Author: Chad Bandy

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.

Today’s reading: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, Titus 1

Paul, the most prolific author of the New Testament, was a consistent purveyor of the Gospel and truth of Jesus Christ.  Throughout his ministry and evangelism, he was criticized, imprisoned, physically beaten, and nearly lost his life. Paul remained steadfast to his faith, regardless of the challenges, and stayed the course.

I would like to congratulate and thank our parents today on their 52^nd wedding anniversary.  I am reminded to maintain a marriage union for that length of time, there must be a commitment to values and principles.  Our parents raised my brother and I in a home where Christian faith was the center of our family.  We were so fortunate that they continued the example of their parents to raise my brother and I in a Christian home.  Here are a few areas that stand out that I value and appreciate our parents for.

1. 1. Marriage takes commitment – There is nothing easy about marriage. My parents have been committed to each other’s careers, their hobbies, community of friends, and have supported each other over the years.  I know there have been many challenges and struggles throughout this journey, but they have remained steadfast to each other throughout the difficult times.  They did not quit. At the center of our family over all the years was a commitment to our faith.
   2. Commit your life to purpose – Our parents were educated as teachers, committing the early years of their lives to teaching and helping students. They devoted their time to make an impact on students’ lives, which I think impacted my brother and I in our lives. They shared common values and mission in their careers, always focused on helping others. Their lives have modeled purpose which I think can be pointed back to their faith in Jesus Christ.
   3. Love the sinner, hate the sin – Our parents taught us to seek to understand others, and treat everyone with fairness and love. We may not agree with someone’s choices but we were taught to treat everyone with respect and love.  They have treated each other with respect and love. They have espoused and demonstrated Biblical values in the way they live their lives.
   4. Life is difficult, rely on God – There have been challenges throughout their marriage. No matter the struggles that have been thrown at them, they have always relied on their faith in Jesus Christ.  They know no matter the struggle, God has a plan for them.  Taking care of numerous family and people in their community, health struggles, and navigating the impacts on their marriage, they have consistently relied on their faith when life was most difficult.

Our parents’ faith has provided consistency and a solid foundation for our family.  My brother and I have known throughout our lives that we can count on our parents to remain consistent and focused on their faith. That has provided great comfort and direction in a sinful world that constantly attempts to pull us away from God’s purpose.  Our parents may not always agree, but they love each other.  Love does not mean agreeing on everything, but it meant seeking to understand each other and not reacting in anger or contempt with the big issues or even the small ones.  I believe this has carried them through 52 years of marriage.

Paul was the led by conviction in his steadfast faith, which is exalted to Titus in the New Testament.  Remain convicted and faithful during life’s journey.  I am grateful that the union of our parents, July 3, 1971, identifies with many of the same values, commitment, and foundation professed by the Apostle Paul.

The prophet Paul was a bad person.  He was a hateful Jewish follower that persecuted Christians, supported their arrest, enabled their persecution, and ultimately supported their death.  Paul, formerly called Saul, supported the stoning one of the first disciples, Stephen.

Yet Paul came to commit his life to being a Christian prophet and became one of the most prolific authors of the New Testament and led the massive spread of Christianity after the New Covenant.  For newer followers, the New Covenant was God’s promise to save us from our sins through our belief in Jesus after He died on the cross.

Paul suffered great challenges and pain during his life of prophesy of Christ’s doctrine.  In 2 Corinthians 11:24-33, Paul outlines the suffering he endured.  Paul said “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren.”

The most influential and significant prophet of Christianity was persecuted, tortured, threatened, is thought to have maybe been stoned to death in Acts 14 and revived, and yet he still prophesied his love, devotion, and service to Christ.

Pain and suffering builds perseverance.  Perseverance builds strength and resilience.

Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:12-13, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly and in unbelief.”

Paul turned to God to save his life, not on this earth but for eternity.  Our lives on earth are not always fun.  Blessings don’t always “flow” and happiness does not always find us.  We are sad. We are uncertain.  We are mad. We are broken.  We are addicted. We are scared.  The plethora of emotions in our daily lives is real.

Here is why I choose to trust God in times of trouble and unhappiness.   Pastor Andy Stanley stated in a sermon that “God allowed the worst possible thing to happen to the best possible person.”   Why should I question God’s judgement about when I am unhappy?  God sent His only Son to experience grave and unimaginable suffering as a demonstration to us that if we believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, we will live in eternity in Heaven.   How can we expect that the God we believe in doesn’t have meaning or purpose for the challenges that happen to us?

Faith grows through challenge.  Faith grows through sacrifice.  We appreciate the good times more when we have experienced the bad. Paul was a testament to that principle, and we can apply those same lessons to our lives.