"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD CAN DO"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT GOD CAN DO"

Psalm 146:8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous.

Psalm 146:9 The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

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

Once again, we learn so much about who the Lord is, and what the Lord does for His people, and also what He does to the plans of the wicked. So, let's just look at these two verses and enjoy what God has to say to us.

1. God is the one who opens the eyes of the blind.
Psalm 146:8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;

Man is naturally blind to the things of God as a result of sin that has entered into the world. Like the hymn Amazing Grace says, "I once was blind, but now I see" etc, etc. But, God is the eye opener. Sin is the blinder of men's eyes, and God is the one who opens our blind eyes. He wants us to see Him. And, what a wonderful sight to see, to see the Lord. So, the Lord comes to spiritually blind people and works in their hearts and lives, so that they can see Him, and understand Him.

2. God is the one who raises up those who are bowed down.
Psalm 146:8 ...The LORD raises those who are bowed down;

This has to do with humility. God is faithful to lift up those who are humble, and to raise up from the dust those who are bowed down. It's similar to the truth that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us. Many times in the Bible we see this truth about God played out. He is faithful to take a humble heart and lift it up. So, it makes perfect sense to humble ourselves before God, because He is then able to lift us up.

3. God is the one who loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:8 The LORD loves the righteous.

Of course God loves each and every person in the world. There is no question about that. But, He has a relationship with those who have turned to Him, and in that sense, His love for them is very special. The saved person is in Christ, and is able to draw near to the God who loves them. God loved a saved person before they were saved, but now that they are saved, He is able to enjoy sharing Himself with them. How He loves those He has saved and made righteous in His sight.

4. God is the one who watches over the strangers, and relieves the fatherless and the widow.
Psalm 146:9 The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow;

God has a special place in His heart for those who are the most vulnerable. Three categories of people are listed in this one verse. Strangers, orphans, and widows. God is said to "watch" over them. Or to protect them, and to care for them.
In fact, God tells us in James that ministry to these kind of people is "pure religion" It's something very dear to His heart. And, may it be to us as well.

5. God is the one who turns the way of the wicked upside down. ( or frustrates the plans of the wicked )
Psalm 146:9 ...But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.

Now, this is much different than what we have just read. But, it's nonetheless true. While God works in the lives of His people, there is something He also does in the lives of the wicked. He turns their way upside down. Or he frustrates their plans.
Wicked people are in the most unfortunate position possible. Wicked means, ungodly, criminal, hostile to God, guilty of sin against God and man.

But, please, let's remember God's desire for them. He does not want them to perish, but to come to repentance. May He use us to accomplish His desire towards them.

Questions:

1. Can you remember when God first opened your eyes to Himself?

2. What was the first thing you realized about God, and about yourself?

3. What did God do in your life when you bowed before Him, how did He lift you up?

4. Have you experienced God's special care for you in your times of need?

5. Will you ask Him if you can be of some use to Him, in ministering to those who are the most vulnerable?

A prayer:

Father, day by day, You provide us with spiritual nourishment from Your Word. And, what a nourishment it is. There is nothing in all the world like Your eternal life giving Word. Thank You for how You use it in our lives. And, it's our prayer that we might be found at Your disposal, and be of use to You in these last days. May we be effective ministers of the grace, love, and mercy of God. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL TO CHANGE LIVES"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL TO CHANGE LIVES"

Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;

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

Paul had gone from Athens to Corinth, going in will of God to do the work of God. And, as he went he took every opportunity that God gave him to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, ( the very gospel that had changed his life ) He wanted the same for others, and was commissioned by God to preach it and to teach it, and to make disciples. And, here we have a little picture of some of Paul's ministry with people we will one day meet in heaven.

1. Anyone can believe and be saved.
Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

In this case, the "anyone" getting saved, happened to be a ruler of the synagogue. He heard the gospel shared by Paul, repented of his sins, put his faith in Jesus Christ and was saved. Praise the Lord.

2. Often one person being saved, leads to others being saved also.
Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

We notice the ripple effect of the salvation of Crispus, and how God than moved among his household. This would no doubt have included his wife, and his children, and the servants that were in his house. And, we also see that "many of the Corinthians" believed.

This is not uncommon. God will touch one life, and than, that life if used to touch others, and so on, and so on.

3. Being saved takes place when a person believes the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

Thank God for the simplicity of the Gospel, and the Power of the Gospel. The sequence in this verse is as follows. There was preaching or sharing of the gospel, there was hearing of the gospel, and there was believing of the gospel, and the result was that those who believed were saved, and then, those who were saved were baptized in obedience to the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. Simple as that.

Thus, how important is it for us to remember that the Gospel is the power of God to salvation, Rom 1:16

4. A family being saved, can be than used by God to reach others outside of that family.
Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

I've seen this happen so many times over the years. This is the greatest ripple effect I know of. You yourself may have been affected by one of those ripples, or maybe, God is using you to start a ripple. Either way, may the Lord do a great work through all of us to save the lost.

5. The New Testament consistency records that once people were saved, they became baptized.
Acts 18:8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

This was the Biblical pattern. Saved, and than baptized. Today, it would bring great honor to the Lord for us to renew and consistently adhere to what Jesus has laid out for those who put their faith in Him.

6. Even men we consider great can become afraid, and need encouragement from God.
Acts 18:9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;

Even after being used by God, Paul apparently became afraid, and needed much encouragement from the Lord to keep on keeping on. Not uncommon. The devil was probably pounding away at Paul, he usually pounds on those who are doing the work of God.

Some questions:

1. Who is in your life that needs salvation?

2. Would you ask God to use you to influence them towards Jesus Christ for salvation?

3. They may be leaders, or they may be family members, or just fellow citizens of the community you live in. Do they need Christ?.

4. Is it on your heart to share with them?

5. Are you by any chance afraid right now about sharing with them?. May God encourage you just like He did Paul,

6. Have you been baptized since you were saved? If not, will you please honor Jesus by obeying Him in this matter?

A prayer:

Father, these little stories are more than just little stories. They are records of the work of Almighty God in the lives of people who needed grace, mercy, love and the salvation that can only be found in Jesus Christ. We will meet all these folks mentioned in this devotional someday, when we arrive in glory. In the meantime, may we be used to bring many others to Christ. And, may the Lord add to His kingdom as many as are being saved. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD TOWARD US"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD TOWARD US"

Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle--

Psalm 144:2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.

Psalm 144:3 LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?

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

This is of course, another Psalm written by the man after God's heart. In it, he tells us many, many things about the Lord, and what He meant to David. These are descriptive truths about how great our God is, and how much He really cares for His children.

1. God is to be blessed.
Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle--

Blessed, or bless, means to speak well of. And, that is what David was doing here. There are two specific things that he is blessing the Lord for.

First of all, he says that God is his rock.
Secondly, he says that God trains his hands for war.
Thirdly, he says that God gave him skill for battle.

David was a king, and a warrior. We are not kings, but we are involved in spiritual warfare, and the same God who trained David, trains us. All of the things that David was declaring about God in his life, are true in our lives as well.

God is our rock, we are standing on Him, He is the truth, the chief cornerstone of the household of God. And, in the spiritual battle we are in, the Lord teaches us how to fight. And, He gives us skill, or wisdom to fight the battles. Isn't that wonderful.
We like David have so much to thank God for.

2. God does many, many things for His people. and is many things for His people
Psalm 144:2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.

There is quite a list here. Let's look at them one by one.

My lovingkindness.
My fortress.
My hightower
My deliverer
My shield
And, the one in whom I take refuge.
Who subdues my people under me.

May I encourage you to just go back and take another long slow look at these truths about God. And thank Him, that He is these things for you also. And, perhaps there is something in this list that is really needed by you today. God will be that for You today. Like David, we can bless the Lord. Here's how it reads in the NLT "He is my loving ally and my fortress, my tower of safety, my deliverer. He stands before me as a shield, and I take refuge in him. He subdues the nations under me."

3. God is so in love with you, He cannot stop thinking about you.
Psalm 144:3 LORD, what is man, that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?

David asks God a question here. He says, LORd, what is man, that You take knowledge of Him? Or the son of man that You are mindful of him? So, it's actually two questions, but, they are very similar. What is man to You Lord, that You are so involved with Him?

Well, the answer of course would simply be that God loves man. That's the main message of the Bible, that God loves man.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. NLT

Here's another verse about his love for you.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Here are two more that tell us how much God thinks about us.

Psalm 139: 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
Psalm 139: 18 f I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Some questions:

1. Have you thought about how much God really cares for you lately. ?

2. If you were to try and write out these few verses in your own words, how would you write them?

3. Isn't it something that God actually loves us and thinks of us so much?

4. Would you let these truths of God just sink in a little bit today?

5. And, would you pray to share His love with someone today. Maybe your spouse, child, friend, or co-worker?

A prayer:

Father, Your Word is such a blessing to us. In it, You reveal Yourself to us, and it is so good for our souls. You are good for our souls. In fact, there is nothing, or no one better for our souls than You. Thank You for Your love and concern for us. Thank You that we have access to You by one Spirit. We can come directly to You, and You want to build us up in the faith. We love You Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WILL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WILL"

Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Psalm 143:11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, save me. In your righteousness, bring me out of this distress.

Psalm 143:12 In your unfailing love, cut off all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

The above Scriptures are from the NLT Version.

A few explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This is another wonderful Psalm, most likely written by King David. In it, he is asking God to teach him to do the will of God.
Let's look at what he has to say to God about this.

1. We can be taught the will of God.
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Here we see David asking the Lord to teach him to do the will of God. This is somewhat different than asking to know the will of God, rather, David is asking to be taught "to do the will of God" It's similar to asking God "to teach us to pray" Or teach us to do it Lord, teach us to be people who pray. But, here, it's teach me "to do your will" And, the basis of David's confidence, is that God is his God.

God can teach us to do His will. How encouraging.

2. God Himself is the one who teaches us about His will, and to do His will.
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

I'm certain this is a very important subject to God, and something He is extremely interested in, that any one of His children, would ask Him, "teach me to do Your will" It must delight His heart to no end, don't you think. Just as David knew that God was His God, so, you as a born again Christian can have that same confidence, God is your God also. You have a relationship with Him, You are His child. And, He is more than eager to teach You to do His will.

3. The Holy Spirit is the one who leads us forward in the will of God.
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.

Here, we are given a little insight into how God actually does teach us to do His will. It's through the work and the person of the Holy Spirit. He is our resident teacher, living right inside of us. And, the Holy Spirit is indeed gracious, and He will lead us forward in knowing God's will and in teaching us to do God's will. Please notice the last part of the verse. "on a firm footing"
That firm footing is none other than the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ.

4. God's glory is really the most important thing when it comes to anything, including the "will of God"
Psalm 143:11 For the glory of your name, O LORD, save me. In your righteousness, bring me out of this distress.

David's prayer was very clearly connected with more than what we would call simply the do's and or the do not's of God's will.
But rather, David was primarily concerned with it's relationship to the glory of God. It was for God's Glory. That God would be honored. This is what Jesus meant when He was teaching on prayer. "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Your name"

May it be so in our lives also, that God and His glory are target one for all of us, for all time.

5. God has "unfailing love" for us.
Psalm 143:12 In your unfailing love, cut off all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant.

We often talk about the "unconditional" love of God, but here David speaks of the "unfailing love" of God. So, His love is both unconditional towards us, and it's also unfailing. God is faithful. His love does not fail. And, David relates God's unfailing love to the way that God would act and intervene towards David's enemies. That they would be cut off, and destroyed. Because David, was God's servant. We must remember that David as God's servant was also the king of a nation, and a nation that was constantly being threatened by the enemies of God.

We can pray in a somewhat different manner. We can pray for God's grace towards our enemies. And, we do seek to pray that way. That God would deliver them from their sad state of mind and heart, and come to real genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

Some questions:

1. Are you interested in being taught to "do the will of God?"

2. Are you confident that God wants to teach you, and that He can teach you?"

3. Can you think of anything more important than to be taught along this line?

4. The phrase "the will of God" means, that which is pleasing to God.

5. So, in praying to be taught to do the will of God, it's actually a prayer, that means, teach me to do what is pleasing to You.

A prayer:

Father, it's such a blessing to get up day by day, and know that You are right here with us. And, that we can get freshly connected with You by simply reaching out in faith to You. We are interested in You, but our interest pales in comparison to Your interest in us. We are indeed the apple of Your eye. You have "unfailing love" Thank You for that . Your love never fails.
How we need to know that, and rest in that. In Jesus name. Amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE OVERWHELMED"

Psalm 142:1  A Prayer when he was in the cave.>> I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.

Psalm 142:2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.

Psalm 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me.

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

These verses are taken from a Psalm written by David, when he was in grave danger, and was hiding in a cave from his enemies. There is much to learn when we feel we are in similar circumstances.

1. You can pray when you are in trouble.
Psalm 142:1  A Prayer when he was in the cave.>> I cry out to the LORD with my voice; With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.

A cave seems like a strange place to pray. Except, it was not for David. He was hiding, and therefore he had no other choice. In fact, we can pray in caves, out in the open, behind closed doors, in church, in our cars, in the shower, in bed, etc, etc. But, in this case it was an extreme situation. David not only prayed, but he "cried out to the Lord with his voice. He didn't just think, but he spoke, and He made known His supplication to the Lord.

And, that's exactly what we can do also. Just talk to the Lord and tell Him all that is on your mind.

2. You can pour out your complaint to the Lord, and let Him know of all your troubles.
Psalm 142:2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare before Him my trouble.

This is an interesting picture, "pour out my complaint" We think of a pitcher that we take and tilt and in doing so, we are emptying the contents right out of the pitcher. David was emptying His hearts trouble to God. His complaints were not just going out into the air, or on the ground, but, they were going before God, or into the ears and heart of His God.

Another thing David says, is that He "declared before Him my troubles" This means, that David was very being specific about what was going on in His life. He was telling God in great detail all of his troubles, enumerating them one by one. And, God was listening.

3. When you are overwhelmed, remember, God knows, and God will help you.
Psalm 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Then You knew my path. In the way in which I walk They have secretly set a snare for me.

Here's how it reads in the NLT For I am overwhelmed, and you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.

David was truly overwhelmed. He could not take it anymore. But, he knew that God knew all about it, and he knew that God would show him what to do. David needed God's direction, because his enemies were all around him. they are setting traps for David. But, God was calling upon God.

Some questions:

1. Are you by any chance in a similar situation today, as David was in this Psalm?

2. David sets a good example for you to follow.

3. Is there anything you need to cry out to God about today?

4. Can you remember a time when You did cry out, and God helped you?

A prayer:

Father, thank You for these beautiful Psalms. They always have something to say to our hearts and lives.
We love You so much Lord.
Help us to follow this great example of David. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE REFUGE WE HAVE IN THE LORD"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT THE REFUGE WE HAVE IN THE LORD"

Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

David like any other person, and any other servant of God had his share of troubles, fears, anxieties and concerns. Perhaps he had more than most, in light of his position as king. Regardless, he also had access to what every child of God has, and that is access to the Living God. And, in this one single verse David helps us greatly by expressing his faith in God.

1. We can put our eyes on the Lord.
141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

We tend to think of the men of the Bible as "super saints" as it were. But, in fact, they were just people like we are. They faced life and it's problems just like we do. But, one thing for sure, we can do what David did. We can put our eyes on the Lord, or put our faith in God like David did. In fact, this is exactly what God calls us to do, and wants us to do.

Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah

2. GOD is the Lord.
Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

The word Lord, is translated, Adonay, meaning master. It's one of God's names, and titles. Sometimes the Jews instead of saying Yahweh, another name for God, and out of reverence for God, ( not even wanting to verbalize His name, to show their respect ) would call Him Adonay, or Adoni. As mentioned it means Master. And, indeed He is the master. He is the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings. There is no one like Him, there is no one above Him.

So, the God we call upon, is the greatest, the highest, the most powerful, and the all knowing, all present and unchangeable, just, loving, wise, gracious, merciful and kind being that there is. We can call upon the Lord like David did.

3. We can take refuge in Him.
Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

This gets us down to the practical blessings we have in calling upon God. He is something to us, and for us. And, there is something that we can find and benefit from as we call upon Him. We can take refuge in God. That is what David did. "In You I take refuge"

The word refuge, means, to flee for protection, to confide in, to have hope in, to put our trust in. Isn't that wonderful, that in our times of need, we have God to trust in. We do not have to trust in ourselves, but rather we can trust in Him. And, He is more willing than we know to be that refuge for us. His love for us is so much greater than we know. He loves it when His children look to Him for help. He is more than willing to be what we need when we need it.

4. We also can pray, and be assured that God will answer and help.
Psalm 141:8 But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

Along with trusting in God as his refuge, David also had a very specific prayer request for God. "Do not leave my soul destitute" The NLT says, "Don't let them kill me" So, the situation was very desperate. And, David was turning to God and asking for help, and so can we. This is exactly what Paul teaches us to do in the NT

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

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Psalm 9:9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble.

Some questions:

1. Are you like David today, putting your eyes on the Lord?

2. Do you know that You also have faith from God, and You can put your faith in Him?

3. Are you mindful of His great love and acceptance of You in Christ today?

4. Can you remember the last crisis you were in, when you trusted God and he helped you?

5. Are you in need of His help today?

6. Will you look to Him in this hour, be confident, you will find His help.

A prayer:

Father, the Psalms are such an never ending source of help and comfort for us. Thank You for them. When we read them, so often, we think, "this is just what I needed to hear today" How You love us, and how You want to be our help in trouble. And, how available You are to us. Thank You Father for Your unchanging love and acceptance of us. In Jesus name, amen.