Author: Chad Bandy

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.

Today’s reading is Proverbs 16-18 and Romans 15.

Understanding others is a difficult thing.  As individuals, we have opinions, preferences, life experiences, and beliefs that dictate how we react to various situations.  Emotions dictate how we process challenging relationships, challenging people and circumstances that may be difficult or maybe even impossible to understand.

In fact, our emotions many times dictate entirely how we react.

Are you hurt?  Are you sad?  Are you angry? Are you disappointed?  Are you tired of (fill in the blank)?

Factoring in emotions, we then layer on the type of person that we are having trouble with.

Are they family?  Are they your spouse?  Are they your co-worker?  Are they your boss?  Are they your neighbor?

Our reaction to be upset or mad may differ depending on our relationship with the individual(s). Friends can sometimes be just like family.  Family can sometimes feel like they don’t know or understand you, or perhaps never tried to.  Bosses put you in a nearly impossible situation as your livelihood may depend on maintaining or preserving your relationship.  And nothing speaks to being more uncomfortable than when you must see your neighbor every day at the mailbox or retrieving their trash cans.  Envy, jealously, resentment, rage, hurt…. all emotions that produce a person’s reaction.

Romans 15:5 says, “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be likeminded toward one another, according to Jesus Christ.”

The wonderful thing about our faith in Jesus Christ is that through the scriptures and His example, we can model our lives after Jesus, who was the only perfect person to live on earth.  We can know that Jesus walked this earth and experienced emotions like pain, suffering, sadness, temptation, disappointment, and yes, even anger.  Through all this, Jesus still loved everyone that He encountered, and He witnessed to the worst of the thieves, tax collectors, and prostitutes to save them from a life of sin and sadness.

Proverbs 16:18-19 says, 18 “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.”

So back to understanding others.  The truth is we may never know why a friend or family member is so unhappy.  We all react or respond differently to pain and adversity. Sometimes with anger and rage, sometimes with humility and reverence. What can we control?  What can we not control?

Let us react to others with humility and a kind heart. Set pride aside. Let us address the sin and haste of others with empathy rather than rage and be patient rather than vengeful.  Let us love one another unconditionally, admonishing the sin and not the sinner. Let us lead with humility and forgiveness and be cautious of pride.

“Pride is the mother hen under which all other sins are hatched,” – CS Lewis.

The grace and peace of our Lord knows no boundaries.  The worst of relationships and bad situations have proven to be overcome through faith in Jesus Christ.  The unimaginable is achieved. Let us lean on our faith and purpose to forgive others and help them through their pain, not letting it impact us as well. The true peace and mercy that comes over us in transgressions of others can only be granted and given by God.

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 25-28, Psalm 78, Romans 5

Hope, defined by Oxford’s dictionary, is “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen, a feeling of trust.”

Romans 5:3 says “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.”

Hope is a powerful four-letter word.  Hope provides us the anticipation of something positive. Hope gives us the strength to carry on expecting our situation will get better.  Hope gives us the drive and wherewithal to “stay the course” when impossible situations occur. Hope is easier to maintain when you feel loved, supported, and know there is a purpose for you, your life, and your strife.

Fear, defined by Oxford’s dictionary, is “an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.”

Fear is a powerful four-letter word. Fear can cause impatience.  Fear can drive people to make irrational decisions.  Fear can create ideas, questions, or concerns about things that may not occur.  Fear can paralyze and prevent action by anticipating what might occur.

When we turn on the news each day, there are so many reasons to be afraid and full of fear.  The pandemic, the Russians and the war in Ukraine, the Republicans, the Democrats, Nancy Pelosi, Mitch McConnell, China, inflation, automated intelligence (AI), hurricanes, global warming, and the list goes on.

As Christians, we expect tribulations.  As we read scripture and study God’s Word, we have a foundation to know that life on earth is going to be difficult.  We make our decisions regarding gender, sexuality, morality, and the like based on the Gospel.  Fear should not drive us to sadness or worry. God’s got this.

Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Hope should exalt us to live with resolve and confidence that our God is at work.  Hope sees us through the “chaos” of a sinful world, woke culture, and the ideology that we are a bad person for our beliefs.

May God give us peace, understanding, and hope.  My favorite Bible verses are Philippians 4:6-7 which says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Today’s Readings 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13, Psalm 60, Acts 23

It’s God’s plan.  God has a purpose for everything.  God’s timing is not our timing.  Just wait, God will show you the way. We do not understand now but God will reveal to us the purpose of His plan when we get to Heaven.

Have you ever been in a tough season of your life, and someone told you these things?

Today’s reading is Acts 23.  During the previous chapters, Paul was on his journey to evangelize Christianity and spread the Gospel to the Gentiles.  In chapter 21, Paul was urged by the disciplines not to travel to Jerusalem.  Paul was convicted and knew he needed to go there.  Paul was arrested in Jerusalem for taking Greeks into to the temple and was attacked by a Jewish mob.  Chapter 23 brings us to Paul’s trial before the Sanhedrin, where he professed his belief in the Risen Christ, and he is not backing down.

In the book of Mark, Mark provided direct insight from Jesus about the persecution and future struggles of those who would spread Christianity.

In Mark 13-9-11, Jesus said the following:

9 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues.  You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for the testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”

If you have been through trying times like I have, “God’s timing” doesn’t feel so timely.  The wait, the uncertainty, and the challenges can be daunting.  Perhaps you are going through an illness, marital challenges, family strife, or a job loss.  I think we all can relate to heartache and uncertainty which can push our faith to the ultimate levels of questioning the reason for these trials.  Is God punishing me?  If there is a God, why does he allow me to go through pain and unhappiness?

While Paul was in jail, he learned through his nephew that the Sanhedrin put together a plot to kill him.  Here is Paul, traveling from city to city, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and fighting for his life.  He sits in jail, trying to navigate getting a message to the commander regarding this plot, hoping to find a way to escape.  Would he be killed?  Would he be saved?  Would he suffer and be beaten?  Even one of God’s most devoted and notable disciples suffered uncertainty and pain not knowing “God’s plan.”

May we turn to the Gospels to read and learn of devoted servants who endured great pain. Job, Moses, David, and Peter all suffered great pain, uncertainty, and challenges for their faith.  May we gain strength and resolve and lean on each other during tough times.

Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 18-19, 1 Chronicles 3, Psalm 59, Acts 13

1 Samuel, chapter 18 and 19, are a great example of how the lust for own desires can turn us away from God.

One of the most famous stories in the Bible can be found in 1 Samuel 17, when David stepped forward to slay the giant Philistine, Goliath.  The unknown, little shepherd boy had the courage to step forward and take on an imposing “giant,” when none of the other Jewish fighters or leaders had the courage to step forward.  David had the favor and spirit of God with him, as he knew he would not fail.

As David soon became a legend amongst the Jewish people, Saul became insanely jealous.  He knew David had the favor of God and he resented him for it.  Saul sought to deceive David by offering him to marry his oldest daughter, and ultimately made several attempts to kill David, while David was his son-in-law.

Let’s not forget that Saul was hand-picked to be King of Israel by God. Over time, power, influence, and money corrupted his heart away from God.  Saul became focused on himself and not what he could do as a servant to God.

Are you genuinely happy for other people’s success?  Do we celebrate with a genuine heart when others experience great things?  When a friend or family member is enjoying prosperous or happy times in their life, do you celebrate them or deep down resent their happiness?

As the most powerful man of the Jews, Saul could not humble himself to be happy for David.  David was truly a servant of Saul and, at the time, had no desire to overtake Saul as King.  We know that is in 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel was told by God that David would eventually become King.  But Saul’s own jealousy, mistrust, and hardened heart became the beginning of the end of his reign.

Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”

I pray that we can have a true and giving heart for God, and not of ourselves.  I pray that we can be leaders in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, and churches to model support and favor for others.  May we genuinely celebrate the prosperity of others and find the good in our neighbors.

Today’s Readings:  Judges 7-8; Luke 22

We live our lives, plan for our future, hope for peace, and pray for health and safety of our friends and family.  We want to know everything will be ok, and that we will be able to manage life’s events.  We plan for certainty and by nature we yearn for self-preservation.

It doesn’t always work out that way.

Today we read Luke 22, which starts off with the “Plot to Kill Jesus.”   Jesus had twelve disciples who followed Him throughout the nearly three years of His ministry on Earth.  Their names were, according to Matthew 10:2-3, “Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother. Phillip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Jesus.”

These twelve men put aside their lives, left their families, and followed Jesus and His ministry for three years of travel, strife, and insecurity. During the time of Jesus’ life, the Jewish people had their own governance called the Sanhedrin, but they were under Roman law.  The Jews were persecuted and not able to control their people’s lives and resented Roman rule.

What seems likely is that the disciples thought Jesus would overthrow Roman authority and become the “King of the Jews,” and rule over the Romans. The disciples and followers were not focused on Jesus’ role toward eternity but what He could do for them on Earth.  Jesus would become king and their daily lives on Earth would become better.  They traveled, toiled, endured criticism and danger from the Jewish elite with the great hope that Jesus was their Earthly salvation.

Luke 22 walks us through Jesus telling His disciples that He was going to die, and one of them (the disciples), is His betrayer when He said in verse 21, “But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me at this table.”  This was not a part of the plan the disciples thought they “signed up” for.

That very night, Jesus was arrested, and He would be tried, convicted, and put to death in 24 hours. The twelve men that devoted three years of their lives now had no leader.  The “person” they put their lives and faith into just “died.”  What they planned and hoped for did not come true.  The “person” they committed every as aspect of their lives to was “gone.”

How does this relate to the trials and twists of our lives?  Do we have great hope to stay healthy?  Do we have great hope that our kids will make great decisions, thrive, and be happy?  Do we expect to lose our jobs or struggle with life events?

The Bible teaches us that with our faith in Christ, there is no promise of a life without trials, turmoil, and unfortunately uncertainty.  The disciples endured three days of suffering, pain, and likely deep sorrow that their Savior was “gone.”  They soon learned that Jesus was alive when He rose from the tomb and appeared to numerous eyewitnesses to prove that He was the Son of God and was alive.

The disciple’s faith was likely restored but now their lives would be even more challenging and different.  What they likely planned for in their mind dramatically changed. Their job now was to spread the Gospel of Christianity around the world and risk even more danger, criticism, and uncertainty, and eventually their own death.  The plan they hoped for dramatically changed.

We as Christians must have a keen focus on the purpose of our lives.  Our purpose is to bring glory to God, His Son Jesus, and bring others to Christ.  Our faith and resolve, to stay the course and commit to Christ during the worst of times, is when we make our mark.  Our resolve, strength, and assurance to follow Christ, even when it seems impossible to do so, strengthens our love and relationship with Christ.  The impossible becomes reasonable with our faith Jesus no matter how much “our plans change.”

May we have the resolve of the prophets and disciples before us to “stay the course” when it seems impossible to do so.

He is risen!  He is risen indeed!

READING TODAY: Deuteronomy 27-31; Luke 12

I constantly think about the well-being of our kids and family.  Where are they?  Are they safe?  Are they happy?  Are they thriving?  What can I do to help them?

I constantly look at our finances.  How will we pay for the new furnace?  How will be pay for the new hot water heater?  Do we have enough money saved for our kids’ college?  Are we saving enough for retirement?

I consistently worry about my profession.  Am I with the right company?  Will my role be supported long term?  Are the sacrifices my family and I are making for my career worth it?

Worry and stress erode us. Here are some interesting statistics from the American Society for Stress.

• • 55% of Americans are stressed during the day.
  • The global average of the number of stressed people out of 143 countries is 35%.
  • Stress causes 57% of US respondents to feel paralyzed.
  • 63% of US workers are ready to quit their job to avoid work-related stress.
  • Chronic stress is commonplace at work with 94% of workers reporting feeling stress at work.

Jesus stated in Luke 12:30-31, “For all these things, the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things.  But seek the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you.”

I strive to focus to my time, effort, and thoughts on our Father and the promise of fulfillment and salvation in Heaven. Scripture tells us to focus our efforts and lives on His Kingdom, His glory, and glorifying Him will enrich our lives here on earth.  Let us not toil away our days wondering and worrying about many things that are out of our control.  Let us manage our minds and faith on the One that truly matters, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jesus also said in Luke 12:34, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  Let us treasure the journey on this earth, the sacrifices, the joys, the tribulations, and even the suffering.  It is all for the glory and good of our Savior, to grow closer to Him.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you.  He will be with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”