Author: Chad Bandy

“Praise awaits You, our God, in Zion; to You our vows will be fulfilled. You who answer prayer, to You all people will come.” (Psalm 65:1–2)

Psalm 65 begins with worship and ends with abundance. David reminds us that God is not only the one who forgives our sins but also the one who sustains the earth and fills our lives with good things. Every harvest, every raindrop, every answered prayer is evidence of His care.

When life feels chaotic, we can remember that God stills the roaring seas (v.7). The same power that governs the oceans governs our circumstances. And when we worry about provision, we can rest in the God who crowns the year with bounty and fills the valleys with grain (vv.11–13).

This psalm calls us to pause and recognize God’s hand in both the extraordinary and the ordinary. He is not just the God of the temple in Zion but also the God of the fields, the seasons, and the daily bread on our tables. Gratitude transforms our perspective and deepens our trust.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers and forgiving my sins. Help me to see Your hand in the everyday blessings around me and to trust You in the moments that feel uncertain. Just as You water the earth and bring it to life, water my soul with Your presence so that I may bear fruit for Your glory. Amen.

Ephesians 4 

Scripture: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)

Paul’s words in Ephesians 4 remind us that the Christian life is not just about believing, but about living worthy of the calling we have received. Our unity in Christ is grounded in humility, patience, and love. These aren’t easy qualities; they go against our natural instincts to push forward, defend ourselves, or hold grudges. Yet, they reflect the very heart of Christ.

The chapter also reminds us that God has given each believer unique gifts—not for personal recognition, but for building up the body of Christ. When we serve each other with our gifts, the Church grows stronger, more mature, and more rooted in truth.

Paul calls us to put off the “old self” and put on the “new self.” This daily renewal is about aligning our hearts and actions with God’s holiness. Our speech, our work, and even our attitudes are opportunities to reflect Christ. Instead of bitterness or anger, we are called to forgiveness and compassion, just as God forgave us in Christ.

Reflection Questions:

• Where in my life do I need to practice humility, patience, or forgiveness today?
• How am I using my gifts to serve and build up others in Christ?
• Am I living more like the “old self,” or am I allowing God to continually renew me into His likeness?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live in a way worthy of Your calling. Teach me humility, patience, and love. Show me how to use the gifts You’ve given me to build others up, and help me to put on the new self daily, reflecting Your holiness in all I do. Amen.

Psalm 50 offers a clear warning against relying on outward religious actions or self-righteousness instead of genuine relationship with God. God speaks through the psalmist to confront His people—not for lack of sacrifice, but because their worship had become empty ritual. He reminds them that He doesn’t need their offerings; what He desires is a heart of gratitude and obedience.

This message speaks directly to Christians today who may rely on good works or a moral checklist to feel spiritually secure. While good deeds matter, Psalm 50 reminds us that they are meaningless if disconnected from authentic faith. God values thankfulness, humility, and a surrendered heart over religious performance.

The psalm also rebukes those who claim to follow God while being judgmental and hypocritical. God condemns those who speak His Word but live in contradiction—committing sin while condemning others. This reflects a modern temptation: Christians who speak truth but do not live it with grace and integrity, thus damaging their witness.

In verse 23, God clarifies what honors Him: “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.” True worship is not about perfection or performance—it’s about a posture of thankfulness and trust.

Psalm 50 reminds believers that God sees beyond outward actions. He looks at the heart. Good works and moral behavior must flow from love for God, not pride or obligation. And when it comes to others, we are called to witness with humility, not condemnation. Our lives should reflect the grace we’ve received—not just in word, but in deed and attitude.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

(Based on 2 Corinthians 7:9–10)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we are not called to comfort without conviction, nor to grace without growth. In 2 Corinthians 7:9–10, Paul reminds us that godly sorrow is a gift—a divine catalyst that leads us to repentance and life. It is not shame for shame’s sake, but a holy stirring of the heart that moves us away from sin and toward the arms of our Savior.

Too often, we settle for worldly sorrow—the kind that mourns consequences but not the sin itself. This sorrow leaves us stuck in guilt, bitterness, and regret. But godly sorrow? It leads to transformation. It awakens us to the reality of our need for grace and produces in us a changed life, marked by holiness, humility, and obedience.

Now is the time to examine your heart. What needs to be surrendered? What relationships need to be restored? What habits or hidden compromises are holding you back from the fullness of life in Christ? Don’t resist conviction—welcome it as a sign of God’s deep love for you. His correction is never to crush, but to restore.

Let today be a turning point. Don’t delay repentance. Let godly sorrow run its course—let it purify your intentions, renew your spirit, and ignite your passion for righteousness. From it flows freedom, joy, and peace that the world cannot offer.

Walk boldly in the grace that repentance brings. Be an example of what it looks like to be shaped by truth and love. Let your life shout the testimony of a heart that was broken, healed, and made new by Jesus.

Godly sorrow leads to salvation and leaves no regret. So rise, repent, and rejoice—your Savior is waiting.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

Psalm 38 paints a raw and honest picture of King David—a man burdened by the weight of his own mistakes. Far from the image of a mighty king, David here is crushed by guilt, physically and emotionally broken, and abandoned by those around him. His pain feels familiar to anyone who has lived through the consequences of poor choices—whether a broken relationship, addiction, betrayal, or moral failure. Like a modern individual facing the fallout of a public or personal mistake, David doesn’t hide from his guilt; he lays it bare before God.

David says, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear” (v. 4), echoing the cry of a heart that knows it’s gone off course. He suffers not just spiritually but physically and emotionally. His health declines, friends keep their distance, and enemies seek to take advantage. Today, someone might relate to this in the form of depression, chronic stress, or isolation caused by shame or damaged reputation.

Yet David doesn’t stay in despair. One of the most powerful takeaways from Psalm 38 is that he brings his brokenness to God. “Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God” (v. 15). He knows that despite his failures, mercy is still possible.

In a world quick to judge and slow to forgive, Psalm 38 reminds us that true healing starts with honest confession and hope in God’s unfailing grace. Like David, we are not defined by our lowest moments. Instead, we are invited to bring our pain, guilt, and regret to the One who sees us fully—and still chooses to redeem. David’s story, like ours, is ultimately not about failure, but about God’s faithfulness through it.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT.

Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 11

How awesome that by the publishing of this post, we will celebrate the marriage this weekend of our daughter. We are very blessed and happy that our daughter is marrying a Godly-man and their faith in Jesus Christ is a central part of their relationship. Praise God!

Marriage, as designed by God, is a sacred covenant that reflects His character, order, and love. From the beginning, Scripture teaches that marriage is not merely a social contract, but a divine institution created by God to unite a man and woman in a lifelong, faithful partnership (Genesis 2:24). At its core, marriage reflects the covenant relationship between Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:25-32), built on love, sacrifice, mutual respect, and spiritual unity.

God’s design for marriage begins with headship and partnership. In 1 Corinthians 11:3, Paul outlines a spiritual order: “the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” This structure reflects not superiority, but divine alignment. Just as Jesus submits to the Father in love and unity, so are husbands called to lovingly lead their wives, and wives to respond with respect and support. This mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21) fosters unity, trust, and flourishing.

Marriage is also a sanctifying relationship, where both spouses are shaped more into the image of Christ. Through selfless service, forgiveness, and shared spiritual pursuit, a husband and wife grow in faith together. God calls couples to love each other deeply, bear with one another’s weaknesses, and remain faithful through all seasons.

At its heart, God’s spiritual design for marriage is about reflecting His love to the world. A Christ-centered marriage puts God first, values prayer and Scripture, and commits to building a home grounded in grace and truth. It is a daily choice to love as Christ loves—sacrificially, joyfully, and unconditionally.

When couples honor this design, their marriage becomes more than companionship—it becomes a testimony of God’s glory, faithfulness, and redeeming love.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

The cross of Christ stands as the ultimate paradox: a symbol of shame and suffering that reveals the wisdom and power of God. At its center lies a truth that defies human logic—salvation through sacrifice, victory through death, glory through humility. The world esteems power, status, and intellect, yet God chose what is “foolish” in the eyes of the world to shame the wise and the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27). In doing so, He exposes the emptiness of human pride and redirects our hope to what truly matters: Christ crucified.

Worldly thinking prioritizes self—self-reliance, self-glory, and self-promotion. It seeks answers in human achievement and reason, measuring worth by influence, wealth, or success. But the message of the cross calls us to a different standard. It confronts us with our sin, humbles our ambitions, and demands surrender. At the cross, we see that our deepest need cannot be met by human effort, but only by divine grace.

To live by the cross is to live counter-culturally. It means rejecting the temptation to find identity in anything other than Christ. It means embracing weakness so that God’s strength may be made perfect. It means resisting the lure of popular opinion when it conflicts with eternal truth.

In a world that exalts what temporary, the cross anchors us in the eternal. It reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His wisdom far surpasses our understanding. To stand firm in the gospel is to reject the fleeting wisdom of the age and cling to the cross—the only hope that does not fail.

Lastly, on this Memorial Day, thank you to all the soldiers and veterans that have selfishly given their lives for our freedom.  Your sacrifice, suffering, and even death for a cause, our country, required immeasurable courage and resolve.  Thank you for putting your beliefs and loyalty before your own well-being.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” – Romans 15:5 (NIV)

Romans 15 calls us to something deeper than personal growth—it calls us to collective strength. Paul reminds us that those who are strong in faith should support those who are weak, just as Christ bore our burdens. This is not merely about tolerance; it’s about active love, patience, and selflessness.

Christ is our ultimate example. He didn’t come to please Himself, but to serve and to save. As believers, we’re invited to mirror His humility and grace. When we live with His mindset, our communities become places of healing, hope, and unity.

Paul also emphasizes the power of Scripture—it sustains us with encouragement and gives us hope. Whether we’re tired, confused, or discouraged, God’s Word is a steady foundation.

Finally, the chapter expands our view to the global church. Christ came for both Jews and Gentiles, and His acceptance compels us to welcome others with open hearts. We’re not just individuals following Jesus—we are a people joined together for God’s glory.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live selflessly, just as Christ did. Teach me to support and uplift others in their journey. Fill me with endurance and encouragement, and give me a heart that seeks unity over division. May my life reflect Your grace and welcome others into Your love. Amen.

Live with Christlike patience, build up others, and embrace the unity God desires for His people.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

Romans 5 is a powerful chapter where Paul unpacks the results of being justified by faith and draws a deep contrast between Adam and Christ. Here’s a summary and breakdown of the key themes:

Summary of Romans 5:

Verses 1–11:
Paul begins by explaining the benefits of justification by faith. Because believers are justified (declared righteous) through faith in Jesus, they now have:

• Peace with God (v.1)
• Access to grace (v.2)
• Hope of the glory of God (v.2)
• Joy even in suffering, knowing it produces endurance, character, and hope (vv.3–4)
• God’s love poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (v.5)
• Certainty of salvation, because Christ died for us while we were still sinners (vv.6–8)
• Reconciliation with God through Jesus’ death and life (vv.9–11)

Verses 12–21:
Paul then moves into a comparison between Adam and Christ, often called the “two humanities” section:

• Through Adam’s sin, death entered the world and spread to all humanity (v.12)
• But through Christ’s obedience, grace and life are offered to all (v.15)
• Adam’s sin brought condemnation, but Christ’s righteousness brings justification (v.18)
• Where sin increased, grace increased even more (v.20)

Key Themes:

1. Justification by Faith:
   Believers are declared righteous not by works, but through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Peace and Reconciliation with God:
   Because of justification, believers enjoy a new relationship with God marked by peace, access to grace, and reconciliation.
3. Hope in Suffering:
   Suffering is not meaningless. It refines character and anchors hope in God’s love and promises.
4. God’s Love and Grace:
   The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love—Christ died for the ungodly at just the right time.
5. The Contrast Between Adam and Christ:
   • Adam represents humanity’s fall into sin and death.
   • Christ represents redemption and the gift of righteousness and life. Paul emphasizes that God’s grace far outweighs sin.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT

Imagine David standing at the end of a long, hard-fought journey—his armor battered, his soul weathered by years of trials. He had faced lions, giants, a jealous king, betrayal by friends, and even rebellion from his own son. Psalm 18 is David’s victory song, sung not just from the throne, but from a heart that remembers every cave, every battle, and every desperate prayer.

He opens with an intimate declaration: “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” David doesn’t just know about God—he knows Him personally. Throughout the psalm, he calls God his rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, and stronghold. These aren’t poetic titles—they’re survival stories.

David recalls how, in his darkest moments, he cried out, and God responded—not passively, but powerfully. The heavens shook, thunder roared, and God reached down to rescue him. It’s a dramatic picture of divine intervention—a God who doesn’t stand far off but moves heaven and earth for His people.

He praises God not only for deliverance but for strength in battle. God didn’t just save him; He equipped him, trained him, and lifted him up.

Psalm 18 closes with public worship—David magnifies God before the nations, giving Him full credit for every victory.

During our trials and tough times, we feel like God has “left us.”  We may feel like no good God would allow us to suffer like this. When the tough times come, and they will, how do we react?  Do we “run toward” our Father or do we question Him for not fixing or removing our troubles?

Our Application from Psalm 18:

• God is our strength when we have none.
• We can trust Him to hear and respond to our cries.
• Living with integrity invites God’s blessing and protection.
• Our testimonies should lead to praise and public declaration of God’s goodness.

Psalm 18 reminds us: God doesn’t just deliver us—He walks with us through every trial, and He turns our scars into songs.

Written with the assistance of ChatGPT