"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT NOT TO TRUST IN, AND WHO TO TRUST IN"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT WHAT NOT TO TRUST IN, AND WHO TO TRUST IN"

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Some explanatory thoughts, applications, questions, and a prayer:

This particular Psalm, as with the vast majority of the Psalms, was written by King David. And the simple theme of this Psalm is the assurance of God's Saving Work. As you read through the entire Psalm, you can see David singing of, and pointing his readers to the Lord, and encouraging them to put their trust in Him. He especially encourages trust in God during the days and times of trouble. And he states over and over again how God will help those who trust in God.

1. There are some things we should avoid trusting in.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;

David is not saying that we should not use the normal and appropriate means in life to protect ourselves, or to defend ourselves. But what David is saying is that these things that we may need to use in life, are not really what we should trust in to save us. We can use these things, but we do not need to trust in them is the point.

"Preparation for battle is necessary, but trust in God is priority one" David Jeremiah.

2. But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

David now clearly points to what we ought to remember, it's the name of the LORD our God.
Whenever the phrase "the name of the LORD" is used, it's a reference to the character, reputation, and the nature of God.

To remember the LORD means to call to mind, to think, to recall, or you could say to meditate on. When we call to mind who the LORD is, and we meditate on Him, we find Him giving us strength.

For example, David may have been remembering what happened when he fought Goliath. He did not use the weapons and armor provided for him, but rather he picked up 5 stones and used a sling, but he fought Goliath in the strength of God.
He slung that one stone at this over 9 foot tall giant and brought him down, and then went and cut his head off with the giants own sword. David did not win that fight on his own, but rather he won it by God's power and strength.

Some questions:

1. What is the first thing you normally default to when a real challenge comes your way?

2. Can you remember the last time you really called out to God when you were in trouble?

3. Can you compare the times of trusting in something other than God and the times of trusting in God?

4. Do you know that if you will think about the Lord, i.e meditate on Him, you will find strength coming into your soul?

5. Will you pause right now and ask God to help you deepen your trust in Him, and make God the one you turn to first?

A prayer:

Father thank You for Your Word. Thank You especially for the Psalms. They always seem to resonate with our lives and circumstances. They are so encouraging and instructive to us. They are filled with one testimony after another of both human weakness, and God's great strength and power in the lives of those who put their trust in You. May we be those people Lord.
May we learn to think about You more often, to really ponder You day by day. We thank You in advance for the grace, and the power, strength, and victory You will bring into our lives. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A FACT, AND A PROMISE GOD HAS FOR YOU"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT A FACT, AND A PROMISE GOD HAS FOR YOU"

2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

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

This wonderful fact, and promise about what God will do was actually given to King Asa, after he had foolishly trusted in a pagan king to help him deal with a threat against Judah. Asa had previously trusted the Lord against adversaries, but for some reason when this new threat came, rather than trusting in and turning to God for help, he turned to a Syrian King, a pagan. So, this verse was given to re-explain if you will to King Asa what God will do for His people. The verse is a promise given in the context of a reproof and rebuke to King Asa.

1. God has eyes and is searching the whole earth.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth....

The Lord is looking each and every day, all through the earth as it were. He is actively doing this.
He is doing this for a reason, which is stated in the next point.
But, for now, it's a blessing to know that this very day, our God is looking throughout the whole earth, and He is looking for a certain kind of heart. And He is looking in order to do something for that person's heart.

2. God is searching the earth in order to strengthen hearts.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong.....

So, here we have the explanation as to why God is looking and searching through the earth day by day. It's so that He can show Himself strong. He wants to strengthen the person who has a heart that is a certain way.
That heart is described in the next point.

3. God will strengthen the heart that is loyal or fully committed to Him.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.

The heart God wants to strengthen, is the heart that is loyal to Him, or the heart that is fully committed to Him.
That is, as compared to what King Asa did. Asa could have received strength from God as he had in the past, but in this instance his heart was not loyal to God but he was trusting in a man a king, an earthly pagan king at that.

4. May God help us to not follow King Asa's example of trusting in man rather than in God.
2nd Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

When Asa trusted God, God strengthened him. When we trust God, He will strengthen us also. That's called having faith in God. But if we choose to neglect trusting God then He is unable to help us. Listen to these wise words from Proverbs

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

So on the one hand we can trust the Lord and receive His blessing, strength, and guidance etc. Or on the other we can be like King Asa, and trust in man and reap the consequences. In his case it was war after war after war.
God wants us to trust Him and let Him direct our paths and make the way plain for us.

Some Questions:

1. Isn't this a wonderful promise from God.?

2. And isn't it also a good warning to be careful as to who and what we are trusting in .?

3. Imagine that at this very moment our God is looking all through the earth and He is looking for hearts that are looking to Him as it were. He promises to give us strength.

4. Are you looking to God today. Will You look to God today and will you thank Him in advance for the strength He will give you?.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for giving us these true accounts of men and women in the Bible who we can relate to. You do not hide their faults and we can learn from them. Please help us to take these examples, whether they good one's or bad one's. We want to follow the good examples, and avoid the bad ones. .

Help us Lord to learn how to walk with You, and thank You that today You are looking for loyal or committed hearts to You in order to give them strength. Give us strength Lord, give us strength, we need it. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORKING IN ALL THINGS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORKING IN ALL THINGS"

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

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

This verse has probably brought more comfort to Christians down through the ages than just about any other.
It certainly has been that way for me, and most people I've known. Paul is describing and explaining the Christian life in this portion of Romans, and He is specifically talking about the way the Lord works in our lives. He explains in great detail how God is at work in every last thing that happens to us.

Here's how it reads in the NLT Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

1. Here's a fact/truth that we know.
Romans 8:28 And we know etc.

You will notice what Paul says in the first part of this verse. He talks about what he and other Christians, know.
Paul knew this to be true, because it was God's Word.
And, Paul believed it to be true because it was God's Word.
Faith brings the truth of God's Word into our lives and brings with it, the blessings He intends.
And, this fact is a blessing indeed .
This is a fact that you can know and believe and be blessed by.

2. Here is the fact/truth that we know.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good ....etc.

The fact/truth is that God is causing all things that are in our lives to work together for good in our lives.
That is a blessing indeed.
Think for a moment as to the meaning of this truth.
Everything that happens to you, the good, the difficult, the painful, the evil, the bad, the sin, literally everything, is by God's working, made to work together for good in your life.
This is an incredible blessing indeed.

3. Here's who this fact/truth is for.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

This fact/truth is not a blanket promise or truth for all people.
But rather it's for a specific group of people.
That group of people are identified in the verse.
They are the one's who love God and the ones who are called according to His purpose.
In other words, this fact/truth, is for every Christian.
So, if you are a believer, than this wonderful truth is for you.

4. Here's a fact/truth about God's intentions and plans.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

You will notice at the end of the verse, that it speaks of God's purpose.
It's interesting to pause and think for a moment about the fact that God has a purpose for you.
We often think about our purpose, but God has a purpose as well.
What is the purpose of God?
What would you say it is?
How would you describe it?

In short, His purpose is to save you from your sins, from eternal separation from Himself, to be Your God in this life, to be so involved in your life, that He is working all things together for good in your life. And, to cause you to grow up into the man Christ Jesus. To use you as you use your spiritual gifts to serve others, and thus serve the Lord. To bless you, to keep you, to protect you, to help you, to forgive you, to guide you, to provide for you, to show You His love, to give you joy, peace and all that goes along with the fruit of His Spirit. And, when it's all said and done, to take you to heaven to be with Him forever.
That's His purpose. And the truth is, that more could be said, but we just don't have the time here today to list them all.

Some questions:

1. Are you familiar with this verse?

2. Have you ever really thought deeply about it.?

3. Would you take a moment to re-read it, and ponder what it says?.

4. Would you try to memorize this verse, it's an easy one to commit to memory?.

5. How would you describe it's effect upon you today, reading this devotional and thinking about this verse?

A prayer:

Father, Your Word is like nothing else in the entire world. You have provided us with all we need to live for You. You give us daily bread as it were. We run across verses in the Bible like this one, that strike us deeply, and are like a well of fresh water that never runs dry. Father this truth has comforted so many of Your children. And, for those of us who are familiar with it, we would like to say thank You for the many, many times You have brought it to our minds just at the right time. This truth is like a pillow for our soul. We can rest on it, and find endless comfort. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING NOW, AND THE GLORY TO COME"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SUFFERING NOW, AND THE GLORY TO COME"

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

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

In Romans 8, Paul is explaining how we live the Christian life. And, this particular view gives us heavens perspective on the present and the future. On suffering now, and the glory to come. I might add, this is one of my most favorite verses in the whole Bible. I trust you will be encouraged by this verse, and the devotional thoughts shared below.

1. Contrast is a normal part of life.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

We live now. But, there is a past, and there is also a future. Paul is addressing the now of life, and also looking at the future of our lives. What a huge contrast there is between the now and the future. Look again at what Paul says.

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2. In this life we experience sufferings.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Paul speaks of the sufferings of this present time. He is speaking not just about his own sufferings, or the sufferings of the Christians in Rome, but the sufferings of life in general. But, He is specifically speaking of the sufferings of any and all Christians, including you who know Christ today.

Jesus talked about sufferings and tribulations.
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.”

Paul spoke of them also.
Acts 14:22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.

And, so did Peter.
1st Peter 4:12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

3. The sufferings we experience now have a certain "unworthiness" to them.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Isn't' this interesting? Sufferings can be so painful, and so overwhelming, but Paul says they are not "worthy".
Paul was looking at the reality of his own sufferings, but he was also looking ahead to the future he would have in heaven..
That's why he called them "Not worthy"

As difficult as sufferings are, they pale in comparison to what is coming to the child of God once he or she arrives in heaven,

4. The future holds glory for all who have come to know God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Here's how Paul pulls it all together. He considered or understood that the sufferings we go through now are nothing compared to the glory that God is going to give us later, once we get to heaven.

We will not even be tempted to compare the two by saying things like, "Wow, all that suffering was sure worth it" No, we will not compare what we go through now, with what God is going to give us once we get to heaven. What a glorious future awaits every believer.

Some questions:

1. Are you going through a time of suffering right now?

2. Will you ask God to help you keep the big and future reality of heaven in mind?

3. Things may be difficult now, but there is coming a day when they won't be,

4. Will you ask the Lord to help you be more mindful of the truths contained in this verse in Rom 8?.

5. Isn't it wonderful to know that one day we will be in heaven with God?

6. Who do you know that is already there?

7. One day, you and I will join them.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus Christ. We have faith, hope and love. We can rejoice in the hope of Glory.
Lord Jesus, thank You also for what You endured on the cross, so that we do not have to endure eternal punishment for our sins. You bore all of our sins, and you paid for each and every one of them. Thank You.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO FORGIVE, TO HEAL AND TO RESTORE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S PROMISE TO FORGIVE, TO HEAL AND TO RESTORE"

2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

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

This verse comes towards the end of a lengthy prayer by Solomon, and by a lengthy response from God.
It's a well known verse, used often in times when people need forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
Perhaps the most simple and wonderful thing about this verse, is that's "it's true" This is what God will do for His people who will follow His instruction. It applied to Israel, and it applies to us today.

1. God has his people who are called by His name.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name

The people here were of course the people of Israel. But, we are ( who have come to God through faith in Jesus Christ are also His people ) So, what is in this verse, by way of promise and instruction is for us today. These things are for the people of God.
So, if you are a Christian, this verse, and all that is in it, is for you. What a blessing.

2. God's people can humble themselves and pray and seek His face.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,

Now here, God tells us what will happen if we as His people follow His instruction. There are four things said here.

(1) Humble ourselves.

(2) Pray.

(3) Seek the face of God.

(4) Turn, or repent from our wicked ways.

These are the conditions that God has set for Him to bring His blessing into the lives of His people. Humility, prayer, and seeking His face, along with repentance from wickedness

3. God will hear from heaven, He will forgive sin, and He will heal our land.
2nd Chronicles 7:14 “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Here is what God promise He will do, if we will do what He calls us to do. As it's been said before, "When God's people become what God intends for them to become, than God can do for them what He wants to do"

But, we must approach God on His terms, not on ours. And, He has laid them out for us right here.

Some Questions:

1. Isn't this a wonderful promise?.

2. Are you one of God's people?.

3. Are you in need of God's healing and restoration?

4. Can you see what God calls you to do in this verse?.

5. If you need help and healing from God and this verse fits your situation, will you take God at His word and be not just a hearer, but a doer?.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for this wonderful prayer of Solomon's. And, thank You for Your wonderful and encouraging response and promise to his prayer. This particular verse is so full of instruction, and promise, it's truly a great blessing, Thank You again for it. Would You help us, and any who are in great need of healing, forgiveness and restoration to meditate on this verse and take You at Your Word. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S GOODNESS, AND HIS MERCY"

2nd Chronicles 5:13 For He is good, For His mercy endures forever,” that the house, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud,

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions and a prayer:

This verse, is part of a narrative of the moment when when the temple built by Solomon had been completed, and was about to be dedicated. Let's just break it down, and enjoy the truth and blessing found in it. 

1. God's people were united in their praise of God.
2nd Chronicles 5:13 indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying:

The people had worked hard and with joy to accomplish this wonderful task, and now at it's completion they were rejoicing together. They were God's people, and were united simply by their being Israelites, but, additionally, they were united in their worship of God. 

We today are also God's people, and while we are not building God's temple, we are actually the temple of God. Our bodies are His temple, and He dwells within each one of us. But, we are united by having been placed into Christ, and are united by virtue of sharing in His grace, His love, and His mercy. And, we can, and ought to express our unity when we gather together and sing the wonderful praises of our God, as so many have done down through the centuries. One day, we will join those in heaven, who are at this very moment praising God, along with the angelic beings, and what a day that will be. 

2. God's people declared, "For He is good"
2nd Chronicles 5:13b..... For He is good, 

Here is a declaration about the truth of who the Lord is. He is good. It's a simple phrase, but, it's profound in it's meaning and in it's truth. He has been good, He is good, and He will continue forever and ever to be good. 

What does it mean? It means, good, best, fair, fine, pleasant, agreeable, good and right in the ethical sense.
We only see God's darkly now through a glass as it were. But, one day, we will see Him face to face, and understand His goodness completely. But for now, which of us would not say He is good? He has been so good to the entire world, in providing a savior for all men, and any person who wants to can receive Christ, and receive the goodness of God into their lives. Here are two verses that I trust will be an encouragement to you about the goodness of the Lord.

Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living.

Psalm 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

3. God's people declared "For His mercy endures forever"
2nd Chronicles 5:13c For He is good, For His mercy endures forever

Not only is the Lord good, and that will never change, because He is unchanging in who He is. But, His mercy will endure, or continue forever. And forever, and ever, and ever. 

Right now, this very day, His mercy is a reality. His mercy has continued right up until this day. 

God's mercy, speaks of His compassion. That's essentially what mercy means, it's compassion.
It also means, His kindness, lovingkindness, goodness, favor, pity, and faithfulness. 

The people of God who were there dedicating the temple knew this about God, and that's why they were singing out about His mercy. You and I also know His mercy. And, we like they did, can sing it out from our hearts, honoring the Lord for His mercy. 

Psalm 103:17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,

Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

Some questions:

1. If asked, how would you describe the way God has been good to you?

2. Can you think of any other way's that God has been good to you?

3. How about His mercy, how has God been merciful to you?

4. Would You pray about how you might show and or tell others about God's goodness and His mercy?

A prayer:

Father, Thank You for who You are. Before were saved, we did not know these wonderful truths about You. in fact, we probably lived with a very distorted view of who You were. But, now that You have saved us, we are learning a little day by day about You. And, what a joy it is to grow in the grace and the knowledge of God. Thank You for Your goodness, and for Your mercy Lord. May we walk in those things, and may our lives be a living demonstration of who You are. May people see You in and through us. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia