"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FEAR OF SUDDEN TROUBLE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE FEAR OF SUDDEN TROUBLE"

Proverbs 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;

Some explanatory thoughts, a application, and a prayer:

1. God gave us the Book of Proverbs to know how to live our lives down here on earth, to understand how to deal with the practical things of life. So, in one sense, Proverbs is a very practical book, teaching us about the day to day things that we deal with, and how to deal with them, with God's wisdom and His promises.

2. One of the fears we can have, is being "afraid". And, it means to tremble, dreadful, to make afraid. And, what this verse says in Proverbs 3:25, is "Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes" So, God says, when trouble does come suddenly, and often it does come that way, suddenly, or in a moment, quickly, or unexpectedly, at an instant, God says, do not tremble and be fearful.

3. Now, take another look at the verse, and see the 2nd thing the Lord says about trouble. Proverbs 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; Much trouble that comes into our lives, and into this world finds it's way on to the stage of our lives, from those who are wicked.

A wicked person in the Bible is defined as someone who is ungodly, a criminal, someone who is hostile to God, and guilty of sin, and against God or man. How simply true is it, that when a person is like this, they become an instrument to bring or cause trouble. I'm sure you have experienced trouble coming from people like this. You may in fact have been one of those people before God so mercifully saved you out of darkness. He takes trouble makers, and makes them peace makers. Bringing God's peace to troubled souls.

4. But, putting this verse together, or simply looking at it again, and seeing what it says, it says, Proverbs 3:25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; And, God then gives us a reason why we do not have to be afraid. It's found in the next verse in Proverbs 3:26. Here it is. Proverbs 3:26 for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. This turns us from the trouble and the terror that can come suddenly, and tells us two things about God in our lives.

(1) The LORD is your security. Or your hope. This actually means, flank, as in it's military usage, to guard you and to protect you.

(2) He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. Now, He is the ultimate keeper of His people. He knows what traps the wicked set, and if You will not be afraid, but trust in Him, and obey Him, that is, follow Him, He will keep you safe and sound from the wicked and their traps.

5. In fact, there is a beautiful verse just before 3:25, and here it is. Proverbs 3:24 You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. However, knowing that this is true, I can tell you that I have gone to bed many, many times, very afraid of the wicked. But, You know what? When I woke up in the morning, I was safe and sound.

The Lord was watching over me through the night. I served in Vietnam ( 1967 ) in the Marine Corps and had many experiences like this. But, at that time I did not know the Lord. Let me tell you something else, even as a Christian, since 1973, I've still gone to bed and been afraid, but woke up safe and sound. And, I've also as the verse said, gone to bed in complete peace, without fear and enjoyed pleasant dreams, the most pleasant have been about the Lord, and about His Word.

A prayer:

Father, You are our shelter, our protector, our high tower, our deliverer, the one who watches over us, the one who gives us such wonderful promises like the one's in this devo. Thank You for Your Word. Help us Lord to believe You, for it's in the believing, and in the obeying that Your great peace takes over in our souls, and sends out the fear, and makes it go away.
May we believe You today, and may we act upon Your Word, In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRODIGAL CHILDREN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PRODIGAL CHILDREN"

Luke 15:17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Luke 15:18 ‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,

Luke 15:19 “and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

Luke 15:20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had
compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:

1. This is one of the most touching parables that I know of. I certainly hope that God blesses you as You read it, and that He gives You hope to keep praying for your prodigal(s) or prodigals that You know who belong to your friends, and to other families.

2. There are some simple parts to this story. ( by the way, Jesus was giving this parable because His critics could not believe that He would eat and drink and associate with sinners.) See the two scriptures below that introduce this chapter in Luke 15.

Luke 15:1 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.

Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.”

You see, Jesus loves people, and came to the earth to seek and to save them by dying on the cross to pay for their sins, to rise from the dead to show He defeated death, and to invite men to come to Him by faith and be saved. God loves people, and does not want to see them perish, but rather desires that they would come to repentance, and that's what this prodigal son did, he turned his life around. And, Jesus loves your prodigal(s)

3. Let's look at some of the important details of this story.

(1) The prodigal ( by the way prodigal means to waste, ) this young man had wasted his inheritance, by riotous living. but, the Bible says, he "came to himself" Or when "When he finally came to his senses," Let's pray that the prodigal(s) you may have in mind, will do the same thing, come to their senses. Nothing is impossible with God.

(2) In coming to his senses, he realized that he could at least find food back at his father's house. And, he decided to head home to his father. But, more importantly, he realized his sin. Here's how the boy put it,

Luke 15:18 ‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,

Luke 15:19 “and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

He really did come to his senses on many levels, both the practical and the spiritual. He realized what he had lost, and what he could find if he went home. He realized that he had sinned both vertically, against heaven, against God, and horizontally, against his father. And, he was desperate to go home and get things right with both God and his father. And, he showed deep humility and repentance, not demanding anything, but just willing to be put on as one of the servants  of his father.

(3) Here's the lovely and touching part of this story, and it's focus is now shifted from the the young man who was coming home to his father, who was it seems looking for him, and hoping he would come home.

Luke 15:20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had
compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you,

The boy was still a great way's off, but the father saw him, and ran to him, and threw his arms around his son, and began to kiss him over and over again. ( by the way, the boy had been working on a pig farm, feeding pigs, and so he must have stunk to high heaven, and been dirty all over ) but that made no difference to his father. What love God has for His children. This father is an example of it.

(4) Let me just list the verses that tell us what happened next.

Luke 15:21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’

Luke 15:22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet.

Luke 15:23 And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast,

Luke 15:24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.

5. The story is rich with truths about God, His love, the effects of disobedience and sin. The possibility of restoration. The unchanging love of a father for his son. And, the fact that a child in the worst of conditions, can come to himself, repent and come home and be restored into a right relationship.

A prayer:

Father, there are many, many prodigals. I would assume that everyone reading this devotional either has one of more personally, or knows of friends that have one or more themselves. The world is full of prodigals who at this very moment, are wasting their lives. You Lord, know where they are,

You know the conditions they are living in, and You know what is going through their minds and hearts. Our prayer is that these prodigals we have in mind, would also come to their senses, and realize what has happened, and began their journey home. Lord, we have prayed, and prayed, and prayed, and we continue to pray.

We know that You hear us, and we continue in this very prayer, that You would move by the convicting power of Your Holy Spirit in the lives of these prodigals, and bring them both to their senses, and to their homes. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING A CRISIS"

Rom 5:3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

Rom 5:4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. Paul is talking about the subject of tribulations, those times when we run into problems, or trials. And, He is going to tell about how the Lord can use them in our lives. So, let's dive in, and see what is said here.

2. In addition to the previous things he has been saying about rejoicing, Rom 5:2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
He goes on to say that we can also glory, or rejoice when we run into problems.

So, we not only can rejoice as we look forward to being with the Lord one day in glory, but while here on earth, we can also adopt and live out this Biblical prescription on how to rejoice in our problems, trials and hard times. Who does not need this wonderful explanation and teaching from God?

3. Here's why we can rejoice. ( And, by the way, it's not rejoicing by saying, "oh I just love this painful thing that has come upon me ) but it's a rejoicing, knowing what this problem, this tribulation, this trial will bring into our lives. In other words, we know they are good for us, and they can help us to learn, and to gain endurance, or perseverance. He says it very plainly, "Tribulation produces perseverance"

4. But, there' more. In fact, Paul lists two of them. Rom 5:4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. So, the perseverance, develops strength of character in us, and the character strengthens our hope, or our confident expectation of salvation.

5. The last thing that happens, and that is the cause of our rejoicing is found in the 5th verse, Rom 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. There are two things that Paul says here.

(1) This expectation, this hope, will not disappoint us. Plain and simple, we will not be disappointed.

(2) Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. And, who does not need His love in their lives,? And who does not want to walk in His love,? I know I do. I'm certain You do also.

So, let's pray together, shall we:

Father, trials come, and You can use them. Thank You that You give us many things to rejoice in, in spite of our circumstances. And, by looking to You, having faith in You, taking Your Word to heart, acting upon it, these trials which are not pleasant, can actually turn our for our good. In fact, Lord, this is exactly what You promise. So, we would like to pray today for ourselves ( if we are going through a trying time ) or for those who are reading this devotional, and just take a moment, to pause and lift up our brothers and sisters who may be reading this, and are themselves going through a trying time, and for those we know who may not be reading this devotional today.

Lord, would You please minister to them today. Would You please speak to them, and give them direction, so as to help them get their eyes off of their troubles, and onto You. And, to learn from You how to move through the trial. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOING TO HEAVEN"

Philippians 1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.

Philippians 1:23 For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. Paul had been explaining to the Philippian Christians, many details about his life and ministry. And in these two verses, he really opens up his heart about both his service to Christ here on earth, and the desire he had to go to heaven.

2. First of all, Paul tells the Philippians, that if he continues to live here on earth, that means there will be fruit from His labor. That is, if he continues to live, it will mean fruitful service for Christ.

Paul serves as an example for all of us who know Christ, and, that is, that God has called each of us to spend the rest of our lives, no longer living for ourselves, but for Him who died for us, and saved us from our sins. And, for the person who commits themselves wholeheartedly to serve the Lord, they can be sure that just like Paul there will be fruitful service.

2. Secondly, Paul had a question in his life. It had to do with staying here on earth serving the Lord, or going to heaven. He really
did not know which one would be better. He explains that in the next verse.

3. Thirdly, Paul was torn between the two desires he had. One was to stay and serve the Lord and the church, the Body of Christ, and the other desire was to depart and to be with Christ. To go to heaven. He was deeply troubled by these two desires. He said, he was "hard pressed" between the two.

4. Fourthly, and here's the Bibles explanation of what happens to the christian when they die. They go directly to heaven. Notice how Paul puts in in Php 1:22b. "to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." Paul uses the term depart rather then die. It's a good word to use.

Because, our souls, our spirits, the real us, or the real you, is simply temporarily housed in this body, which is called a tent. But, there is coming a time when you will move out of your tent, into your permanent home in heaven. That's Paul's view, and it's Biblical, and therefore it's true, and it's such a comfort to know, that when we depart our tents, we also will go to be with Christ.

5. Finally, there is one other thing that Paul says about departing, and going to be with Christ in heaven. He says, "it is far better" He loved serving the Lord here, and was torn between continuing to serve here on earth, and the desire to depart. He just knew that as great as it was serving Christ here on earth, it would be far better to be with Christ in heaven. and the same could be said for any of us.

6. Here's a quick list of the things that are not in heaven, and the things that are.

Rev 22:4 “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for sending Jesus who did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many. Thank You also Lord, that we as believers in Jesus Christ, are the ransomed of the Lord. He has purchased us, and we are no longer our own, but we belong to You. And, thank You also Lord that like Paul and all other saints of God, that we can serve You while here on this earth.

We used to live for ourselves before being saved, and it's only right and reasonable, that we would now live for You, and that is our prayer, Lord, we want to live completely for You, wholeheartedly for You. And, we thank You that there is a final moment here on earth, our departure time if you will, and our entrance into heaven, which "is far better" We rejoice in hope of Glory. We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE IN A TRIAL/ADVERSITIES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE IN A TRIAL/ADVERSITIES"

2nd Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2nd Cor 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:

(Someone called what you will read below, the Three "T's" about trials.)

1. If you look at what Paul said just before he said in our two scriptures today, you would find that he was describing in great detail the subject of trials, and listed some that he went through himself. In fact later in this letter he gives us even more detail of the trials/adversities/temptations, that he went through. 

2. Before we get into the detail of what Paul said, let's just look at a simple Biblical definition of a trial. Trials are also called tribulations, and hardships, and temptations,  in the Bible. We are allowed by God to experience these trials so that God can strengthen or test our faith. It is the process that He uses to help us grow, to make our faith stronger, and to teach us to trust Him more. 

3. Jesus spoke about trials in a very straightforward manor.  John 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.” Essentially, Jesus was saying that the things He had been teaching them were designed to help them have peace. Because living in this world, His followers would have tribulations, but they were to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world. The verse below gives a little more insight into what Jesus meant. 

John 16:33  I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” NLT

4. . But in the 2nd Cor 4:17-18, Paul gives us three very important truths about trials/adversities. 

(1) Trials are trivial compared to the sufferings of Christ, and the glory we will have in heaven. 2nd Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
While trials, hardships and temptations can seem overwhelming to us, they look small when you compare them with what our Lord Jesus went through for us, and with the glory that God has planned for us in heaven. 

(2) Trials are temporary compared to the eternity that God has planned for us in the future. 2nd Cor 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul's approach to life, and it can be ours also, is to keep things in perspective. We go through trials, temptations, and adversities and hardships now, but one day, we are going to go to heaven. There are things temporary, the things we can see now on this earth. But, there are things not seen also. The things we can see are temporary, but the things that we cannot see are eternal. And eternal life has been given to us through our faith in Jesus Christ, and we will enter into that eternal existence with God when we leave this earth. 

(3) Trials are transforming. they cause us to be more like God's Son Jesus Christ. Again, please notice what's said in 2nd Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
God uses these trials to transform us. We see the transformation taking place down here, in our character and growth, and we will realize it completely when we get to heaven. So, God is at work in our lives through the trials, the temptations, and the adversities that He allows. And His goal in all of them, is to conform us into the image of Christ. 

A prayer:

Father, You never waste anything You do in or allow in our lives. You have a goal in mind. Your Word is so clear about this. And, we thank You for using the difficulties of life for our Good. Your Word encourages us and gives us peace, and produces Hope in our lives. Please help us to meditate on the truth of Your Word, and let it dwell in us richly, and continue to being about growth in our lives. In Jesus name. 

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia