Do Whatever He Tells You
by Gary Cheaney on April 10th, 2026
Obedience Unlocks the Miracle
John 2:5 CSB - "Do whatever he tells you," His mother told the servants.
Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine—teaches that obedience to His instructions unlocks God’s miraculous power. Mary’s simple direction, “Do whatever He tells you,” shows the importance of trusting and acting on Jesus’ word, even in difficult or confusing circumstances. The servants’ obedience led to an outcome far beyond human expectation, illustrating that God uses our participation to accomplish His purposes. The passage reminds us that when we faithfully follow Jesus, the impossible becomes possible.
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Full of Grace and Truth
by Gary Cheaney on April 9th, 2026
Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound
SCRIPTURE:
John 1:14 CSB - The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John reveals that Jesus is God in the flesh, full of both grace and truth, demonstrating that God’s character is perfectly balanced between mercy and holiness. Grace offers forgiveness and salvation, while truth calls us to holiness; neither can exist without the other. Focusing on Jesus—the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—keeps us aligned with both grace and truth. As we walk in Him, His character flows through us, guiding our lives toward love, holiness, and freedom.
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Early on a Sunday Morning
by Gary Cheaney on April 8th, 2026
The Dawn of New Life
Luke 24:1-2 NLT - But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance.
In Luke 24, the women discovered the empty tomb early Sunday morning, revealing that Jesus had risen and that death and darkness were defeated. Like the sun breaking through after a storm, His resurrection brought new life, hope, and victory over sin. Though the disciples initially struggled with doubt, Jesus appeared to them, offering peace and assurance. The passage reminds us that no matter how dark life feels, Christ’s resurrection brings light, renewal, and the promise of salvation.
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Entitled
by Gary Cheaney on April 7th, 2026
Receiving What We Don’t Deserve
Luke 23:34 NLT - … "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing."
In Luke 23, Jesus—even though declared innocent multiple times—was condemned by people driven by a false sense of entitlement, thinking they deserved salvation and righteousness. Despite human guilt, Jesus responded with grace, praying for forgiveness for those who crucified Him. The passage shows that salvation isn't something we earn or deserve but a gift given through Christ’s sacrifice. It calls us to reject entitlement and humbly accept the grace freely offered to us.
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That’s Enough
by Gary Cheaney on April 6th, 2026
Learning When to Lay Down the Sword
Luke 22:38 NLT - "Look, Lord," they replied, "we have two swords among us." "That's enough," he said.
Jesus’ statement “That’s enough” was not a call to physical defense but a signal that His time of suffering and sacrifice had come. The disciples, especially Peter, misunderstood and were ready to fight, but Jesus made it clear that His mission could not be achieved with the sword but only through the cross. He alone had to face what was ahead, as no one else could fulfill that purpose. The passage encourages us to stop relying on our own strength and trust Jesus when He says, “Enough.”
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Given Everything
by Gary Cheaney on April 3rd, 2026
The Heart That Gives It All
Luke 21:3-4 NLT - "I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has."
In Luke 21, Jesus highlights the widow’s offering to show that God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount given. While others gave from their surplus, she gave everything, demonstrating complete trust and devotion. This teaches that true giving is not about wealth but about fully surrendering our hearts to God. When He has our whole heart, our lives naturally reflect sacrificial love and devotion.
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Cornerstone
by Gary Cheaney on April 2nd, 2026
The Foundation That Holds It All Together
Luke 20:17 NLT - Jesus looked at them and said, "Then what does this Scripture mean? 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'
In Luke 20, Jesus reveals Himself as the cornerstone—the essential foundation rejected by the religious leaders yet chosen by God. Though they questioned His authority, He showed that everything pointed to Him as the fulfillment of God’s plan. Without Christ, there is no true foundation for faith, forgiveness, or life. We must choose to build our lives on Him, the only firm foundation that will never fail.
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The Way to Peace
by Gary Cheaney on April 1st, 2026
True peace is not political or external, but personal and found only in Jesus Christ
Luke 19:41-42 NLT - But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. "How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes.
In Luke 19, Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because the people failed to recognize the true way to peace standing before them. They longed for political deliverance, but Jesus came to bring a deeper peace—reconciliation with God through His sacrifice. Their misunderstanding led them to reject Him, revealing that true peace cannot be found in external solutions. Lasting peace is found only in a personal relationship with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
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Pray and Never Give Up
by Gary Cheaney on March 31st, 2026
Persistence in prayer strengthens faith and reveals trust in God
Luke 18:6-8 NLT - Then the Lord said, "Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?"
In Luke 18, Jesus teaches that persistent prayer is an expression of faith and trust in God. Unlike the unjust judge, God is willing and eager to respond, yet He calls us to keep praying without losing heart. Our persistence reveals whether we truly trust Him, especially when answers seem delayed. As we continue in prayer, our faith is strengthened, and our hearts align more closely with His will.
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Faith to Forgive
by Gary Cheaney on March 30th, 2026
Forgiveness takes faith, love, and humility
Luke 17:6 NLT - The Lord answered, "If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,' and it would obey you!
In Luke 17, Jesus teaches that forgiveness requires faith, even when it feels difficult or undeserved. The disciples recognized this challenge and asked for greater faith to forgive repeatedly, as Jesus commanded. He shows that even small faith can uproot deep-rooted bitterness and release us from unforgiveness. As those who have been forgiven much, we are called to forgive others in humility and obedience to Christ.
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How Great a Chasm
by Gary Cheaney on March 27th, 2026
Only Jesus can bridge the gap between God and man
Luke 16:26 NLT - And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.
In Luke 16, Jesus teaches through the rich man and Lazarus that no amount of wealth, status, or effort can bridge the eternal gap between God and man. This “great chasm” reveals that what truly matters is not outward appearance, but who we trust with our hearts. Only Jesus, through His finished work, can close that gap and offer salvation. Our hope is not in ourselves, but in Him alone—the One who makes a way where none exists. Read More
Notoriously Lost, But Now Found
by Gary Cheaney on March 26th, 2026
Grace reaches even the most undeserving
Luke 15:1-2, 32 NLT - Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people--even eating with them ... We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life He was lost, but now he is found'"
In Luke 15, Jesus shares parables that reveal God’s heart for the lost and His joy when even one sinner repents. The religious leaders missed this truth, focusing on separation instead of grace, while Jesus welcomed and restored the undeserving. These stories remind us that all have sinned, and salvation comes not by merit but by God’s grace alone. Instead of judgment, we are called to rejoice when the lost are found and celebrate the transforming power of His mercy. Read More
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2026
January
Words Spoken at the Right TimeHe Will SaveShining as the StarSOAPRepentance: It’s a Good ThingDawning of a New LifePerfect Not PerfectionThe Cure for AnxietyThe Way We Think About and Treat OthersRight AwayTax Collectors and SinnersChoosing Christ Above AllThe Yoke of LearningHope In His NameWhere Did He Learn ThisImmediatelyFrom the HeartOn This RockMustard Seed FaithTrue HumilityMission ImpossibleMoved with Compassion
February
Change Your MindInvitationDrop the MaskGood News ProclaimedDid or Did NotYour Accent Gives You AwayEli, Eli, Lama SabachthaniThe EndIf You Are WillingSins Are ForgivenCrazy!Silence! Be Still!Saw and Heard – Jesus Something BlessedEphphathaRight PerspectiveSalt and PeaceServe Not ServedRemoving DifficultiesAbundance vs Poverty
March
Never FailAnointing, Betrayal, and DenialCarry Jesus’s CrossRolling StonesGod Will Never FailSalvation In Three StoriesSlaves and SandalsThe Lord's Favor Has ComeCalling All SinnersActing As ChildrenDo You See This WomanPreaching and Announcing the Good NewsWhen We Can’tGo and Do the SameHow You Should PraySet on FireOne More ChanceTake the Lowest PlaceNotoriously Lost, But Now FoundHow Great a ChasmFaith to ForgivePray and Never Give Up
