"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING ANXIOUS AND WORRIED"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT BEING ANXIOUS AND WORRIED"

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul goes right at the issue of being anxious or worried. This is towards the end of his letter to the church in Philippi, one which he had helped to found, along with Timothy. And, as he closes out this short little 4 chapter letter, he gives us God's prescription for anxiety and worry. It's very simple to understand, and when taken to heart, the peace of God fills our hearts. So, let's break this down and look at what God says to us through Paul the apostle.

2. "Be anxious for nothing" Or, "Don't worry about anything" So, regarding the emotion, and attitude of worry, he says very simply don't do it. Now, it's important to understand, that if God tells us something to do, or to not do, then as His children, we can obey Him, and ought to. His direction in our lives is for our good, and it's to bring blessing into our lives, and to help us be conformed into the image of Christ, and to be a blessing to others around us.

3. Would you not agree that God is not worried about anything? If you could go to heaven for 24 hours, I'm absolutely confident that you would not find one worried angel, one worried saint, and not one member of the trinity is worried. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not worried.
But, on the other hand, it might only take you 24 seconds or 24 minutes to find someone down here on earth who is worried and anxious. In fact, You may be very anxious and worried today. If so, let's look again at what the Lord says about it.

4. Here's how it reads in the NLT Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. So, again, just don't worry, but He adds, "about anything" Are you worried about something today? God say's "don't" But, that's not all He says. Here's the rest of it. "Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Ahh, there it is. Instead of worrying, pray about everything. Or you can pray about everything you are worrying about.

5. There's more here.

Phil 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Phil 4:7 If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

(1) Tell God what you need.

(2) Thank Him for what He has done.

(3) If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.

(4) His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

6. The above scriptures, remind me of the instructions we see on prescriptions for medical illnesses. They will say things like "take 4 pills a day, with meals". In other words, this is what to do to deal with your medical issue. And, these verses are God's instruction to us about our issues of anxiety and worry. Let me just point out that tucked away in this verse is this wonderful promise from God who cannot lie to us. God says, He will give us His peace.

What a great exchange. Exchange Your worry for God's peace. But, it takes active faith, or obedient faith to have this peace. Will You stop right now, if you are anxious, and follow what God tells you in these two simple but profound verses? If you do, I can assure You God will follow through on His promise He always will. But, one word of caution.

You may need to to do this throughout this day, and throughout the duration of the issue that is related to Your anxiety. But, that's ok, because, as You continue to follow God's Word, God will continue to give His peace to You.

A prayer:

Lord, it's amazing how complex our thinking and emotions can become, and yet, when we pause to look at and consider a couple of verses that You give us, it all seems so simple. I thank You that Your Word is true, because it's impossible for You to lie. And, You are faithful to do everything You promise to do, and there is no one who can stop You from doing what You want to do.

The problem lies with us. But, You have given us faith. Help us now Lord, to be actively believing You, and to continue to be actively believing You. Because You will be actively giving us Your peace, which is so wonderful for our souls. Thank You Father. In the name of Your Son, our Savior, and Lord, Jesus Christ, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE"

Ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer to our Father in heaven:

1. First of all, in this section of Ephesians, Paul is still talking about and will be through the 3rd chapter about what God has done in our lives. That's the context. The application he teaches really starts in the 3rd chapter, so, this 2nd chapter is still focusing on what God has done for you now that You have put your faith in Jesus Christ to save you from Your sins.

2. In verse 7, Paul actually talks about God's will for you beyond this world, that is once you leave here and go to heaven. Ephesians 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

You will notice in verse 7, that part of God's plan for your life will actually never come to an end.
See what he says here, "that in the ages to come" Which is a reference to the eternity that lies ahead for us, that in those ages to come, look what God has planned. It's actually two things He is going to do. First of all, "He might show the exceeding riches of His grace" And, secondly, "His kindness towards us in Christ Jesus" So, Paul is saying that forever, God is going to be actively showing us these two things, His grace and His kindness. My what a future we have, what wonderful will God has for us. And, Imagine, that since forever, is forever, it is world without end, we will always be, being shown these two blessings, His grace and His Kindness, and He is the one who is going to show them to us. So, that's the first thing about God's will for us, it's what lies ahead.

3. The next thing that is said here, is more of what He has done for us. And, how He has done it, and why He has done it the way He has done it. Let's just take a look at these next two verses.
They are pretty self-explanatory, but what a joy, they deal with the most important thing that a person could possibly have in their life, and that is the salvation of their souls.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

You can see how we were saved. "For by grace, ( God's unmerited favor ) you have been saved through faith" This is how God did it. He did it by His unmerited, undeserved favor. He gave us faith, and we believed, and we are now saved. Paul adds, "And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God" No doubt referencing the faith we exercised in being saved. Even our faith has come from Him. So, He gets all the glory, all the credit, all the praise for our salvation. And, since He does, it leaves no room for us to boast about anything we have done to earn or merit our salvation. We did not work for our salvation, but rather we received it from Him when we simply believed in Jesus Christ.

4. But, now to what He has planned for us here and now. Being saved, or being His workmanship, notice what is said. It's really several things.

(1) Created in Christ Jesus for good works. This means, that one of God's purposes in saving us, is for "Good Works" Not that we are saved by our good works, but we have been saved "for good works" In other words, God has much for us to do. He has good works for us to do. Or He has work for us to do. May I add, that the works He has for you to do, are generally connected with the spiritual gifts He has also given You. So, you can see how important it is to discover Your spiritual gifts and then use them. If you do not yet know what they are, You can ask God to show You and He will. And, then you can begin using them, and doing the good works God has planned out for you.

(2) "Which God prepared beforehand" Or, the good things he planned for us long ago. So, long ago, beforehand, we can can assume, that this means, in ages past, i.e before the creation of all things, that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, were planning out what they wanted you to do once You became saved. Isn't that beautiful, to think that God was thinking of You before all things were even created. And, I might add that He is still thinking of you today, more times then there are stars in the heavens, or grains of sand on the sea shores of this world. He loves You more then you or I can truly imagine. But, we will find out fully once we get to heaven.

(3) "That You should walk in them" Or, so that we can do them. Simply put, God wants You to do what He has planned out for You. He wants You to walk in the good works He has planned out for You. He wants You to do His will. And, there is no better way to live, then to walk in the will of God. How do we know what His will is? For starters, we can ask Him through prayer. Secondly, we can find out by reading His Word. And, thirdly, step out in faith and so something that is on Your heart for God, and be confident, that He will guide you into what He has planned for you.

A Prayer:

Father, You have been thinking of us in ages past, You will be revealing your grace and Your goodness in the ages to come, and now in this age, You have something for us to do. You have not only saved us, but You have a plan for us. And, You want us to walk in it, or conduct ourselves according to Your will. You have gone before us, You will go before us, and You are with us right now. Thank You for giving us the great blessing of being able to do the will of God.
I can think of no one more qualified to plan out our lives than You. Thank You, and we want to say, "Your will be done" in our lives right now. Use us according to Your will. In the name of Jesus.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT THE GRACE IN JESUS CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU"

2nd Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul was telling them about the grace of God all through this chapter, that is the context.

2nd Cor 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2nd Cor 8:7 And, he was encouraging the Corinthians to abound in grace also.
But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.

The point in his talking about Grace, was it's effect upon other believers, in that God's grace made them so generous to help others, to give to others who were in need. The Corinthians themselves were abounding in so many areas, and Paul wanted them to abound in this grace also.

And, of course, it's God's desire that we also abound in being generous, in caring for others, and investing the resources we have in the work of God through the ministry of our own congregations that God has placed us in.

2. But, having said all that, now here in verse 9, Paul points them right back to Jesus Christ as the supreme example of grace, and how it works in a person's life, and what it has done for you and I.

2nd Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

We see in this verse, how grace worked in the life of Jesus Christ. Let's look a a few things more specifically.

(1) The Corinthians knew the grace of the our Lord Jesus Christ. They recognized and understood His grace. Or to put it another way, " You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was." Jesus is full of love and kindness.

(2) They also understood what Jesus did. 2nd Cor 8: b that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor. They understood this also. That thought Jesus was rich, yet for your sakes, and I might add, for our's as well, He became poor. Rich here has the ideas of flowing and abounding in wealth. The word poor means someone who is so poor they are like a beggar.
So, Jesus went from being rich, when He was in heaven with His father, to becoming poor when He came into this world as a man. Jesus was so generous. He was Lord of all, wealthier then our ability to explain it, yet, He became so very poor for us.

(3) The reason He went from rich to poor, is stated as follows, let's read it again. 2nd Cor 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Do you see that last part. 2nd Cor 8:9c that you through His poverty might become rich. His act of coming into this world, and going to the cross to die for our sins, was so that we might become rich. In other words, Grace operated in His life, to the extent that it helped us to say the least.

And, that is the point that Paul is making through this chapter, Grace is other's centered, it wants to help, to care for to do something for others, and in this case it was the giving of funds to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem.

But, back to what Jesus did and why He did it. He died for us. We were spiritually poor, but, He has made us spiritually rich. We are justified, forgiven, saved, born again, adopted into God's family, the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have brothers and sisters galore in the body of Christ, he has given us spiritual gifts, He has given us work to do, He has given us love, hope, mercy, and the promise that He will finish the good work He has started. And, to cap it off, we are Joint heirs with Him, See Rom 8.

I could go on, and maybe you can think of a host of other things that we are rich in. But, in fact, Christians are the richest people in the world. We have something that money can't buy, and it's going to take us to heaven before we know it.

A prayer:

Father, this grace of Christ leaves us somewhat speechless. Jesus, You actually did all of this for us. You became poor that we might became rich. You are gracious indeed. And, You want us to be like You, being gracious, caring for others, using our gifts and resources to help others, to keep our focus primarily on the gospel of Jesus Christ, but to help in the most practical of ways those who we see in need. In fact, the Bible says, that You are conforming us into the image of Christ. Please do that work in our lives Lord. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"

"HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S CHASTENING"

Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. The writer is dealing with the subject of our Father's love for us, in that He would chasten us.
The word chasten, means to instruct, teach, correct, admonish, to train, and to punish. God chastens those He loves, those who are His children. ( In fact, though it's true that God does not chasten those who are not yet saved. They are without God, and without Christ. They are in darkness ) But, He does deal with His own children, thus, it's a sign of our relationship with God.

2. The writer tells us several things about chastening.

(1) No chastening when it's taking place seems joyful, or enjoyable. While it's happening to us, we do not find it to be joyful.

(2) But rather, when we are being chastened by the Lord, it's painful. Or, sorrowful, it's a grievous time. It's painful, its like an affliction, and the word chastened is sometimes used of people who are mourning. So, it's not a joyful time, but rather a painful time.

(3) However, though it's not joyful, but painful, here's the next truth. "nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Heb 12:11

Nevertheless, afterwards, simply means, "afterward" After the chastening is over, there is something wonderful that it yields in the life of the one who was chastened. And, it's called, "the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."

Here's how this reads in the NLT "But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way"

(4) Isn't that wonderful to know, and blessing to consider. Simply put, as You place yourself in subjection to God in the time of chastening, or you cooperate with Him, You don't take it lightly, nor do you get discouraged, but You believe Him, and You wait on Him, and You let Him teach you, and You learn what it is that God is teaching You, You will reap this wonderful crop. Here it is again.

Heb 12:11b But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Notice please, it's not a matter of if, but rather of when. You can count on the faithfulness of God to do just as He has stated in this verse. There will be this quiet peaceable time in your life. It's called a "Harvest of right living" In other words, all the instruction, and teaching will have led you to the path that God has for you, and it's the right way to live, because it's His way. And there is absolutely nothing better in all the world then to live in God's way, and go in His paths.

3. So, what a great verse. What a great encouragement to realize afresh, the Love of God for you, as His child. And, to realize that what you may be going through today, though it's not pleasant, but painful, is eventually bring about a real blessing. You will be sharing in God's holiness, His moral perfection and goodness. You will grow in Christ. And, there is no greater blessing. May I encourage You to keep the big picture in mind.

4. Here's what God says about his thoughts and plans for you.

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jer 29:12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.

Jer 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

A prayer:

Father, there was a time when we did not know You as Father, only as God. We were not Your children, we were without You, but You Lord in Your mercy, even when we were dead in our sins, have made us alive together with Christ. We are Your Children now. And, we want to say "thank You" for the times in our lives when You chasten us, thank You, that's it's for our profit, and thank You that You are faithful. How many of us reading this today, can say, "Amen" to the truth of Heb 12:11. We have gone through these times, and You have trained us, and we are reaping that wonderful peaceful harvest of Your righteousness. We Love You Lord.
In Jesus name

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE OF CHRIST'S RETURN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE BLESSED HOPE OF CHRIST'S RETURN"

Titus 3:13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

Titus 3:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. Paul is speaking to a young pastor named Titus, who was living in the area of Crete, and area known of it's immoral and wicked ways. And, here in this verse, Paul is encouraging Titus, to be looking for Jesus and His return.

2. Please notice what Paul had said to Titus about the world around him just prior to this verse.

Titus 3:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

Titus 3:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

These verses tell us two things.

(1) That God's grace which has brought salvation, referencing the Lord Jesus has appeared to all men. The first coming of Christ, and the grace of God that has been given through conscience, and God's law written in our hearts, see Romans 2

(2) Grace teaches us a number of things. One, what we are to deny, and two what we are to pursue. Titus 3:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

3. But, back to "looking at Titus 3:13-14. Here we are instructed what to look for. Or should I say, "Who" to look for. Here's how the NLT says it.

"while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed."

We are looking forward to this wonderful event. Can you think of anything more wonderful then seeing Jesus when He comes again? I can't. Jesus is going to revealed, only this time, it will not be as a humble servant, but He will be coming as the ruling King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And, this is where we are to be looking, and this is what we are to be looking for. It's what we are to keep in mind. The savior who died, and rose again, who is currently sitting in heaven, at God's right hand, is just waiting till it's time to come again, back to the earth for His people.

4. But, please notice, we are not to as those who might just be gazing up into the heavens all day, but we are to be walking on the earth while we wait for Him, and look for Him, we are to walk, or conduct ourselves in a certain way.

Titus 3:14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Here in 3:14, we are given one of the main reasons Christ came the first time. Through His death, His burial, and His rising from the dead, and our turning to Him, and our being born again, saved, justified, and set apart to Him, we are to conduct ourselves according to His purposes. and here they are.

(1) That he might redeem us from every lawless deed. Or, to say it another way, He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin. Yes, that's right, the Lord gave Himself for us at the cross, that we might be set free from every kind of sin. Christ's life in us, is designed to free us from living in sin, from living as law breakers.

(2) And, here's another reason He came. It's purify our lives. Or to cleans us. Though saved, we do fall into sin, and He has provided a way for the child of God to be cleansed. This cleansing takes place as we confess our sins to Him, and He faithfully forgives us, and cleanses us from all unrighteousness, 1st John 1:9

(3) And, here's the final thing in these verses. It really a two fold statement. He cleanses us for Himself, as His own special people, that we would be zealous for good works. Or that we might be totally committed to doing what is right. Isn't that a wonderful truth to ponder. Especially when You think about the fact that we were living the wrong way before salvation, and by being saved, we can live the right way. Wrong living brings destruction, right living brings great blessing, protection and preservation from evil. And, it makes us useful vessels in the hands of God.

A prayer:

Father, the Bible is all about Jesus Christ. About the fact that He was going to come, and the fact that He did come, and the fact that He is coming again. And, it's all about how You Lord, through Christ have called us to live as we wait for His return. We want to say thank You for all You have done, and we want to testify that we have found looking for Jesus, and living for Jesus as being the absolutely best way to live. It's not only good for us personally, but, it's good for us in the sense we can be used to help others find Christ. We can serve You as we wait for Jesus. Thank You for all of those things Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WILL IN YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WILL IN YOUR LIFE"

Ephesians 4:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. This verse includes the phrase, "the will of the Lord" And, it's included in a section of this chapter where Paul has been encouraging the followers of Jesus Christ to understand many practical aspects of walking in Christ. In fact, as you read through the chapter starting in 5:1, all the way through, it's a rich chapter, with much wonderful teaching covering a wide number of issues pertinent to the Christian life.

2. But here in verse 17, Paul is focusing on this one thing. It's really an application type verse, but it has this mention of "the will of God" in it as mentioned. And, Paul is telling us two things.

(1) Do not be unwise.

(2) But understand what the will of the Lord is.

3. Here's how it reads in the NLT Eph 5:17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. It's easy to act thoughtlessly, especially since they and we today live in a world filled with so many things that are not in keeping with what God's will is. We can just be carried away in our thinking, and miss what God actually wants for us. But, on the other hand, Paul encourages us to "try and understand what the Lord wants you to do"

4. I've never run across a sincere Christian who is not interested in knowing what God's will is for them, and for a given situation they may be facing in their lives. In fact, You may be in a situation, where You are wanting to know that God's will is for you right now. You may be facing a crossroads in your life, or you may be in some seemingly desperate situation. And, here's this wonderful and encouraging verse to help you.

5. May I suggest this simple exercise and approach if you will. Just take a few minutes to prayerfully read Eph 5, starting in verse 1, and prayerfully ask the Lord to show You what He wants You to do. I'm fairly certain You will find more then you could have imagined right in these verses.

6. But, in closing, may I encourage you with this truth. The Holy Spirit is living right inside of You, and He is wanting to lead You, to guide You, to teach You the things He wants You to know. He is ready to take control of Your life, and to be the Helper in Your life that God intends Him to be. He knows the will of God, and He is more then capable of showing God's will to You. He also loves You, and is praying for You, and will take the things of Jesus Christ and show them to You, and bless You in more ways than You can imagine.

A prayer:

Lord, thank You for our church services yesterday. The many wonderful people that we were able to meet with, worship with, and sit together at Your feet, and hear Your Word proclaimed and to be encouraged in our walks with You. Thank You Lord for the body of Christ. And, thank You Lord for this verse Eph 5:17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. How powerful it is. Would You please help us not to act without thought today, to not act in an unwise manner, we are so capable of it. But rather would You help us to try and understand what You have for us. We want to please You. When we are pleasing You, we are so pleased, It's really walking in Your will that brings the blessings of God into our lives. Thank You Father. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia