"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A TRIAL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A TRIAL"

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. First of all Christians go through and fall into what are called trials. Notice what James says in
James 1:2 My brethren. He is talking to brethren, other christians. So, trials and Christians go together. Christians will have trials.

2. Secondly, James tells us how to view a trial when you all into one. And, there are several things said here.

(1) Count it all joy, is the first attitude of faith to have when you fall into a trial. Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Or as the J. B Phillips translation says,
"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!" Notice, "let it be an opportunity for joy"

(2) Also, we tend to "fall into trials" That is, they just come out of nowhere or so it seems. Like when you are walking along, and are not aware that there is a hole in the ground, and you fall into it with one of your feet, or both. You just fall into a trial. In other words, it seems as if trials will just come your way. And, they do.

(3) James uses a term "various trials" or "when all kinds of trials" That is, they can come in a variety of forms. It often seems that they come not in a singular way, but, in multiples.

3. Now, this second verse tells us why we can count trials "All joy" or to "don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends" It's because of what is said in James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. It's knowing what God intends to do through a trial in your life. He wants to use this trial ( this testing of your faith ) to produce patience, or perseverance, or spiritual growth, maturity and strength in your life. Again, as the Phillips translation puts it "Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance." What all this means, is simply this, When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. That's what happens.

4. This last verse, tells us not just about how to view a trial, and to understand what God intends to do through a trial in your life, but what you are to do personally when you fall into a trial.
James 1:4 "But let patience have its perfect work" God is calling for you to let God lead you through this trial. Let God accomplish His purposes in you through this trial. "Or, to let the process go until the endurance if fully developed. "J. B. Phillips.

5. Now, here is the end God has in mind, it's what was mentioned in verse 2 James 1:2b that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. You see, as you have the right attitude in trial, and as you cooperate with God in a trial, and let Him accomplish what He wants, here's what will happen to you. You will become more mature, more well rounded, not lacking anything as far as your spiritual growth goes. You will be becoming fully developed as a Christian. It will give you the right kind of independence, that is, you will not be worried about what is happening to you, You will not become a prisoner of fear and discouragement, but you will be free to just accept from God's hand what comes Your way, and follow Jesus with joy and faithfulness.

A prayer:

Father, if there is one thing we can thank You for day by day, it's Your precious Word. For it's so rich in giving us what we need. I'm certain there must be folks reading this today who really need to hear this, here it is right from Your hand. We all go through trials Father. And, each and every one of those trials are the ones that You have allowed to come into our lives, with Your Godly goal and purpose to give us endurance, growth, strength, maturity, fully developed character. Thank You for them Lord, and help us to have the right attitude of faith, submission, and a long range outlook on what You intend to do through the trial. In Jesus name,

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON THE HOPE OF HEAVEN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON THE HOPE OF HEAVEN"

Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul first of all tells us what has happened to us when we turned to Christ, and what we ought to do, now that this has happened. So, what has happened to us at the point of our turning to Christ and believing in Him to save us from our sins?

(1) We have been raised with Christ. Or we have been raised to new life with Christ

(2) Now that we are in Christ, we are to seek those things which are above, or to set your sights on the realities of heaven.

(3) This passage also tells us that in heaven, Christ is seated at God's right hand, in the place of honor and power.

2. Now, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are to Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. To put it another way, we are to Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

This is our blessed privilege. We could not do this before we were saved, but we can now, we ought to, it's what God says for us to do. And, what a blessing it is to do it. Let heaven fill our thoughts. Think about heaven is the idea. That is where we are headed when we leave this world.

Imagine this is where God and Jesus are visibly located. There are untold millions and millions of people there, and angels. All the people we know who have gone there, are there. What a wonderful future and hope we have. It's such a blessing to think about it.

One other thing. Take another look at Col 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. The last part of the verse can be read, "Do not think only about things down here on earth." We do need to think about things here on earth, but we do not have to only think about those things. Unfortunately, that's what can happen to Christians. They think exclusively about earthly things, and fail to enjoy the blessings of thinking about heaven. Try it, and see what happens to your heart and soul. You will be blessed.

3. Col 3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. This is Paul's reason, or explanation and motivation if you will, as to why we ought to let heaven fill our thoughts. Because the old you has died, and your new life is hidden with Christ in God. Our old life is over, wow, how wonderful. And, we have been born again, made new, and are now hidden in Christ, or our real life is hidden in Christ in God.

Because we are in Christ, and in God, we have access to them both, and can enjoy understanding where we are going as we read the Bible, and we can talk to God about heaven, and we can meditate on the glorious future we have because of our being saved.

I love to think about it. In fact, it's very interesting to me, to think along this line. For example, I know I'm going there, I just don't know when, God does, but I don't. I often realize it could be this very day, one never knows what the day holds. My wife and I often wonder who will go first, our greatest hope is that we could both go at the same time. It might be sometime before we get there. I just really do not know. But God does. He has just the right time in mind to take me there. I trust Him in that of course, but sure do look forward to it. And, I hope you do also. See you there as they say.

A prayer:

Father, thank You so much for saving me, (us) the billions that You have saved. The crowd in heaven, if you include the angels must be enormous. And, The throne of God, and our wonderful Savior is the main focal point there. Lord, please help us to let our minds be filled more often with the thoughts of heaven. If you tell us to do it,there must be some very good reason for us to do it. I think among other things, it helps us to have the big picture in mind, there is more to this life then this life. There is the next world, the hereafter, we will be with You forever in heaven.

We love You Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Senior Pastor Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID OF SERIOUS ILLNESS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID OF SERIOUS ILLNESS"

Isa 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isa 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. God spoke these words to the people of God who were still in exile, but, God was telling them that He was going to release them in the future, and that though they were in difficulties now, blessings were coming. He was also through Isa, comparing Himself to the idols of the nations, and to many other things of pagan life, and showing how much greater He was then them. So, that's a little bit of the context and background to these 2 very comforting and encouraging verses.

2. In these two verses, the phrase, "Fear not" is uses twice, and several other very specific words of encouragement are used to help comfort the people in their fears and worries, and concerns. But, mostly their fears are what God was trying to help them with. And, today, there may be some of you who are afraid of serious illness, that you are worried may come, or may be seemingly happening to you now, or may be taking place in your body at this very moment.

3. Let's take a closer look at what God says here.

(1) God tells His people "Fear Not" or do not be afraid, don't give into fear, and here's why. Because I am with you. God was saying that because He was with them, and I might add, that He is with you if you are a follower of Jesus Christ. He goes on in Isa 41:10 to say a number of other things.

(2) Be not dismayed, which means, don't allow your situation to cause you to look away from God. Keep your eyes on Him, don't be dismayed. And, again a reason for this instruction, "For I am your God. Dismayed is when we take our eyes off of the Lord, and begin to focus primarily on the circumstance we are are in. It's a sure way to sink further into fear and discouragement. Keep looking at God no matter what is happening.

(3) I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Those are exactly three reasons ( count them ) that God gives to encourage His people not to be afraid, and not to be dismayed. Strength will be given, God will help, and uphold His people.

This is a promise from God that You can claim for Yourself this very day. In fact, may I encourage you right now to talk to Him about this promise and let Him know that You want His help, that You need it at this time in Your life. By the way, the ref to "My righteous right hand" I believe is a ref to Jesus Christ who sits at the right hand of God's throne.

(4) And, in Isa 41:13 God identifies Himself as the LORD. This is one of God's Names, and it is the name Jehovah, which means, "the existing one" That's how He describes Himself, "the LORD" He has always existed, and will always exist, and He exists at this very moment.

(5) Lastly, the LORD make this promise. And, by the way, He also says "Your God" He belonged to them, and they belonged to Him. Just as He belongs to You, and You belong to Him. Here's what He says. It's two things actually. "Fear not, I will help you" Again, God tells His people who were clearly in need of hearing this "fear not" because they must have been fearing. He tells them, do not be afraid, fear not.

Don't let this take over in your life. Choose not to fear, but choose to trust God. And, then He finishes by saying, "I will help You" Or "I'm here to help You" Which means, to support You, to cause you to be helped. How personally in love our God is with His people, and what a good father He is. How caring and attentive He is.

A prayer:

Lord, Your Word causes us to be up-lifted, and to be encouraged. It raises our spirits, lifting us up and out of despair, and away from fear. Thank You for there is nothing else, nor is there anyone else who can do what You the LORD can do. There is no one like You, the "Existing One" Who else has always existed, and who else makes promises and cannot lie.? No one LORD, except You.

Lord, help us to claim these promises for ourselves today. It's been said, the believer does not live on explanations, but on promises. Help us today to live on Your promises. Thank You LORD. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH HURTING MARRIAGES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WITH HURTING MARRIAGES"

1st John 3:8 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. This verse, like any verse in the Bible has a context, and in this case, John had been writing to assure his readers of what they knew. They knew that they had passed from death to life, because, ( or here is the evidence ) that they loved their fellow Christians. And, that the person who does not love his brother is abiding in death. He further told them that they knew in 1st John 3:16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. So, he had been talking to them about love, in particular the love of God, it's being an evidence of our salvation, and that we ought to lay down our lives, or love one another just as God has done for us.

2. So, with respect to marriage and the hurting marriages that we can find ourselves in, or that you may be in right now, and the problems that can come into our marriages, and what can seem like a completely hopeless and very hurtful marriage, John says, 1st John 3:8 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. In other words, let's as believers, not just say we love, but, let's show it by the way that we act. He is calling believers to action, to the action of walking in love.

3. I have found that the often sought  after answer to a problem in my marriage, and the elusive answer to the problem, is not found in trying to establish and prove who is right, or who is wrong, or who did this, and or who did that etc, etc, but rather in this simple healing truth. 1st John 3:8 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

4. It's amazing what happens when our hearts align themselves with God's heart and will, and we focus on pleasing Him, and simply doing what He calls us to, that it can both heal the immediate problem, and perhaps save your marriage altogether. I've found this to be the case many times in my 37 1/2 years of marriage to my beautiful wife Gayle.

5. As men, I believe we often are the ones who want to fix the problems, right the wrongs, explain the situation, and so on. Those may be well intentioned ideas, and ideals, but God's Love is so powerful, that by simply walking in it, there is an answer, there is a healing, there is the return of peace, there is forgiveness, there is hope there is all that you did not have when trying to fix this in your own strength.

6. Here are just a few more verses that have been so helpful to my wife and I over the years.

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

1st Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

A prayer:

Father, You are the one who created the institution of marriage. And, You are the one who has given us Your guidebook for life, joy, peace, and the blessings of God to be in our lives. We know that there are many, many hurting marriages. Our's in fact may be in that category this very day. So, Father, we would bring those marriages to You in prayer today, and before Your wonderful and powerful throne of Grace, knowing that nothing is impossible with You, and that we can find grace to help in time of need, and simply ask for that help.

May Your Words in this Devotional today, have the healing effect that they have so often had in my life and my marriage to my sweetheart.
Thank You Lord for sustaining and blessing, and healing what we cannot do on our own. But, we know that we can do all things through Christ who has loved us and given His life for us.

We love You Lord. In Jesus name, Amen,

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

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

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

Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

2nd Tim 4:6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

2nd Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2nd Tim 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. These verses, the one from Acts, and then the ones from 2nd Timothy 4, are like 2 book ends. They tell us what Paul intended to do, how he did it, and the fact that he completed what he intended to do. What he wanted to do, was "the will of God" for his life and ministry and he did. There is much encouragement for us, and for those who like Paul want to do the will of God. Let's look at these verses closely and be encouraged.

2. First of all you will notice that Paul was "unmovable" Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

There were many things that Paul was facing, perhaps like you may be. But, he did not let them move him off of his course. He was "unmovable" And, the reason he was unmovable, was because of two things.

(1) He did not count his life dear unto himself. In other words, he had laid it all on the line, including his very life. He was willing to die for the Lord if need be. So, even death did not deter him from doing God's will, he was unmovable.

(2) He had a goal in mind. He wanted to finish his race with joy, and the ministry that God had called him to. He knew what he was to do. He was focused. When you combine a willingness to die, along with a focus on what you are supposed to do, that is a lethal combination for success.

(3) He had a clear Biblical goal and ministry. Notice please, Acts 20:24c "and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God". Paul had been given the calling to "testify to the gospel of the grace of God" That's the most Biblical ministry there is. To tell others the good news. Come back to God through faith in Christ. Paul was on target with God's heart and work in the world, to tell people the good news about Christ.

3. Finally, please look at what Paul said at the end of his life. 2nd Tim 4:8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

Paul was a man of hope. He knew that God would reward him for his faithful service with a "crown of righteousness" Jesus would give this to him. But, he adds, "and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing". It's for all of us who want to do and finish God's will.

4. A quick summary of Paul's example.

He was unmovable.
He did not count his life dear unto himself.
He had God's focus and he was faithful to the end.

A prayer:

Lord, thank You for being the great example to us. Lord Jesus, You were also unmoved, and You had a goal, to go to the cross, and You kept and completed your goal to pay for our sins. You even said "it is finished" And, today You are in Glory, waiting till You bring all of Your children home to heaven. Lord, we are here, and, we want to do Your will, Please help us to live out our lives and be encouraged by these examples of Paul, and of You Lord. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING ADVERSITY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE FACING ADVERSITY"

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 46: 2 So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalm 46: 3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Interlude ( NLT Version )

Some explanatory thoughts, application, and a prayer:

1. Right off the bat, the Psalmist tells us 3 things about our God.

(1) God is our refuge.

(2) God is our Strength.

(3) God is always ready to help in times of trouble.

2. Let's look a little more closely at these wonderful and comforting truths about our Lord. God is our refuge, means, He is our shelter, our hope, our trust, used to speak of being that refuge against rain, storm, danger, and of falsehood. That definition is as we say a mouthful. He is so much for us.

3. When the Bible says, "God is our strength" the idea behind strength, comes from a word meaning, be strong, to prevail, to make firm, to strengthen. It's helpful to just pause and ask ourselves, "just how strong is God?" Well, the Bible teaches us that He is Omnipotent. Which means, He is completely strong, and that He is stronger then anyone, or anything else in all of creation. His strength is above all others, and all else.

4. The last of these 3 things said about God, is this, "God is always ready to help in times of trouble" Or adversity, crisis, hardships, temptations etc. God is never not ready. He is never not able to help. He is never distracted from You, or away from you on some other more important business. You are His business.

You are the apple of His eye. And, when trouble comes upon you, adverse circumstances, hardships, He is ready to help you. All you need to do, is to begin calling upon Him, In fact, he says, in Psalm 50:15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

5. Lastly, and this is where the application to these 3 truths in Ps 46: 1-3 comes in.  Here it is right from the Scripture itself. They are found in verses 2-3

Psalm 46:2 So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

Psalm 46:3 Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!

So, the Psalmist says, actually, it's God speaking through Him, saying, we will not fear. Now, this was a choice the Psalmist  was making and encouraging those he was writing to, not to fear. You do not have to fear. you  can put our faith in God. Fear and faith do not mix. You can't be placing your faith in God and being afraid at the same time. Faith in God will prevent fear from taking over. 

And, you will notice that the rest of Ps 46:2-3 describes some very, difficult  situations. In other words, no matter how bad it gets, God is able to help you. He can and will help you as you face adversity, crisis and trouble. You can believe Him, He has given You faith, and He calls you to a place of rest in Him. But, You must exercise that faith. I pray You will.

A prayer:

Father, Your Word tells us of the troubles and the crisis, and the adversities we will face in this world. But, Your Word also tells us of Your always being ready to help us. And, You have, You are and You will. We want to say thank You for being who You are in our lives, and we want to as needed today, to be those who call upon You and receive Your help. We pray not only for ourselves, but for friends, fellow Christians, family members that know You, that Lord, they may call upon You during their times of adversity. And, if they do not yet know You, we pray in Jesus name, that You would use these times to reveal Yourself to them, and open the door for us even this very day to tell them the good news of Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.