Author: Chad Bandy

Today’s Readings: Zechariah 9-11; 1 John 5

1 John chapter 5 contains amazing principles that can be applied to the challenges and dynamics of the world today.

1. Faith in a Secular World:

In a world that often prioritizes secular values, maintaining faith in Jesus Christ can be a counter-cultural and transformative stance. Christians can draw strength from their faith while engaging with the broader society.  We should not succumb to the pressures of this world.

2. Love in a Divided World:

The call to love one another is especially relevant in a world marked by divisions, conflicts, and diverse ideologies. Christians can model genuine love, compassion, and understanding, contributing to reconciliation and unity.  Love also means telling someone something they may not want to hear.

3. Overcoming Worldly Pressures:

Our world is filled with pressures related to success, materialism, and societal expectations. The concept of overcoming the world in 1 John 5 encourages believers to prioritize spiritual values over transient worldly pursuits.

4. Prayer in a Busy World:

In a fast-paced and busy world, the emphasis on prayer in 1 John 5 highlights the importance of maintaining a connection with God. Christians can find peace, guidance, and strength through consistent and intentional prayer.

5. Confidence in Uncertain Times:

The confidence in approaching God with assurance in 1 John 5 is particularly relevant in times of uncertainty. Believers can find reassurance and stability in their relationship with God even when facing challenges, crises, or unknown futures. Our world is a mess, but God is in control.

6. Eternal Perspective Amid Materialism:

In a world often driven by materialism and the pursuit of earthly success, maintaining an eternal perspective can shape priorities and attitudes. We can navigate the challenges of materialism by focusing on our spiritual values.

7. Community and Encouragement:

The encouragement to love and support fellow believers is essential in building strong Christian communities. In a world marked by focus on oneself and isolation, Christians can create supportive communities that reflect the love of Christ.  Find a great Bible-based church where you can connect!

The “noise” in our daily life can be deafening.   We may not be able to clearly see the right path to follow due to the overwhelming messages we received daily from the news, social media, family, co-workers, etc.

What we can count on is the steadfast love and truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The certainty we are looking for is eternal life in Heaven, not seeking happiness and fulfillment on earth.  I pray that the Word of the Lord gives you peace and comfort in a “noisy” world.

Today’s Readings: Ezekiel 46-48; John 16

Ezekiel 48 is the final chapter of the Book of Ezekiel in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). It describes the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in a vision that Ezekiel receives. The chapter outlines the boundaries and allocations of land for each tribe. The main message of Ezekiel 48 can be understood in several key points: 

1. 1. Equitable Distribution: The division of the land is carried out in a fair and just manner, ensuring that each tribe receives an appropriate portion according to their inheritance.
   2. God’s Promise Fulfilled: This vision of the land being allocated to the tribes reinforces the idea that God is faithful to His promises. The return of the Israelites to their land and the allocation of territory is a testament to God’s faithfulness.
   3. Unity and Restoration: This division of land represents a return to a state of unity and prosperity for the nation of Israel. It is a symbol of restoration after a period of exile and hardship.
   4. Divine Sovereignty: The fact that this division of land comes through a vision to the prophet Ezekiel underscores the idea that God is in control and orchestrating the destiny of His people.
   5. Spiritual Significance: Some interpreters also see a deeper, spiritual meaning in the allocation of land. It may symbolize the ultimate inheritance and blessing that God’s people will receive in the eschatological (end times) kingdom.

In John 16, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, and He covers several important topics:

1. 1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples after His departure. The Holy Spirit will guide, comfort, and empower them. This promise is significant because it marks the beginning of the era of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in believers.
   2. Suffering and Persecution: Jesus tells His disciples that they will face persecution and suffering for their faith. He encourages them to remain steadfast and assures them that the Holy Spirit will help them in times of trouble.
   3. Jesus’ Departure and Return: Jesus speaks about His impending departure from the world, referring to His crucifixion and ascension into heaven. He tells the disciples that they will grieve for a time, but their sorrow will turn into joy when they see Him again.
   4. Prayer in Jesus’ Name: Jesus emphasizes the importance of praying in His name. He assures the disciples that whatever they ask the Father in His name will be granted, further strengthening their faith and encouraging them to seek God in prayer.
   5. The Disciples’ Future Testimony: Jesus instructs His disciples about their future role as witnesses for Him. They will testify about Jesus to the world, sharing his teachings and the message of salvation.
   6. The Victory of Christ: Jesus declares that He has overcome the world, and He encourages His disciples to have faith in Him, despite the challenges they will face.

In summary, John 16 is a chapter in the Gospel of John where Jesus provides important teachings to His disciples, emphasizing the promise of the Holy Spirit, the inevitability of suffering, the power of prayer in His name, the disciples’ role as witnesses, and the ultimate victory of Christ over the world. It is a chapter that conveys important messages about faith, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the disciples’ mission in spreading the gospel.

Today’s Reading:  Ezekiel 16-18 and John 6

The sixth chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Bible contains several important messages. One of the central themes is the concept of Jesus as the “Bread of Life.”

This chapter recounts the story of Jesus miraculously feeding a large crowd, some scholars think over 15,000 which included men, women, and children, with five loaves of bread and two fish. Afterward, Jesus teaches that he is the true sustenance for spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of faith in him for eternal life.

Here are some key messages from John 6:

The Bread of Life: Jesus uses the feeding of the crowd as a metaphor to teach that he is the true nourishment for the soul. Just as physical bread sustains physical life, Jesus provides spiritual sustenance for eternal life.

Faith in Jesus: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of believing in him for eternal life. He says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35, NIV).

Eternal Life through Jesus: Jesus promises that those who believe in him will have eternal life. He says, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:40, NIV).

The Role of the Father: Jesus emphasizes that his mission and purpose are in alignment with the will of the Father. He states that he has been sent by the Father to accomplish specific tasks.

The Resurrection and the Last Day: Jesus speaks of the future resurrection of believers, assuring them that they will be raised up on the last day.

The Importance of Spiritual Understanding: Jesus challenges his followers to seek spiritual understanding beyond physical signs and miracles. He encourages them to focus on the deeper spiritual truths he is teaching.

Division and Rejection: The chapter also highlights how some of Jesus’ followers struggled with his teachings, leading to division and, for some, a decision to stop following him.

Overall, John 6 emphasizes the significance of faith in Jesus as the means to obtain eternal life and underscores the idea that Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and fulfillment in a way that nothing else can. This chapter also foreshadows Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, which would become the ultimate demonstration of his role as the Bread of Life.

This is a key chapter where Jesus started to see many of His followers doubt Him.  They could not reconcile Jesus’ reference to “the flesh as food” and “blood as drink.”  The extended crowds and disciples that chose to follow Him, due to the many miracles and acts Jesus had performed, left Jesus.  They heard Jesus’ message in the literal sense rather than as a parable.

Jesus very clearly started to see at that point, it was the beginning of strife and ultimately the divisiveness amongst the Jewish people that would ultimately cost Him his life.

Today’s Readings: Lamentations, Psalm 137, 1 Peter 4

Over the weekend, we observed the horrific acts of the terrorist organization Hamas, with their attack on Israel.  The “war” between the Muslims and the Jewish people is a battle since the beginning of time.  This is a religious war that knows no boundaries and likely will never be settled while man is still in control of earth.

Ironically, one of our readings for today describes the historical account of the fall of Jerusalem. The Jewish people have endured grave suffering throughout the history of time.  One our readings today, Lamentations, is an emotional scripture written by Jeremiah that described the “funeral of a city,” when Jerusalem was overtaken by the Babylonians.

Even in the deepest days of despair, Jeremiah exclaimed in Lamentations 3:21-26; 21 “Therefore I have hope. 22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, says my soul. Therefore I hope in Him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, To the soul who seeks Him. 26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

As we look to live peaceful, happy, and fulfilled lives, we are reminded each day that our desire is only possible to a certain extent.  1 Peter 4:12 says “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.”

How about that?  Scripture tells us we will not be spared from tough times.  The prophet Peter tells us to expect trials and challenges and not be surprised.  We should expect it.

In fact, Peter tells us in verse 13, “but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.”

Peter is telling us to stand by our belief in Christ.  The challenges and sin of the world will test our faith, question our resolve to follow Christ, and ultimately pressure us to turn away from our Savior.  Pain and suffering can break us.  Despair and sadness can deject us to the point where we “lose our way.” Our worldly minds cause us to question the need or the reason for the suffering and sadness and “lay our sorrows at the feet of Christ” and question why He is allowing us to suffer, and ultimately questions whether our God exists.

We can live our lives in fear every day, that tragedy or calamities await us.  War, pandemics, violent crime, health issues, death…and the list goes on. We can spin ourselves into a life of despair and doubt, constantly worrying about the next bad thing that may happen in our life.

My profound belief that if we are right with God, we will not be afraid.  Our resolve and tenacity to persevere through the worst of times solely depends on our ability to focus on the faith we have in Jesus, that He has a plan, and all our suffering and trails will be revealed when we get to Heaven.   Fear not, God has got you!

Today’s Reading:  Jeremiah 11-13; 2 Corinthians 12

They live in biggest house you have ever seen.  They take lavish vacations to the most beautiful and luxurious locations.  They have a garage full of expensive and exotic cars.  They have the most beautiful “model-like” spouse that has the perfect physique, looks, or appearance.   They live a life of materiality and wealth that everyone wants.  They “have it all.”

But perhaps the individuals that have these things are not “nice people.”  Perhaps they have taken profits when they should have been more generous.  Perhaps they have taken advantage and “run over” people to acquire the power and wealth they achieved for themselves.  Perhaps they have ruined the lives of their employees, teammates, competitors, or maybe even their own family to achieve the wealth they have.

How is it fair that sometimes the most ruthless and selfish people prosper?  Why does God allow this?

Jeremiah 12: 1-3 states, “Righteous are You, O Lord, when I plead with you; Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously? 2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; They grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth, But far from their mind. 3 But You, O Lord, know me; You have seen me, and You have tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, And prepare them for the day of slaughter.”

It can be difficult for us to see prosperity happen to who we perceive to be “bad people.”  Maybe you are jealous because you work hard to do the right things. You live a Christ-centered, faith-filled life to set an example for your children, family, and friends.  Yet, you still cannot “get ahead.”  Perhaps you are unemployed, deal with financial challenges, drive a “beat up” car that won’t start, and work at a job you hate.   What is the reward for living your life following Jesus if you don’t experience “prosperity” or a “life of luxury?”

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul tells the people of Corinth that the “thorn in the flesh” was given to him. Paul was referring to the obstacles, challenges, and burden he carried, even though he was a prophet for Christ.  He sacrificed most of the years of his life, and ultimately gave his life for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul said in verse 8, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” Verse 9, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power for Christ may rest upon me. “ 10 Therefore I take pleasure in the infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in the persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak then I am strong.”

Scripture tells us God sees us.  He knows our sacrifices.  He feels our afflictions.  He is there with us every step of the way.  God encourages us to understand “we are our strongest when we are at what appears to us be our weakest.”  Let us not seek to be judged in this world but the “next world” in Heaven,” which will be our just reward.  Keep the faith that a life following Christ is the right path.

Today’s Reading Isaiah 64-66; 2 Corinthians 2

God’s plans do not typically line up with our plans. The timing of God’s influence or intervention does not always align with our needs, wants, or desires.

Isaiah in verse 64 asks God 1 Oh that you would rend the heavens! That you would come down! That the mountain might shake at your presence – 2 As fire burns brushwood, As fire causes water to boil – To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence!

We see sin, sadness, tragedy, and calamities in our world.  Watching the news each day reminds us of that our world is broken.

For many, witnessing sin and evil causes them to question whether there is a God.   If there is a God, why would He let bad things happen to us?  How can God be a loving God to let so many awful things happen? Why do tragic accidents happen?  Why do children get sick, and sometimes die?  Why are innocent people hurt and even murdered?

We must go back to the beginning of the Bible to understand the very basic but profound way God created us and the earth. In Genesis 1:26-28, God delegated the power and authority to govern over all things to man. Fast forward to Genesis 3, we learned of Adam and Eve’s sin against God and they “suddenly felt shame.”  In that moment in time, humankind rebelled against God’s wishes for us.  God created us to be sinless and perfect, but Adam and Eve changed that with the decision to eat the forbidden fruit.

In that moment of the first sin, God established a relationship with man that was sovereign, meaning He will allow us to make our own choices and not force His will on us.  God is not a micromanager.

So perhaps we want God to intervene.  Perhaps we pray to God to make a wish happen.  Heal a sick relative. Solve a difficult problem in a relationship.  Or fix something that seems irrevocably broken.  Please God, bring about retribution and pain to the people that have done wrong to me!

As much as we want to understand how God thinks and works, He has been consistent and true since creation.  He has allowed us to make our own choices and never promised a sinless world.  Man created the sin, not God.

God is there for us. He will answer our prayers, in His time, not ours.   Refer to Psalm 86:7, Isaiah 58:9, or Jeremiah 33:3.  God’s timing, not ours.

Today’s Reading:  2 Chronicles 29-31; 1 Corinthians 8

Have you ever found yourself in a position that you had to make a decision that was not popular?  Have you been in a situation that you had to make a judgment that made others uncomfortable or put you in an adversarial spot?

Our decisions are influenced by those around us. Our friends influence the way we behave.  Our spouse impacts the daily support or lack thereof to our hopes, dreams, morals, and actions.  The people we associate with have a major impact on our life journey.

2 Chronicles outlines several kings of the land of Israel.  Israel endured sixteen years of reign of King Ahaz who strayed away from the Gospel of our God.  Ahaz was punished by God due to his unfaithfulness and his worship of idols.

Following Ahaz, King Hezekiah brought about great change and correction to the Israeli people.  Hezekiah cleansed the temple, rid the people of their idols, and provided support through tithes for the priests.

No doubt Hezekiah had to take risks.  He had to take a stand and go against the people of his day.  He had to challenge their decisions, question their morals, and implore them to make better decisions that demonstrated reverence toward God.  He had to change the Israeli people’s thinking and force them to change their ways. No doubt those around him, who had been living and enjoying a life of immorality, likely criticized Hezekiah for his decisions to move them away from sin.

Do you find yourself in a similar situation? Does a neighbor or co-worker need to make changes in their life that are more Christ-centered?  Is a relative or friend living a sinful life that you feel likely you need to address?

Many who speak out today do so at great risk.  To speak the truth, from the perspective of the Bible and God’s teaching, puts us in contraction to the ways of our present world.  To contradict, condemn, or speak out against what is popular, can ostracize a person, create a hostile situation on social media, and ultimately cost them friendships, relationships, their job or their even their life.

1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.  Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord in not in vain.

Joshua 1:6: Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors and give them.

Psalm 31:24: Be strong and take heart, all who hope in the Lord.

My prayer is that during times of difficulty, when you need to stand strong for the Gospel, you have the courage to do so.  Do not compromise your support of our Lord, forsake His teachings, and defy His Word because it is not popular today.

Standing firm in the Gospel is not hateful.  Living our lives by the teachings of the Bible should not be seen as judgmental of others.  We should be exalted to live a Christ-like life, encouraging and imploring others, to get their decisions and life in line with the Word of God.

Today’s Reading Isaiah 7-10; Psalm 22; Matthew 26

Betrayal: the act of betraying someone or something or the fact of being betrayed: violation of a person’s trust or confidence, of a moral standard, etc. as defined by Webster’s Dictionary.

Synonyms for betrayal are treachery, deceit, faithlessness, lying, trickery, treason, disloyalty, sell out, to name a few.

Matthew 26 is packed with riveting scripture that follows the last few days of Jesus’ life on earth. Betrayal is the word that jumps out at me while reading today’s text.

The Sanhedrin, the Jewish religious leaders, betrayed Jesus.  They believed His teachings were blasphemous and sought His death.  Even though Jesus was a Jew, they betrayed Him.

Judas was one of the disciples that traveled with Jesus during His ministry and is a known villain of the disciples who made the deal to bring the authorities to capture Jesus.  Judas betrayed Jesus.

One of Jesus’ most beloved disciples was Peter.  In chapter 26, verses 31-46, Jesus told Peter that he would “deny Him three times before the rooster crows.”  One of Jesus’ most trusted earthly confidants and friends betrayed Him, three times as outlined in verses 69-75.  Peter betrayed Jesus.

Maybe as you read this today, you are carrying the heavy burden that someone betrayed you.  Perhaps you have been lied to, hurt, or disparaged by someone.  Maybe it was a co-worker, maybe it was a neighbor, maybe a close friend, or worse yet, maybe it was someone in your family.

Jesus was betrayed by a “co-worker,” his neighbors, and his closest friends.  Yet, He still forgave them.

What I am learning is that carrying the anger, angst, and burden of someone else’s betrayal only continues to negatively impact us and those around us.  Yes, it is awful.  Yes, it is not fair.  Yes, it is life changing. Yet, it does not have to continue to “follow us around” and ruin the rest of our life, as well as negatively impact those around us. As I like to point out in my posts, I am far from perfect and work on applying the very things I write.

Forgiveness is about following the ultimate example that Jesus showed us by dying on the cross.  Jesus experienced all the hurt, sadness, devastation, and BETRAYAL that we have experienced, and His message to us is to forgive. I believe this is how we can relate our lives to Jesus’ life.

Today’s Reading – Hosea 1-3; Matthew 16

Nearly every man and woman that has ever walked this earth, at some point, asks themselves the question, “What is the meaning of life?”

How do I find happiness?  How do I find contentment?  How do I feel good about who I am?  Why am I unhappy and how do I fix it?

People read books, hire life coaches, seek psychiatric help (sometimes this is very necessary if clinical psychological needs), attend conferences, go on pilgrimage trips all over the world, and the list goes on.

“I have money, boats, vacation houses, exotic cars, private jets, and I am still not happy.”

“I achieved the highest levels of accolades in my profession and worked my entire life for it, and I am still not fulfilled.”

“I can go anywhere, live anywhere, live any type of life I want, and I am still lost.  I am not happy.”

I believe the lack of happiness in our society today is based on humans seeking satisfaction from this life, rather than focusing on the satisfaction that can come from knowing where they are going in their next life. God never promised in any scripture, from any prophet, or in any form that our lives on earth would be fulfilling.

What scripture tells us over and over is that we should seek to glorify the name of God and follow the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ.  We should knowingly learn, pronounce publicly, that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Knowing Him, understanding His guidance and lessons, enables us to try to understand the challenges and tribulations of life on earth that will ABSOLUTELY occur.  We come to know that satisfaction and fulfillment will never happen in this life, at least to the level we expect and want, because God wants us to seek fulfillment through Him and rely on the promise of spending eternity with Him. If we love it so much on earth, why would we be motivated to follow Him and go to Heaven?

Matthew 16:25-26

25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

None of this is easy.  Please know this is my aspiration as well.  It is a daily challenge for me, to not focus too much on achievement and obtaining “things” on earth and take my focus off my faith in Christ.  My prayer is that by reading this, it will raise questions in your mind about how you might examine your life and explore how you can gain fulfillment through Jesus Christ. What I have learned is that faith and belief in Jesus is the only thing that will truly bring us happiness.

Today’s Reading:  2 Kings 7-8, 2 Chronicles 21, Matthew 6

Matthew 6 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, most certainly for me because it contains practical application and guidance directly from Jesus.

Do Good to Please God

Do not do good for others to get the credit.  Do good things when no one else is watching, because it pleases our Father in Heaven, not for the approval of men.

The Model Prayer

Jesus tells us not be like the hypocrites and pray publicly to get credit or seek attention through our prayer. Do not pray “recitations” or in a manner open for attention. Jesus’ counsel outlines the Lord’s prayer on Matthew 6 and Luke 11.

Lay up Treasures in Heaven

Do not seek material things.  These “treasures on earth, where the moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal.”  Our hearts should be pursuing the Gospel of Jesus and not seeking satisfaction and fulfillment from things on earth.

The Lamp of the Body

Our eyes are the “lamp of the body.” If we are watching, pursuing, or doing bad things, it is led by our eyes, and our whole body will follow.  Protect what we see so we do not pollute our whole body.

You Cannot Serve God and Riches

We cannot serve God and material things.  Seeking material wealth and riches can cloud our need and focus on Christ and create a sense of entitlement and pride.  Pride is the worst of all emotions as we ultimately convince ourselves that our ways are superior to the Lord’s.

Do Not Worry

Christ tells us not worry about what we will eat, drink or wear for clothing.  Christ tells us to seek the kingdom of God first and we will receive the blessings for the things we need to survive.

I something hear people speak of how they struggle to find application in today’s world from the Bible.  “That book was written over 2000 years ago, talks about nothing that is like I deal with, how can the Bible teach me anything about today?”  Nothing under the sun changes.  The stories and examples of sin, deceit, theft, adultery, murder, and the list go on, are chronicled in the Bible.  Human sin nature and the devil’s ability to derail our lives existed in Biblical times as it does today.

Jesus’ ministry was about how he became a human, in flesh, to experience the same temptations and emotions that we do daily.  Jesus’ teachings provide a roadmap to peace, happiness, and contentment.  Yet, there is no guarantee that we will get there, a life living with Christ is the most assured way that the strife we encounter will be met with strength, perseverance, and resolve.

Let us draw strength through the teachings of Jesus and live our lives to please an audience of One, Jesus.