Speak Truth!

Periodically, I will post a challenge from one of my professors at Grace School of Theology. Today I will do so again, as I found his Friday with Fred to be a great reminder and challenge. In my opinion, Dr. Fred Chay is an excellent Bible teacher and scholar. Here goes:

We must preach not what men want to hear,

but what one day they will have wished

they would have heard.

~Sir Lancelot Andrews~

I have just returned from a study leave at Oxford University. (England, not

...
read more

Are You Listening?

I begin teaching through John 10 this Sunday as I talk about the Good Shepherd, Jesus! In verse 27 of this chapter, Jesus states that His sheep listen to His voice: 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

How many times have you heard someone or been told by someone about an individual randomly opening the Bible, stabbing their finger on the page, and reading the verse their finger landed on to decide whether to move forward in a situation or stay p

...
read more

Love

Mother Teresa was noted explaining her lifetime of service to the poor in India: “I can love only one person at a time. I can feed only one person at a time. Just one, one, one. So you begin…I begin. I picked up one person—maybe if I didn’t pick up that one person I wouldn’t have picked up 42,000.” 

The story is told of a college professor, well before her death, who asked his students to name people they considered genuinely worthy of the title “world leader.” Various n

...
read more

Mind over Traditions

In Mark 3, Jesus encounters a man with a withered hand in the synagogue on the Sabbath. He calls the man forward and asks the crowd if it is lawful to do good (heal) or evil (leave him in distress) on the Sabbath. Their silence was telling; one writer noted it “declared their inner condition.” In other words, they were uncertain of what to think or do!

Well, Jesus knew, as we read in verses 3 - 4, 3 And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” 4 And he sai

...
read more

Hidden Within

Two brothers walked through their father's large farm and found a peach tree full of peaches. They ate several and, while returning home, one brother gathered enough to make a peach cobbler and several jars of jam. The other brother cut a limb to start a new tree, which he planted and tended to. It eventually produced healthy crops of peaches for years.

Why retell that story? The Bible resembles a fruit-bearing tree. If we only hear the Word like the first brother, we have

...
read more

Contend for the Faith, Just not on FaceBook!

I’m starting to prepare lessons for the men’s Bible study, which will happen once a month. We’ll be going through 1 Timothy systematically. Today, I want to share something that has been heavy on my heart: our attitude toward the days we celebrate. Today is Good Friday, a day many in Christendom recognize.

I’ve seen many people argue about the exact time and day Jesus died. I understand, but I don’t think God is in heaven clapping about whether I got the day right—Tuesda...
read more

Trust and Obey

The story is about a young singer getting ready for an important audition. As she sits alone in her hotel room, far from home, she feels both excited and scared of failing. She keeps reminding herself that she might never have another chance if she does not get the job.

Have you ever felt nervous before a job interview? You might think that if you don’t get the job, you may never find another one. We’ve all experienced discouragement, unable to see other options that cou...
read more

He's Got You!

Good morning, readers of Food for Thought,

Today, I’d like to draw your attention to Psalm 37:23-24, which states:

23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, 

         when he delights in his way; 

24 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, 

          for the Lord upholds his hand. 

If I’m honest, most of you reading this have officially left the nest. Some of you, like me, may have gone into the military, while others went straight to college, got a job

...
read more

Arise and Shine

Good morning, rise and shine,The phrase " rise and shine " is not only used by parents; it was also employed in military boot camps, accompanied by the sound of a metal trash can rattling with a billy club. In Isaiah 60:1, we read: " Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. " This week, many believers will remember the Lord's death, but more importantly, His resurrection from the tomb. Isaiah exclaims, “Arise, shine, for your li

...
read more

Hold Fast

Good morning, friends,

A consistent walk is what the Lord desires from each of us. To achieve this, it is imperative that we hold steadfast to Jesus, maintain godly living, and adhere to biblical truth. One key aspect of holding fast is to be vigilant against those who are false teachers. Jude provides a description of these individuals in his letter, particularly in verse 4.—4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, u

...
read more

Be Kind

Good morning, friends!I hope this message finds you well! Today, I want to share some thoughts inspired by Ephesians 4:32, which reminds us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God forgave us in Christ.In a world that can often feel divided and unkind, it’s crucial for us as a faith community to lead by example. Here are a few points to consider:• Practice Kindness: Let’s make a conscious effort to treat each other with kindness. A simple smile or a kind word

...
read more

In the Know

Good morning thinkers,

How many times have you heard or said the phrase "In the know"? Well, guess what? John knew this and wanted his fellow believers to be excited about it, too! So, he shares these fantastic words in 1 John 3:18-19! Let’s dive in and explore together!—18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 19 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him;

The matter that John addresses pertains

...
read more

Raising the Standard

Good morning, friends,

Hey there!  I hope you had an amazing day of worship with your church family! If not, what happened?  I just snagged some awesome T-shirts from a Texas-based company called Patriot Crew! Founded in 2020, they’re all about creating fantastic tees while supporting veterans' mental health! Their motto? "Founded on the principles of traditional American values and a deep respect for those who serve, Patriot Crew is more than just a brand; it’s a commit

...
read more

Not Me!

Greetings saints,

Hey there!  One of my absolute favorite letters in the Bible is 1 John! Why, you ask? Because it beautifully shows us how we can have an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe! Isn’t that amazing? While I will be selecting a few verses for the next few days, I encourage you to read this brief letter, and I hope you will understand why I love it so much.

When we come to faith in Jesus, God cleanses us so that we may live Christlike lives

...
read more

We Gather Together

Good morning, saints of God,

Today, I want to emphasize the significance of gathering with fellow believers in your local church—not just for the treats at Calvary Cafe after the service but for the meaningful connections made before and during it.

In 1 Corinthians 14:26, Paul reminded the church at Corinth of our weekly gathering purpose. He wrote: 26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretatio

...
read more