drive the point home.

4. The word comfort, as it's used here is speaking of far more than a passing relief of sympathy. It pictures one who stands beside us in the midst of struggle to encourage and support. The same root word is used of the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Comforter, and Divine Paraclete, ( one called alongside to help )

5. The teaching in these verses, affirm the following truths.

(1) God, who is the Father of Jesus Christ, will comfort us in the midst of adversity.

(2) This comfort will serve us in a powerful way when God uses us to comfort others.

6. One last thought here. Please notice, that Paul says, speaking of God, in 1:4 "Who comforts us in all our tribulation" , and towards the end of the verse say, "we ourselves are comforted by God" I like the word, "all" because it leaves nothing out. Whatever you may be going through, God can comfort you. He is with You, and He is with you to comfort you. And, He will use that comfort He gives you to one day comfort others who need comfort.

A prayer:

Lord, this is such a wonderful passage of Scripture. (what part of Your Word isn't) but, this one seems to strike home in a way that hits the spot in so many lives. Thank You for being the God of all comfort, who comforts us. We pray that we would receive Your comfort, and that we might be used by You to share that same comfort with others who need it. For we are not the only ones, that's for sure. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.