"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT AN INTERESTING ANSWER TO PRAYER"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT AN INTERESTING ANSWER TO PRAYER"

2nd Samuel 17:14  So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom.

Some explanatory thoughts/applications/questions and a prayer:

Earlier in this story of high treason by Absolom against his father David, King David had asked the Lord to intervene in the life of a man named Ahitophel who had betrayed King David. Here's what David prayed in  2nd Samuel 15:31 Then someone told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!”

A little later on, Ahithopel was attempting to advise Absolom on how to kill his father David, He laid out a plan to do so, ( See 2nd Sam 17:1-4 ) But, then a man who was a spy for David, named Hushai, was called by Absolom to give him a plan to consider in his attempts to murder his Father. Hushai's plan was accepted and Ahithophels was rejected. And, thus you have what is said in 2nd Samuel 17:14  So Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than the advice of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to defeat the good advice of Ahithophel, to the intent that the LORD might bring disaster on Absalom.

This was God's answer to David's prayer. But the story is not over yet. Here's what happened to Ahithopel.
2nd Sam 17:23 Now when Ahithophel saw that his advice was not followed, he saddled a donkey, and arose and went home to his house, to his city. Then he put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died; and he was buried in his father’s tomb. 

He was so upset that his advice had not been taken, that he wound up taking his own life. There are many lessons from this incredible story to be sure. But here are just a few that come to mind. 

1. Integrity is better than treachery.

 Pro 11:3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Or as it reads in the NLT "Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty." Imagine for a moment how different things might have been for Ahithopel if had been a man of honor, and not a self promoting traitor to King David?

2. Pride goes before a fall.

Prov 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. The NKJV reads this way  Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
God has built into life, that when a man raises himself up in pride, he can count on falling. And, such was the case with Ahithopel. 

3. We reap what we sow.

 Galatians 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
And, the NLT reads this way "Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful desires will harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit."
Again, this is a law of God, and it cannot be broken. 

4. God hears and answers prayers in His own way and time.

James 5:4 Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.

Eph 1:11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

5. Our lives are ultimately in the hands of God. 

Joshua 9:25 “And now, here we are, in your hands; do with us as it seems good and right to do to us.”
Psalm 31:15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me.

6. Let us walk in the ways of the Lord, in love and righteousness. 

Psalm 119:133 Direct my steps by Your word, And let no iniquity have dominion over me.

Some questions:

1. How did this story speak to your heart?

2. David asked God for something, and it was in God's will, and it was answered.

3. Do you look to God for His protection and safety?

4. Men make their choices, and their choices make them. That applies to us also doesn't it?

5. How do we reconcile the teaching of Jesus to pray for our enemies with what David prayed for?

6. Are you seeking to walk in humility before God? Or are you walking in pride?

A prayer:

Father, we are no better than any other man. Though You want us to be better than we are. You want to conform us into the image of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We agree with Your Word, we do not want to be led into temptation, we want to be kept from evil. Lord, help us to be humble, keep us from pride. Make us men and women of integrity, and keep us from corruption. We can do all things through Christ who makes us strong.
We love You, and desire to walk in Your ways Lord. In Jesus name. 

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia. 

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HUMILITY, AND HOPE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HUMILITY, AND HOPE IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY"

2nd Samuel 16:10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

2nd Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.

2nd Samuel 16:12 “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”

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

This portion of 2nd Samuel details the culmination of King David's son, Absolom's rebellion against his father David. Absolom had steadily worked to steal the kingdom from his father. Absolom was a wicked man, and a treacherous son to his father. He wound up stealing the kingdom from his father, and ushering his father out in shame from Jerusalem. It was like a modern day coup if you will. What is so interesting and inspiring is to see the way that David acted in the midst of this tragic and painful event. Let's see what he did. He is a tremendous example of humility in the midst of adversity.

1. David understood that God was still in control, even though this terrible event was taking place.

2nd Samuel 16:10 But the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

2nd Samuel 16:11 And David said to Abishai and all his servants, “See how my son who came from my own body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite? Let him alone, and let him curse; for so the LORD has ordered him.

David was restraining one of his own men from retaliation against one of his son's Absolom's men. You will notice that David said, "So let him curse, because the LORD has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’”

In other words, David realized and stated openly, that the LORD had ordered all of this. David did not want to fight against what God was doing. He accepted this most painful and shameful experience as being ordered by the LORD. What an example of trust in God in the midst of adversity.

2. David also had hope and trust in the LORD for the days ahead. He had hope that God would still bless him.

2nd Samuel 16:12 “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”

It's interesting to watch this man after God's own heart act when he was suffering. He had of course sinned greatly with Bathsheba, and had already suffered greatly as a result. He had repented of his sins, and was clear with God. But, David had a very wicked son, this Absolom. And, now Absolom was kicking his own father the king out of the city of Jerusalem, and stealing the kingdom from him, and shaming his father, and allowing his father to the king to be cursed at.

But, David had hope in God. Notice what he said. “It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day.”

Some things to note here.

(1) He was completely humble and making no demands upon God.

(2) He was not complaining about what was happening to him.

(3) He was wondering if God might not bless him in the future.

(4) He knew that God could repay him in the future with blessing, for all the cursing that was taking place.

Some questions/statements:

1. It's not an easy thing to accept adversity from the hand of God.

2. David knew that his sin had brought this trouble into his own life.

3. Don't you think that David was now realizing the great cost of his sin?

4. But, don't you admire the way David was humble and trusting in God in this adversity.?

5. And, finally, isn't it encouraging to see that David had a hope of future blessing from God.

6. Do you know that God did indeed bless David down the road, He restored the kingdom to Him.

7. By the way, David's rebellious son Absolom came to a dreadful end, as all the proud and wicked do.

A prayer:

Father, You have given us these stories from the OT to teach us lessons, to teach us how to avoid making the same mistakes, and falling into the same sins. Unfortunately Lord, we often do not heed Your Word, and we are just as stubborn and disobedient as anyone else. But, Father, it does not have to be that way. You do not want that for us. You desire that we live our lives in complete surrender and obedience to Your will. And, that is what we also want, deep down in our hearts. Give us the humility of heart that we see in King David, who accepted Your chastening towards Him, but also maintained a hope that You might bless him in the days ahead. Thank You for being so gracious to him. And, be gracious to us Lord, for we also have sinned, and are no different than so many of the people we see in the Bible. Make us humble, and hopeful Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD FOR JESUS, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR US"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WILL OF GOD FOR JESUS, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR US"

John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This verse is taken during the period where Jesus was arrested by the Roman soldiers, and then taken to be tried unjustly, and then crucified. There are a number of important truths in this one simple, but profound verse.

1. We often do not understand the will of God for our lives.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”

You notice here that Jesus had to instruct Peter to put his sword back into it's sheath. That's because Peter had just cut off the ear of a man named Malcus, in an effort to defend Jesus from the soldiers who had come to arrest Jesus. Peter's motives may have been good, but his understanding of God's will for Jesus was not.

Jesus had come to the earth for this very hour. To be taken and to be crucified for the sins of the world, and Peter with a sincere heart was trying to stop this from happening.

We can certainly identify with Peter. How often we also do not understand the will of God. But, not to fear, nor to be condemned, God is faithful, and just as He instructed Peter as to what to do, or what not do to, the Lord does the same for us. Here are two scriptures that make a promise to us from God, about giving us wisdom.

Pro 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him

2. Jesus knew exactly what God had in mind for Him, and was ready to do the will of God.
John 18:11 But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given me?”

The last part of the verse is put in the form of a question. "Shall I not drink from the cup the Father has given to me?" In other words, Jesus was explaining to Peter what Peter did not know. Peter thought what was taking place should not. Jesus knew that what was taking place was the will of God for Him, and ultimately for every human being.

The cup is, and expression of the will of God. Jesus expressed His desire to drink cup, or to do the will of God.
He came to drink the cup of dying for the sins of the world. He was ready to do what God had called Him to do.

He did this for you and me. And, not for just us, but for the sins of the whole world. He drank the cup that God had given Him to drink, and He drank it because of His love for us. His cup was death on the cross, but, it brought life to those who would believe in Him.

Questions:

1. Wouldn't you agree, that God's cup for us is not always easy to drink?

2. If we had our way, we would change cups, don't you think?

3. But, let's be honest, doesn't God know what cup is best for us to drink?

4. Are you at this time struggling with the cup that God has for you?

5. Or are you embracing the cup that God has for you to drink?

6. Have you in the past experienced that the difficult cup to drink, later turns out to be a cup of joy?

7. Gods cup, has come from His wise, loving, holy, and just heart, it's the best cup we could drink.

A prayer:

Father, we are not orphans. We have You to watch over us, and to guide us. We often don't know what to do, or if a cup is good for us to drink. We sometimes are repulsed by what is put before us. But, after we pray, and wait on You, and seek Your counsel, we conclude, "Yes, this is the best for me", and we like Jesus say,"Shall I not drink the cup" Lord, forgive us for the times that we balk at Your will. And, help us to mature and be those that without question embrace day by day whatever You have planned for us. Your ways are righteous and true, and You do not change. In Jesus name, Amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JESUS'S PRAYER AND WILL FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT JESUS'S PRAYER AND WILL FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN HIM"

John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

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

This chapter is filled with what truly is the "Lord's Prayer" Because, it's Jesus praying to His Father.
It's a tremendously intimate and revealing prayer about the heart of Jesus towards His Father, and towards His mission here on earth, and towards His disciples at that time, and those who would come to faith in the ages to come. Let's just focus on one particular verse. John 17:17 This is one of Jesus's prayers.

1. Jesus prays that the Father would sanctify His disciples.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Another way of  saying this, is, "Make them pure and holy" That's what Sanctify means It also has the meaning of setting you apart to God for His exclusive use. So, this is the desire of Jesus, this is the prayer of Jesus, and this is what can happen in the life of those who follow Jesus. It's what Jesus is praying for. Sanctify, or holy, also means, freedom from sin, and moral perfection. God wants You to be as free from sin as you can possibly be, and He wants you to be as morally pure as you can be this side of heaven. This is God's will for each and every believer, It's God's will for you today.

2. Jesus makes you holy by teaching you God's Word.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

The answer to Jesus prayer, or the way that God answers Jesus's prayer is through the Word of God. God's pure and holy Word can and will bring about in our lives that same purity and holiness that is in Him. He and His Word are one and the same. And, the Lord wants You to be a partaker of His holiness. You are His child, and He wants His characteristics be be in you, and growing in your life. So, the way this prayer is answered is by the Word of God.

You can see why it's so important to be in the Word of God. It's God's agent of change for His people. God makes you holy, by His Word. But, it's imperative that you are committed to His Word, and You are taking in His Word on a regular basis. God's Daily Bread for Your soul, will change you, and make you more and more into the image of Jesus Christ.

3. Jesus says that God's Word is Truth.
John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
So, the progression in this prayer is easily seen. First, Make them Holy. Second, make them holy by Your truth.
And finally an explanation about God's Word truth. Your Word is truth.

The Bible is God's Word, and it's also truth. Here's what Paul said about it.
2nd Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.

Please notice 5 things here about God's Word.

(1) All Scripture is inspired by God

(2) It is useful to teach us what is right, or true.

(3) It is useful to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

(4) It is useful to straighten us out in our lives.

(5) It is useful to teach us do what is right.

There is no other book in the entire world like the Holy Bible. And it will when taken in, and responded to make you Holy, just as Jesus prayed for.

Questions:

1. Isn't it wonderful and encouraging to know that Jesus has and is praying for you.

2. Can you see what Jesus's prayer is for, it's for your life to be made holy, i.e set apart to God?

3. Also, can you see that the way God makes you holy is by and through His Word.

4. And, can you see that unlike any other book in the whole world, His Word is truth, completely inspired by God.

5. Would you take another look at the 5 things listed above about God's Word.

6. And, finally, would you take a moment to express in a brief prayer to God that You desire to be what He wants you to be?

A prayer:

Father, It seems like we are always thanking You for Your Word, and we are. Your Word is our daily bread. It's our life, we cannot truly live without it. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So, thank You for giving us that which gives us life, and changes our lives, and makes them into what You want them to be. We want to go right along with Your prayer Lord Jesus. John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. Or as it's said in the NLT "Make them pure and holy by teaching them your words of truth." That's our prayer also. In Jesus name, amen.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND CHALLENGES WE FACE IN LIFE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND CHALLENGES WE FACE IN LIFE"

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.”

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

Jesus in the 16th chapter of John covered a variety of subjects, that covered many of the problems, trials and challenges that awaited those to whom He was talking to. And, what Jesus was saying in John 16 apply to those of us alive today. I pray that His closing words in the chapter will be a real encouragement to you.

1. Jesus spoke specifically to encourage those who follow Him. That in Him they can have peace.
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.”

The these things are the things He said in Chapter 16. But, Jesus states that the reason He said what He said, was to bring peace into the lives of those who know and follow Him. The peace of God is one of the blessings we have given and promised to us in the Word of God. We find peace through God's Word. This is one of the benefits of reading and meditating on the Bible. The Holy Spirit will use it to produce fruit in your life, which includes peace.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Please notice that "peace" is one of the ways the fruit of the Spirit is described.

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

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

2. Jesus explained that in the world we would have tribulation.
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.”

In Christ we have peace, and in the world we have many trials and sorrows. How true both of those statements are. Jesus and peace. The World ( living as if there is no God ) Trials and Sorrows.

Adam and Eve had no trials until they sinned. And, now the entire world is filled with trouble. But, for the Christian, we can find peace in the midst of this troubled world.

And, we can help bring the peace of God to those who do not know the Lord. God will use us to display His glory, mercy, grace, love and truth, if we are available to Him. In fact, if we simply walk with Him, submitted day by day, we will naturally be a witness of Him.

Acts 1:8 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

3. Jesus also tells His followers to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world.
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.”

Another way of saying this, is, "take heart, because I have overcome the world" So, while the world is so full of trouble, we don’t need to lose heart, but rather we can take heart, or have courage day by day, because our Lord has overcome this world.

The world as mentioned is filled with trouble as the result of sin. Jesus came into the world to destroy sin, and to overcome it, and He did. And in Him our victor we can be of good cheer and take heart.

1st John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

Some questions:

1. What if anything has the Lord been saying to you as of late?

2. Have you experienced the peace He speaks of that comes from His Word?

3. Can you see why it's so wonderful and helpful to be a person of the Word of God?.

4. Do you think the world is getting better, or worse?

5. Have you lost heart?

6. Will you take a moment to look at and pray about this verse again. 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.” And, let the Lord encourage you.

A prayer:

Father, Thank You for sending Jesus into this world. And, thank You for this verse in particular. We can testify to the truth of what Jesus said. We truly do find peace in Him. It's the peace of God. And, not only do we find that peace Lord, but our lives can become peaceful even though all around us is trouble and difficulty. Use our lives we pray to help point people to You, in Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier.
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WISDOM OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE WISDOM OF GOD IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER"

Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.

Pro 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

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

Proverbs is of course, God's Book of Wisdom for us. The 31 Chapters in Proverbs cover just about every aspect of life that needs covering. God is so generous in explaining to us how things work in life, and how our life will work best, that is, by following His wisdom, and not our own. And, thus today's devo taken from Pro 16:1-3 gives us 3 very specific and wonderful truths from God about how to live our lives.

1. Remember, we do our part, but God is ultimately in charge of what happens. So, we can rest in the Lord.
Pro 16:1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

What does this mean?

(1) We prepare our hearts.
Or, We can gather our thoughts,
In other words, we have the responsibility to go about our daily lives, using our brains, to think, and to accomplish, and do what we think we should do. We make our plans as it were.

(2) God ultimately is in charge of what happens.
But the LORD gives the right answer.
Or, to say this another way, after we have gone about our business, doing what we need to do, we can rest in the fact that God is in control of all things, and He will bring His will to pass. The answer will come from the Lord.
He is guiding His family, and all things in the world.

We do our best, but commit the rest to the Lord.

2. We may have one opinion of ourselves, but God can see right down into our heart where we cannot.
Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.

Or, as people, we may be pure in our own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Again, this is very comforting, to know that God knows best, and he truly knows all things. We think we know something, but God can see deeper and right into the heart of the matter, whereas we cannot. We may think our hearts and motives are pure, but God can see what they truly are. Thus, we can ask Him to search our hearts, and to reveal where we really are at, and to lead us in the right way. He will do it.

3. The way to have your thoughts established by God is to commit your works to the Lord.
Pro 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.

And here is another comforting truth from God. It tells us how we can succeed in what we are seeking to do.
The first thing is that we must commit our work to the Lord. That is, we are to surrender our wills, and our desires to Him, and to truly want His will in all that we do.
We are assured here, that if we will take the hand of God and let Him lead us, that it is then that our plans will succeed. If we try to live our lives without God we do not have this promise.
But, we can as those who have come to faith in Jesus Christ, actually, day by day, seek God to guide us, we can surrender our wills gladly to Him day by day, and then just sit back and see what He is going to do .
He is faithful to accomplish and fulfill each and every one of His promise.

Some questions:

1. Do you find it refreshing to remember that God is in control of your life?
2. Do you find it hard to let go of your life and to let God lead your life?
3. Have you found that God's ways are surprisingly more wonderful than you had expected?
4. Isn't it comforting to know that God knows what we cannot know. He knows the depths and motives of our hearts.
5. Do you want to succeed in what you are doing?
6. Are you learning to commit your works to the Lord?
7. Are you confident He will establish You in His will. He will do it. For He has promised to do it.

A prayer:

Father, how we love the Proverbs and the Psalms. They are no doubt two of the books of Bible that most Christians have come to love so deeply. Thank You for giving them to us. They teach us so much about You, and about ourselves. They bring us comfort and they call us to humility and to trust in You. They tell us of Your wonderful oversight of our lives, and that You are always on duty as it were, taking care of Your children.
Even when it may seem like Your not, You actually are. We just can't see it. We want to offer our heartfelt praises to You Lord. In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.