Author: Chet Bandy

I live in Bloomington, Illinois with my wife Shannon and 4 children. I grew up in Central Illinois with Lutheran roots. We moved to the area in 2011 and began attending Eastview Christian Church where I now lead a Small Group. It's been awesome to see God's plan for our lives and our growing thirst for knowledge of His Word and a closer relationship with Jesus through our move to Bloomington. Professionally, I'm a wealth management advisor with Northwestern Mutual.

Receiving The Gift..

Today’s reading is Psalm 37.
This last week has brought under the microscope the actions of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Regardless of where you stand on his actions, it is very clear that that those in the government, large corporations, and in high places (he did not act alone) have lots of power and control and may not always have the best intentions of those they lead and supposedly “serve.” It seems like constantly in the news someone in authority is being questioned on the legitimacy and intentions of their actions and decisions that effect those they lead or oversee.
While we will many times not know on this side of eternity whether the action of those in authority are good..in fact I’m confident there are many we hold in high regard and put on pedestals as heroes who actually were doing harm…the Bible is clear that evil doers will be brought to justice. Here in Psalm 37 alone we see it the following verses; Psalm 37:1-2, Psalm 37:9-10, Psalm 37:13, Psalm 37:15, Psalm 37:17, Psalm 37:20, Psalm 37:22, Psalm 37:35-36, and Psalm 37:38.
On the flip side, Psalm 37 is also clear the righteous will be rewarded in the following verses: Psalm 37:3-4, Psalm 37:5-6, Psalm 37:9, Psalm 37:11, Psalm 37:18-19, Psalm 37:22-24, Psalm 37:25-26, Psalm 37:28-29, Psalm 37:30-31, Psalm 37:33-34, Psalm 37:37, and finally Psalm 37:39-40.
The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their stronghold in the time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭
So, how do we become righteous? Is it through our actions? The Bible is also very clear in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” This is also told in Romans 3:10-12 and Psalm 53-1-3 that none of us are righteous on our own through our own actions. Romans 6:23 says His justice would condemn us, but the “free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus.” We don’t earn his mercy, we receive it.
How do we receive this gift?
In his recent Live Free podcast, Pastor Josh Howerton describes there are 3 types
of faith theologians discuss in Latin.
  1. Noticea: having knowledge of a fact about God.
  2. Assensus: agreeing the fact is actually true, not just knowing it.
  3. Fiducia: putting your trust and one’s life in that fact…not just knowing and agreeing with it.
This last one, fiducia, is what we must do to receive God’s grace and mercy to become righteous. Josh notes that even the demons acknowledge who Jesus is in the Bible and have the first 2, but they don’t possess the 3rd necessary saving faith. They don’t put their trust in Him and make Him the Lord of their life. Again, this how we become righteous, to actually receive the gift of His mercy by trusting Him.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭

Megas

Today’s reading is James 4.
The first four verses of this chapter (James 4:1-4) challenge us to determine whether we are more of a friend of the world or God. I’ve heard pastors say that if you  want to see where your priorities lie, look at your bank/credit card statement and your calendar. This will tell you where your focus and your heart is. I can tell myself and others all I want that He Is my highest priority, but these would sadly tell a different story. Reviewing these would say I am a friend of the world. Verse 4 tells us that makes me an enemy of God.
What is my response to my enemies? I wish I could say something differently, but it is usually that I’m perfectly fine with seeing them stumble and fall. I want retribution for the wrong they have done to me or my family or to those I care about.
What is God’s response to me being his enemy by prioritizing the world over him? James 4:6 says he gives “more grace.” The Greek word before grace is actual megas which is like saying He gives us mega grace. Romans 5:8 says, “but God showed His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His love and mercy for us is truly incredible.
While we don’t need to do anything to receive His grace, James 4:7-8 tells us that if submit to God, the devil will flee from us. And if we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us. In James 4:9, it goes on to say if we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us.
Our sin exalted Him to be lifted up and nailed on a cross to die and suffer a painful death. Yet His grace creates a bridge that draws us in and brings us together with Him for an eternity.
In response to this, we are all called upon to not gossip and speak badly of others, but instead to give grace to them (James 4:11-12).
The question for you and me is, what will we do with it? Will we draw near to Him? Will we give others the “mega grace” He gives us we don’t deserve?

Conflict

Today’s reading is Galatians 2.

Galatians 2 is most famously known for Galatians 2:15-21 where Paul’s letter to the church in Galatia focuses on being saved by faith and not by works. Let’s talk a little bit more though about what led up to this in Galatians 2:11-14.

Here in these verses, Paul is upset with Cephas (Peter) at Antioch because he’s eating foods Jews don’t eat with the Gentiles (non-jews) and then as soon as other strict and influential Jews show up, he stops doing so. Although Peter knew the Gentiles were saved by faith and not by what food they eat, his pull back and return to only eating food Jews were allowed to eat seemed to imply again that someone can be saved by the law (works) and that you are not only saved by faith alone. Not only did Paul believe this was hypocritical and tore down the truth of the Gospel, you are saved by faith and not by works, but it also negatively influenced Barnabas to follow him. Our actions matter and lead others in a positive or negative direction.

Paul teaches us a great lesson here in Galatians 2:11.

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

One of my mentors shared with me something he learned which was that you should “seek conflict.”  This may seem sound strange, but there is a difference between “creating conflict” and seeking it. What he meant is that when there are conflicts, talk about it and discuss it. Face it head on. Don’t let it fester..that will only make it worse. Also, don’t just talk about someone or something you don’t agree with behind their back..address it directly with them. Conflicts and disagreements will undoubtedly occur, and this is how you solve them. Paul models this and teaches us this important lesson.

Jesus also teaches us to face conflict with someone else directly.

5 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Matthew 18:15-17

Here Jesus not only tells us to face conflict with others, but He also tells us a 3 step process on how to do it. You face it with them privately, then with one or two others if they don’t stop, and thirdly, address it with the church.

Let us pray for wisdom for the courage to face conflicts head on and to do so in the manner Jesus outlined.

 

Even If

Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 12.

7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations,[a] a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

As I’ve shared in the past, I was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in my neck in 2018. This caused tingling in my spine, loss of coordination, and atrophy and loss of strength in my right and later my left hand. I was recommend to have a spinal fusion at Mayo but by the grace of God was connected by my sister-in-law Kim through her sister Diane to a doctor in Pittsburgh who fixed my issue through 5 minimally invasive surgeries in 2019 and 2021 without fusion and its negative side effects.

By no coincidence I’m sure, 2 Corinthians 12 has been my assigned writing multiple times since 2018. Below is an excerpt of a writing from November 2021 after my 5th and final surgery.

Paul states that his affliction (we are not sure what that affliction is) keeps him from being conceited. Is this the case for me? I don’t know..maybe. I know one thing..I’ve been blessed in my life with some things I don’t deserve that unfortunately not everyone has…loving parents, a loving and supportive wife, four healthy kids, financial blessings, and a stable career I love. If I didn’t have some “thorn(s),” would I even think I needed God? I realize God had His hand on my life when he led me into the field of financial planning, rather than dentistry/orthodontics, my original dream career which I was ready to apply for at the University of Illinois, which I would not be able to do with my hand issues. If these surgeries were not possible due to modern medicine, I would be like the man at the pool in the Bible..paralyzed eventually. He led me to a surgeon and surgery options by His grace that were better than what Mayo even proposed. I can still throw a ball with my kids and type on a keyboard which is needed in my career.  I’m extremely grateful for His provision through all of this. I’m also grateful these challenges are mine and not my wife or my children.

Most importantly, as I look down and see my puny, almost withered, right hand or need my wife Shannon or my kids help opening something or doing a button for me..I’m reminded what Paul says here in 2 Corinthians 12:10…when I am weak, then I am strong. His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in my weakness. It’s all that matters and all I really need in life. Ironically, as another Paul, my good friend and Christ follower Paul Kelly, stated the following to me recently in a text message dialogue after a sermon…

“My desire to be the best version of myself will never be good enough. So..it’s in our weaknesses that God unveils our greatest gifts..His love is incomprehensively good and although I’ll never be worth it…I will forever be grateful.”

Thank you, Paul…no truer words can be said.

I have never heard the audible words of God. But there are times where I have been 100% certain God was speaking to me through other ways. As we were pulling out of the driveway to go to Mayo for my consultation in the summer of 2018 and I was not certain what my future held when it came to my ability to walk or use my right hand, the song Even If by Mercy Me came on the radio. I broke down. It reminded me that God could fix my issues if he thought it was best, just like Paul, but if he didn’t…He was and is enough. Today, while my issues are “fixed,” I still have atrophy, weakness, and loss of some motor functionality in my right hand. As I stated back in 2021, the challenges I still have today make me extremely grateful for what I am able to do and how much worse it could have been…as well as how much different my life could have been if God didn’t lead me down my current career path. I’m extremely grateful for His infinite wisdom, provision, and plan.

Please read the lyrics to Even If by Mercy Me, as well as here is the link to the lyric video.

https://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y?si=qZdheCOPt_gpYuid

Even If by Mercy Me

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t

It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

 

Soul Insurance

Today’s reading is Psalm 91.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust.’”

Psalm 91:1

These past weeks have brought some challenging times and even what I will call tragedy to some who I am acquainted with. As I read on through Psalm 91 about how God will protect those who make God their fortress and their shelter, I will be transparent in that I’m challenged as to why God didn’t seem to “protect” these families impacted by some of these tragedies.  I will also say that most of those affected I don’t know well enough to have any idea where they were in their faith walk and whether they were trusting God with their life and their protection, nor am I to judge even if I knew them well enough to have the slightest idea. I think we can all say though that we’ve seen tragedies affect even very strong believers who we would say are close to God.

Many of us may be familiar with legendary college basketball Jim Valvano’s iconic speech at ESPN’s Espy Awards before he passed from cancer. One of his most famous statements from the speech was this, “Cancer can take away all of my physical abilities. It cannot touch my mind, it cannot touch my heart, and it cannot touch my soul.” That last part is what resonates with me, no matter what Satan does in physical harm to myself or my family on this side of Heaven…he “cannot touch my soul.”

Scripture is best interpreted when it’s cross reference with other Scripture. In fact, Jesus often did this. As I reflected on Psalm 91, my mind kept pulling me to Romans 8 which is a chapter in the Bible that can be referenced in many of life’s circumstances and challenges.

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

God may not stop Satan from physically harming our earthly bodies, as we saw with Job or even Jesus. But, Satan can never separate us from Christ’s love and keep our soul from living with God for eternity in Heaven when we trust in God and have given our life to Him.

Every..

 

Today’s reading is Revelation 5.

In this chapter we read that no one was worthy to open the sealed scroll held by God the Father on the throne, except for the Lamb, Jesus, who was slain for all of us (Revelation 5:5). Right now, there are wars between nations with much talk and debate about those wars, as well as borders. Regardless of where you stand on these current events and issues, it’s important to remember these verses teach us Jesus died for every tribe, language, people, and nation. Jesus came for everyone who will believe and give their heart and life to Him.

“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,”

Revelation 5:9

As we watch and read the news, let us pray for Christians everywhere, and let us pray for the Holy Spirit to reach those who are not yet Christ followers. Let us remember that God is sovereign and the Holy Spirit has no boundaries and will not stop until every tribe, language, people, and nation know Jesus and confess that He is their Lord and Savior.

Unwavering Faith

Today’s reading is Daniel 2 where we read of Daniel interpreting King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream which saved the lives of him others who the king was going to kill because they could not interpret his dream, as well as which led to the king declaring Daniel’s God to be the one true God (Daniel 2:47) and led to him giving Daniel and his friends rulers over provinces in Babylon (Daniel 2:48-49).

In Daniel 1, we read things were very bleak for Daniel and those jews who were of royalty or with a great physical appearance or knowledge, and really all jews for that matter, because King Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon besieged Jerusalem and brought many like Daniel and his friends in exile to Babylon. We see in both Daniel 1, and here in Daniel 2, that Daniel was convicted in his faith and trusted in God’s sovereignty despite circumstances.

Daniel’s trust and belief in God’s sovereignty is apparent in Daniel 2:16 where he made a request to the king that he would interpret the king’s dream before he actually had interpreted it. Then, he gives us another great example of what to do under the most dire circumstances, he asked his friends to seek God’s mercy, presumably through prayer, in Daniel 2:18. In Daniel 2:19, only after Daniel shows conviction and faith in God’s control and protection and has them come to God in prayer, the dream is revealed to him.

How does Daniel then respond once God reveals the interpretation of the dream to him? He gives glory to God in Daniel 2:21-23 and gives all the credit to God to King Nebuchadnezzar directly in Daniel 2:28 saying, “but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made to know to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days…” As a result of this, King Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan, glorifies God, “The king answered and said to Daniel, ‘Truly your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.’”

Daniel gives us a great example of faith and trust in God’s sovereignty and goodness in the most dire of circumstances, as well as an example of giving Him the credit and the glory.

This causes us to reflect and ask ourselves, what are circumstances I am facing now where I need to come to God in prayer and trust in God’s power and sovereignty in the outcome?

“To Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Directions in a Lost World

Today’s reading is Jude 1 which was written by one of Jesus’ brothers.

But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

Jude 1:17-19

In recent years, and especially within recent months with the conflict in Iran, many predict we are in the end times. I don’t know if we are or not and specifically Jesus says that only the Father knows the hour (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32). But I do know one thing, we are a day closer than we were yesterday just like I’m a day older than I was yesterday. So, each day we are closer to end times, and we see more and more of this that Jude describes. We see more people saying it’s OK to do whatever you feel and want to do, regardless of if the Bible says is right or wrong. And if you believe it’s not OK to do whatever you want and whatever you feel, you are the one who is the judgmental person in the wrong. They do this to create even more division just as described in Jude 1:19.

God gives us specific instructions as to how to respond to all that is going on in our world..

1. Draw Closer to God

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.”

Jude 1:20-21

 Pray and stay in relationship with Him to receive His mercy and eternal life.

2. Show Mercy to Those Who Are Falling into Sin

“And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

Jude 1:22-23

Despite the division that social in traditional media and the world tries to create, God is telling us to not hate those who sin. Let us not forget that each of us is a sinner ourselves. Have a soft heart for others falling into sin. Jesus modeled this himself on the cross.

“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

Luke 23:34

He was dying for the very ones who were killing him. In the same way, we must show compassion and mercy and try to lead others to the forgiveness that we have in Christ which will then result in them turning away from their sin as it does for us.

3. Be Careful Not to Fall into the Same Sinful Behavior

“save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

Jude 1:23

We still must have caution to not condone sin and fall into it. Hate the sin, love the sinner…just as God does you and me. Be careful to not be like an undercover cop we see in movies who when going in to do good, can then fall into making the same mistakes and become one of the criminals himself.

4. Trust in and Glorify Him as You Fight the Good Fight

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

Jude 1:24-25

 

Heavy

Today’s reading is Psalm 32.

Most of us reading this Psalm have hopefully never been in a situation where we were trapped and the walls were caving in on top of us or that we carried something so heavy on our backs that we literally collapsed due to the weight while it lied on top of us. As I read Psalm 32 though, that is the picture I kept getting for what sin does to us. When we hold on to the guilt of our wrongdoings, the weight is too much to bear. It’s debilitating.

 

Psalm 32:3 reads…

 

For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;

my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.

 

In contrast, Psalm 32:12 says…

 

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

whose sin is covered.

Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,

and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

 

This can only happen because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Isaiah 53:5 reads…

But He was pierced for our transgressions; He crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

The heaviest weight we can ever imagine, every past and future sin of mankind and every past and future sin that you and I have committed and will commit, was put on Him. The weight and burden was so heavy and painful that just even thinking about it caused Jesus to sweat blood in the garden (Luke 22:44). He knowingly and willing went to the cross for you and for me and took that pain so we could be forgiven. All we have to do is to admit our sin and ask for his forgiveness.

I acknowledge my sin to you,

and I did not cover my iniquity;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.”

and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Psalm 32:5

If we read on, Psalm 32 says by confessing our sin God is “a hiding place” and He “preserves me from trouble.” Unlike Satan who whispers that you are terrible and that you aren’t deserving and can’t be forgiven, Psalm 32:7b says about God, “you surround me with shouts of deliverance.”

Satan whispers many sorrows, but with confession and trust in Him, God shouts, “you are free!!!”

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite songs which was released in the last few years.

Check it out.

https://youtu.be/ouNDkd7pFVA?si=1CbKcYiARuzh3niU

Undeserving Grace and Mercy

Today’s reading is Exodus 33.

In this chapter we read where God tells Moses that it will no longer be Him who will go before them and lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, but instead an angel. Why? He tells Moses the Israelites are a “stiff-necked people” in Exodus 33:3. What does “stiff necked” mean? It I typically defined as stubborn, arrogant, and unwilling to submit or change.

God is understandably frustrated with the Israelites. Previously, just before in Exodus 32 they made a golden calf to worship after all He’s done for them. Can you blame Him? In Exodus 32:32, Moses goes so far as to say that if you don’t forgive them, blot my own name out of the Book of Life. Here we see again that Moses intercedes for his people he leads in Exodus 33:12-16. He advocates that if he’s found favor in God’s sight, please go with his people, not just an angel. He advocates that how would others know the Israelites are God’s chosen people if He doesn’t go before them.

And what does God do, He extends his mercy and says He will still go before them Himself in Exodus 33:17.

What can we learn from this?

God listens to the prayers from those who love Him. Who should I be praying for today? Let us follow Moses’ example and love our family and our friends so much that we earnestly pray for God to show mercy to and help them. Moses loved His people so much that he was willing to give up his own eternal life. That is powerful.

We serve a God that over and over shows mercy to those who don’t deserve it, you and me, just like the Israelites. We see that throughout the Old Testament and then as we enter into Easter weekend, we saw Him extend His grace once and for all when He gave His Son Jesus up on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

Let us thank Him for His undeserving grace and mercy on the cross. Let us extend that same grace and mercy to those of who have hurt us. And let us pray for His grace and mercy for those who don’t deserve it in the same way we don’t.