"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHY JESUS CAME INTO THE WORLD"

John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” New Living Translation.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

The Lord Jesus had just healed a blind man on the Sabbath. This was against the tradition of the Pharisees, but not against the law of God. Nonetheless, it caused a big stir among the Pharisees, who wound up questioning the blind man (now healed of blindness) parents, and the blind man himself. They wanted to know what had happened and who was this that had healed him and so on. So, this verse comes at the end of a back and forth between Jesus and the Pharisees. And, in this verse, Jesus explains why He came into the world, and He uses the issue of seeing to help explain Himself.

1. Jesus did come into this world.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

Before Jesus became a man, He dwelt eternally with the Father and with the Holy Spirit. But the Bible teaches that God who loves the world sent Jesus into the world, and He was born as a man, while remaining God.
God came to the world of men. How amazing that our creator would come into this world, but He did, and He did it because of His love for each and every human being including You and I.

Joh 3:16* “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

2. Jesus came into the world with a specific purpose.
John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

Jesus makes it clear why He came into the world. In fact, there are 3 things that He says about why He came into the world.

(1) Jesus came into the world to judge the world.

Jesus came to bring judgement. Not the judgement that is coming one day at the great white throne, but to bring judgement against sin in the world now. By coming into the world and going to the cross, Jesus was judging or revealing how God sees sin, and what sin does to man, and that through Christ sin would not only be judged but payed for.

John 16:11 “of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. By dying on the cross, Jesus also judged Satan as evil, and He destroyed the works of Satan by rising from the dead.

Jesus's coming into the world, and going to cross shows us how God regards sin. It's so eternally destructive, that it took sending His own Son to rescue man from sin's terrible and eternal effects. God does not want man to be separated from Him because of sin.

(2) Jesus came into the world to give sight to the blind.

2nd Cor 4:4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Sin has brought spiritual blindness to man, by the work of Satan. Satan does not want people to see the truth, he his afraid they may get saved if they do. By the way, one of the best things we can pray for, is that God would remove the blindness in the eyes of the unsaved, so they can at least see the truth of Jesus, and hopefully the will yield their lives to Jesus. But, until they can see Him, they are blind.

But, Christ has come to shed light, to remove blindness, so that man can see and be saved.
Like the hymn Amazing Grace says, " I once was blind but now I see" Thank You Lord Jesus.

(3) Jesus came into the world to show those who think they see that they are blind.

John 9:39 Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

This tells us about another class of people Jesus came to help. He came to show those who think they see and know the truth, that they really are blind, and don't know the truth. Jesus loves these people also. The very religious leaders who tried to and eventually have Jesus crucified were not only blind to the truth, but loved by Christ. He wanted them to see also.

Jesus is amazing. He loves all men, including those who are very clearly His enemies. We were all enemies of the Lord before Salvation, but these men were aggressively and passionately aggressive towards the only one who could save them. My what power sin has, in that it blinds a person from the one who alone can save them, and all the while they are thinking they see things clearly. These folks need our prayers. Just as we needed to be prayed for before we were saved also.

Some questions:

1. How often do you stop to realize how much God loves You, that He sent Jesus into this world to save you?.

2. Can you remember when you were spiritually blind, and can you remember when your blindness was removed and you could see the truth for the very first time?.

3. Would you take just a moment to bow your heart and mind before God and tell Him how much you appreciate what He has done for you, and to acknowledge the great price that God payed in sending Jesus.

4. Do you know people who think they see and know the truth, but are indeed spiritually blind?

5. Will you pray for them by name right now, and ask God Himself to remove the blindness from their eyes, so that they can at least see the wonderful truth of who Jesus is, and that they need a Savior, and that Jesus will save them if they will turn to Him and believe in Him?

A prayer:

Father, not only were we once blind, and now we see, but we were lost, and now we are found. All because of Your love and Your sending Christ into the world to die for our sins. Thank You Father for bringing conviction into our lives, and showing us our true condition. Where would we be today if it were not for what You have done for us. We shudder to think about it. But, we give You praise this day, and we thank You this day, for providing judgement against sin, and against Satan, and giving us the hope of eternal life. We love You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE TO HELP A PERSON KNOW IF THEY REALLY ARE A CHRISTIAN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE TO HELP A PERSON KNOW IF THEY REALLY ARE A CHRISTIAN"

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

John 8:47 “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

In this 8th chapter of John, there was a fierce back and forth between those who were against Jesus. Jesus was explaining who He was, and how to know if someone is truly a follower, a believer, a true Christian of not. There are many other ways of identifying the birthmarks of a Christian, so, here are just a few. This is also a chapter, the 8th of John, that is filled with many other important truths, i.e about Satan. 

1. Those who know the Lord abide in His Words. keep obeying His teachings.
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 

Here Jesus is explaining that those who are truly His disciples, ( those who are learning about Him ) abide, or remain in, and or keep on obeying His teachings. It's not our abiding in His Word, or our obedience to His teachings that make us a christian, no, we are made christians by repenting, and believing in Jesus Christ. But, if a person truly has come to faith, then this is one of the characteristics that will be clearly seen in their lives.
This is one of those birthmarks found in the person who has truly come to faith and is following the Lord as a disciple.  They abide in His Word, and they obey what He teaches. 

In fact, one time Jesus asked this very penetrating and revealing question to those around Him.
Lu 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?
Think about that question. Put yourselves in the shoes of those Jesus was talking to. What would be the right way to answer that question.  

2. Those who know the Lord love Him.
John 8:42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.

Here again, Jesus is describing the person who has God as their father. ( which by the way His detractors did not ) Simply put, if a person has truly come to faith, and God is not only their creator, but has now become their father, they will love Jesus. That's it, they will love Him. To love Jesus means, to have a have a true affection for Him. To dote upon Him. To welcome Him, to be fond of Him, to be well pleased  and contented with Him. 

3. Those who know the Lord hear God's Word, and those who don't do not hear His Word.
John 8:47 “He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God.”

Here's how it reads in the NLT. John 8:47 Anyone whose Father is God listens gladly to the words of God. Since you don’t, it proves you aren’t God’s children.”
To listen to, to hear means, to hearken, to give audience to, to attend to, consider what is or has been said. to comprehend, to understand. 

Notice, that Jesus said to those who did not know Him, that they did not hear because they were not of God, i.e they did not truly know God. They thought they did, but here they were arguing with God himself, that is Jesus, and were attempting to trap God Himself, and ultimately, demanded that Jesus be put to death. They actually hated God. 

4. Those who know the Lord, obey His teachings and will never die.
John 8:51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.

Jesus is actually repeating one thing He has said, but then adds another truth about those who know Him.
The person who knows the Lord will keep His Word, or abide in His Word, or obey His Word.
John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. Again, here are three important things to consider about this matter of obeying Jesus. 

(1) Obedience to Christ, is not what saves you, but, it is one of the marks of a person who is saved. 

(2) Obedience to Christ is not perfect obedience, but, it is what generally characterizes a saved persons life.

(3) Obedience to Christ, Keeping His Word, means, You will never die, or experience the 2nd death, that is being separated from Him forever, in the lake of fire. It means you have eternal life now, and will leave this world and go right into heaven itself and be with Your Savior forever and ever. 

Some questions:

1. Do you ever wonder if you truly are saved? 

2. Have you in the past had more of an assurance about being saved than you do now, or are you very assured that You know the Lord.?

3. Have these 4 Scriptures helped you in giving you assurance of your salvation?

4. Do you know anyone who is struggling with assurance of salvation? And, would you be able to reach out to them and help them by sharing these wonderful and simple verses with them. ?

5. How would You describe the way in which these verses have helped you today?

6. Do you personally have any doubts about your salvation?. If so, please read through the verses again, and talk to the Lord about them, and about your doubts, and ask Him to clarify where you really are with Him.

A prayer:

Father, Your Word is our daily bread. And, no matter where we open it up day by day, it speaks to us and we learn of You. Thank You for the verses today, and how they are so comforting, and encouraging. Lord You want people to be saved, and You don't want anyone to go around thinking they are saved if they are not. You want them to know the truth, and these verses sure help lay the truth out. Please help us personally if we have any doubts, or are confused, or deceived about where we stand with You, and help us to help others who may have the same or similar struggles. In Jesus name we pray, amen. 

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia. 

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN FACING GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN FACING GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE"

1st Samuel 17:44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!”

1st Samuel 17:44 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:

In that day, it was common for armies to pick one man from each other's armies, and let them fight it out.
The one who prevailed, meant their army prevailed. This was done so as to avoid unneeded bloodshed and the like.
In this situation, the Philistines had made the request for Israel to sent their representative, but the entire nation, including the king were afraid to send a man.
But, along came David, but a lad, who took the Philistine giants threatening request and stepped forward to fight and prevailed. It's believed that Goliath may have been 9 ft tall, and as mentioned, David was just a very young man.
But, he wound up defeating this giant. And, there are reasons for his victory, and we will look at them in this devotional. They are principles that can be part of your life, and can and will lead you to prevail against your Goliaths, our enemies. Let's look at them. Some of these principles are in the previous chapters. I'll reference them for your own study. 

1. David had been chosen by God, and so have you, if you have believed in Jesus Christ.
1st Samuel 16:11

David was the youngest son of Jesse. His family did not even think much of him, but Samuel asked for him, and he was brought to Samuel. No one may have thought you were anything either. But God did. God loves you, and He sent Jesus to die for your sins, He convicted you of sin, gave you faith and the gift of repentance, and you believed, and guess what, you are now one of God's chosen people. 

2. David had been anointed with the Holy Spirit, and you can be as well. ( be empowered by the Holy Spirit)

This is also in 1st Samuel 16:13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. 

This incident was the start of David later becoming the king of Israel. But, what's important here, is that this young boy chosen by God was also anointed with oil. This is a symbol of God's Holy Spirit coming into your life at salvation, giving you new life, and as you yield to the Spirit day by day, and let Him fill you, you also will then have access to God's diving power and guidance in your life. So, David was chosen by God, and then given God's power if you will. 

3. David was not discouraged by the discouragement of others. His family, the soldiers, and even Goliath. None of them thought David was able to fight this battle, but David. You and I also may face Goliaths, or Giants in our lives, and discouraged people are all around us. No one believes that you can do what you believe God wants you to do. In fact, you may even be discouraged. But, David was not. He had courage and faith in God. That's one of the reasons he was able to prevail. See 1st Sam 16:28-30

4. David took courage and went right after the giant. ( and so can you )

1st Samuel 17:32 Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

” Notice what David said here. " Let no man's heart fail because of him" Or as the NLT reads. "Don’t worry about a thing,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight this Philistine!”

David was not overcome by worry, and he simply decided he would go and fight the giant. You can be the same way. God has told us plainly in His Word not to worry, and He has told us also to simply have faith in Him. Not worrying, and having faith add up to, or equal, or produce courage. That's what David had, and so can you.

Ps 31:24 So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!

5. David came to the battle in the name of the LORD of hosts. ( Or in the power of God, not his own power ) 

1st Samuel 17:44 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

This verse really sums it up. The Giant came in his own strength, full of pride and arrogance. David came in humility, not trusting in himself but in God and His strength and power.
This is truly the way that God has called us to fight giants. Trust the Lord. He is able. Don't depend on yourself.
Put your faith in God. 

Some questions:

1. Are you facing a giant or giants ( problems, trials, challenges ) in your life right now? 

2. Can you see how David acted, will you choose to do what he did and trust the Lord?

3. Are there people who seek to discourage you, or have no faith in you?

4. Will you look away from discouragement, and look to the Lord as David did? 

5. Do you believe God can help you? 

6. Will you ask Him to right now, and will you come under His leadership and ask for His power today?

A prayer:

Father, the greatest giant in the world was sin and the devil. Both have been defeated by Jesus at the cross. Jesus is our Lord, and He is our deliverer. You do not call us to fight battles in our own strength, but in Yours.
Lord today, would You renew our courage, and our faith, and empower us to be like David, and face the day and the giants in Your name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE WHEN YOU ARE IN TROUBLE"

Psalm 108:12 Give us help from trouble, For the help of man is useless.

Psalm 108:13 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This 108th Psalm was written by King David. It is a Psalm where he praises God, and expresses his faith and confidence in God, and in God's ability and strength. He is also looking to God for help in the midst of trouble.

1. God will give you help when you are in trouble.
Psalm 108:12a Give us help from trouble,

David was specifically asking God to give him help from the trouble he was experiencing. We are not told what the trouble was, but David needed help, and he was looking to God for help in that trouble and with that trouble.
The word trouble here, means, enemy, adversary, distress, affliction, foes, narrow, strait. It was used to speak of being in a narrow and tight spot, to be in hard times. To be experiencing oppression.

2. The help of man is really useless.
Psalm 108:12b For the help of man is useless.

David was not discounting the love and support of his friends and of his armies. But, rather, he was comparing what God can do with what man can do. And, there is no comparison. God can do what man cannot do.
And, God does not call us to put our hope and trust in either ourselves, or in others, but rather in God Himself.
And, that's what David was seeking to do.

3. With God's help we can do mighty things.
Psalm 108:13a Through God we will do valiantly,

Here David expresses what man can do with God as his helper. This is what David was counting on, and it's what we can count on as well. That through God we can do valiantly. Or as the NLT reads, "With God’s help we will do mighty things," How true this is. Is there anything that is too hard for the Lord. Nothing is impossible with God, even though circumstances may look otherwise. God is all powerful. There is no one greater than He is. No one can thwart the plans and the intentions of God. And, God want us to put our trust in Him.

4. God is the one who will deal with our enemies.
Psalm 108:13b For it is He who shall tread down our enemies.

Now David specifies why he needed God's help. It was because of the enemies of David. David did not want to try and deal with his enemies by his own strength, or in his own power. Rather, He was looking to God to deal with them. He realized that God could tread them down. He knew that God could trample down His foes.

This is also how God calls us to act and to trust. Leave your enemies in God's hands. If anything, pray for them as Christ has instructed us. But, leave them with God. Let the Lord take care of the situation. He is faithful. He will deal with them in His own way, and in His own time, of that you can be sure. David was.

Some questions:

1. Are you in some kind of trouble at this very time?

2. Do you know that God will help you if you look to Him?

3. You can try to fix it yourself, and even enlist the help of others, but God is the better one to look to.

4. God is able to really help you. His power is unlimited. Will you take a moment and pray right now.

5. Also, it is good to pray for our enemies. As mentioned, this is what Jesus told us to do. Will you do it now?

A prayer:

Father, You never told us that life would be without trouble. In fact, You have told us just the opposite. But, You have also told us to look to You during times of trouble, and to cast our cares upon You, because You care for us. So, today, we would like to take whatever trouble we may be facing or dealing with, or that has come upon us, and give that over to You by prayer and faith. Lord, help us through the day, to continually look to You, and to remember how great You are, and how You are able to deal with our troubles. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW TO LIVE OUR LIVES"
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
These are some of Samuel's closing words the Children of Israel. They had been so blessed by the Lord in so many ways, yet they had gone astray, and gone after other gods. But, now they were coming to their senses as it were. And, Samuel is giving them words of wisdom. Wisdom that would bring blessing into their lives from God.
And, He gives them a warning about how to stay out of trouble also.
1. Do not fear, and do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart.
1st Samuel 12:20 Then Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness; yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.
The children of Israel had done many great evils. And in this case, it was rejecting God, and wanting a man to rule over them. But, they began to see what they had done, and were seeking Samuel's counsel and help.
The above verse is his answer to them.
Essentially, he was saying, "Yes, you have done all this wickedness" Yet, he encouraged them not to fear, and not to turn aside from following the LORD, but serve Him with all your heart. In other words, seeing what you have done, is one thing, but move forward now, you have confessed your sins, and here is the path to follow and pursue.
2. Don't turn aside from the Lord, because they you will be going after empty things.
1st Samuel 12:21 “And do not turn aside; for then you would go after empty things which cannot profit or deliver, for they are nothing.
Samuel continues to guide them with God's wisdom. In other words, don't go back to worshipping worthless things. These things, these idols cannot help you, nor can they rescue you. They are entirely useless. So, don't turn aside from the Lord. Don't go after empty things.
3. The LORD will not forsake you.
1st Samuel 12:22 “For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you His people.
In other words, God is not going to abandon His people. If He did, that would dishonor His name. God has made you as a special people for Himself. He will not forsake You.
4. Keep praying, and be teachable. That's what Samuel said.
1st Samuel 12:23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.
In fact, Samuel considered it a sin to not pray. He also wanted to teach the people the good and the right way.
These are two very important activities in the life of the Christian. To talk to God, and let God teach you what is good and what is right. That's what you will find in His Word.
5. Fear God, Serve God in truth with all your heart. And, remember what He has done for you.
1st Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
Here Samuel is saying a number of things.
(1) Be sure to fear the LORD.
(2) And sincerely worship Him.
(3) Think about all the wonderful things He has done for you.
6. If you do wickedly, you will be swept away.
1st Samuel 12:25“But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king.”
This is Samuel's warning to the people. Or as the NLT puts it, " But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.”
They had sinned, and were now acknowledging their sin, and were being taught and encouraged to move forward in God's will. But, this is a reminder, to not repeat what they had done, or the same consequences would come upon them. Don't forsake the Lord to Your own hurt is the idea. It will only bring destruction into your lives.
Some questions:
1. Do you know, that even when we sin, and do wickedly, that God still loves us and, wants us to come back to Him.
2. Can you see all of the many simple and clear steps to take that bring you into the realm where God is able to bless your life?.
3. Please take a moment to just go back over the verses and pause a little, and consider the instruction of God that leads to the blessing of God.
4. Remember, warnings are good for us. Warnings serve to help keep us out of trouble. Would You take just a moment, to see if God is warning you about anything, and if He is, would you thank Him, and then let Him know You want to obey and respond to His warnings?.
A prayer:
Father, Your Word is so rich and encouraging. You have given these wonderful true OT stories for our learning.
Please help us to not take them lightly, or for granted. But, to be sober minded, and to be serious about our walk with You. You are serious about wanting to bless and lead us in Your ways. May we reciprocate by being serious believers and doers of Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGER, AND OTHER BITS OF WISDOM"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH ANGER, AND OTHER BITS OF WISDOM"

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:

It has been said, that the " Book of Psalms, was written mostly by King David tells us how to look up", and that the Book of Proverbs, largely authored by David's Son, King Solomon, "tells us how to wise up"

"The Book of Psalms helps us to fill us with praise to God, but we also need guidance in the most practical of matters each day. These two books are at the heart of the Bible. Psalms keep our thoughts on heaven; Proverbs keeps our feet on earth" Dr. David Jeremiah.

These 3 verses give us God's guidance on several issues we as we walk this pilgrim path towards our heavenly home with Jesus Christ.

1. Here's God's wisdom on how to deal with an angry person.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Or, to put it another way, if we answer someone with a gentle answer, it will help to turn away their wrath, or their anger. But, if we answer them in a harsh way, it will stir up anger. Perhaps in them, and in us.
There is no end to the potential angry encounters we might face on any given day. But, what we have here is God's prescription on how to deal with those angry encounters. God is the wisest person there is. And, He does not lie, in fact, He cannot. So, His teaching for us on how to deal with an angry encounter is found right here.
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Soft means, tender, delicate, gentle. Harsh on the other hand, means, sorrow, labour, grievous, pain, hardship.

2. Here's how to be wise in the use of our tongues. And, also what a fool does with his tongue.
Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

A wise man will use knowledge in the right way. Or, as the NLT says, " The wise person makes learning a joy"
Isn't that interesting. We can actually, by God's grace, power, and guidance, use the knowledge He has given us, and, when speaking actually experience joy. We can learn as we speak, and have joy in doing so,
But, and, how many times have we experienced this next part.
Proverbs 15:2b But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. Or again, as the NLT says, "Fools spout only foolishness"

Wise means, a wise man, cunning, subtle, skillful, learned, prudent. Wise ethically and religiously.
Fools means, foolish, stupid, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one.
Lord, please help us to be wise, and not foolish.

3. Here is a comforting or uncomfortable truth about our LORD and His eyes.
Proverbs 15:3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Now, I say comforting, but, it may not sound comforting if a person is trying to hide something, something they know is not right. On the other hand, it is comforting to know that God who is all knowledgeable is constantly watching everywhere, and He is keeping His eye on both the evil and the good.

We can't see everything, but God can without any trouble. He is very aware of everything that is happening.
He sees both the evil and the good.

Sometimes we wonder about evil that is going on, and think where is the Lord, doesn't He see this? Yes, He does. And, what a joy to also know, that He sees the good that is taking place. What a great and awesome God we serve and know.

Some questions:

1. Can you remember the last time you "flew off the handle?. A nice way of saying, "you lost your self control, or temper?

2. Do you remember how it made you feel? I'm sure you do. It's not very pleasant.

3. Do you know that God is not mad at you for getting mad?

4. Do you know that God will help you if you ask Him to?.

5. How would you measure the use of your tongue at this time in your life?. Are you using it wisely, or foolishly?.

6. Are you concerned about someone or some persons who are doing evil things?.

7. Will you please take comfort in knowing that God knows about it. And, He will deal with it in His own perfect timing.

8. How about this. What about the good that is being done, either towards you, or by you towards others.
Will you take great delight in knowing that God sees it, and it matters to Him. And, He is very aware of every detail involved.

A prayer:

Father, Your Proverbs through Solomon and others are so close to home. They hit us right where we live.
Thank You for giving them to us. And, we ask that in Your giving them to us, that You would also give us hearts that understand Your wisdom, and want to put it into practice in our day to day lives. Thank You in advance, In Jesus name, Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.