Your Accent Gives You Away
by Gary Cheaney on February 9th, 2026
Your Accent Gives You Away Transformation Revealed in Speech Matthew 26:73 CSB - After a little while those standing there approached and said to Peter, "You really are one of them, since even your accent gives you away." Peter’s accent and speech revealed his growing transformation, even as he struggled with fear and denial. Though he failed and made mistakes, Jesus continued to restore and guide him, ultimately using him to proclaim the gospel powerfully. This reminds us that spending time with Jesus gradually changes our words and actions, reflecting His work in us. True transformation is a process, and even our smallest expressions can reveal Christ within us.  Read More
Did or Did Not
by Gary Cheaney on February 6th, 2026
Serving the Least Is Serving Christ Matthew 25:40, 45 NKJV - "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'” ... "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'” God cares about our moral character, as revealed in how we treat others, especially the least among us. The parable of the Sheep and the Goats shows that serving those in need is the same as serving Christ, while failing to serve reflects a heart disconnected from Him. Both groups had the same opportunity, but only the righteous acted. True faith is demonstrated through love in action, not just words or belief.   Read More
Good News Proclaimed
by Gary Cheaney on February 5th, 2026
Sharing the Gospel Until the End Matthew 24:14 CSB - "This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. Jesus promised that the Good News of the kingdom would be proclaimed to all nations before the end comes. Despite persecution, false prophets, and societal decline, God’s plan cannot be thwarted. History shows that revival often comes in the darkest times, and God calls us to participate by praying for His Spirit to move in our generation and to proclaim the gospel. Even in darkness, the light of the gospel shines, and we are called to share it faithfully.   Read More
Drop the Mask
by Gary Cheaney on February 4th, 2026
Authenticity Over Hypocrisy Matthew 23:3 CSB - "Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don't do what they do, because they don't practice what they teach. Jesus rebukes religious hypocrisy, warning against pretending to be righteous while lacking a true relationship with God. A hypocrite may look faithful outwardly, but their heart remains far from God, leading to emptiness and misery. True faith comes from dropping the mask, coming to Jesus on His terms, and dwelling under His wings of shelter, safety, and salvation. Faith is genuine when our actions align with our beliefs, not just appearances.   Read More
Invitation
by Gary Cheaney on February 3rd, 2026
Responding to the Father's Call Matthew 22:14 CSB - "For many are invited, but few are chosen." Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast illustrates that many are invited to God’s kingdom, but only those who respond in faith are chosen. Guests may be indifferent, antagonistic, or unchanged by the gospel, yet the invitation remains open to all. True life begins when we respond with open hearts, believe in Jesus, and allow His grace to transform us. God’s call is personal, merciful, and extends to everyone willing to come.   Read More
Change Your Mind
by Gary Cheaney on February 2nd, 2026
From Words to Action: Repentance Shapes Your Life Matthew 21:32 CSB - "For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him. Tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; but you, when you saw it, didn't even change your minds then and believe him. Jesus’ Parable of the Two Sons teaches that true repentance and obedience matter more than words or promises. The first son initially refused but changed his mind and acted; the second son spoke the right words but never followed through. Like tax collectors and sinners who believed and acted, our faith must be shown through changed hearts and lives. Let us move from words to action, allowing God’s grace to transform us into obedient children of His kingdom.   Read More
Moved with Compassion
by Gary Cheaney on January 30th, 2026
When Mercy Awakens Eyes and Hearts Matthew 20:34 CSB - Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they could see, and they followed him. Jesus was moved with compassion by the cries of the blind men, responding with touch and immediate healing. Their faith and persistence in calling out to Him, despite opposition, opened their eyes both physically and spiritually. This story reminds us that hearing of Jesus is not enough—we must cry out for mercy and respond immediately when He calls. When we do, our eyes are opened, and we can follow Him without delay.   Read More
Mission Impossible
by Gary Cheaney on January 29th, 2026
When What Seems Impossible Becomes Possible Through God Matthew 19:26 NKJV - But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Salvation is impossible through human effort, no matter how good or wealthy we may be, as illustrated by the rich young ruler. Jesus shows that what is impossible for us becomes possible through God’s grace and power. True salvation is not earned but received as a free gift, requiring surrender of self-reliance and trust in Him. When we embrace this truth, what once seemed unattainable becomes fully possible with God.   Read More
True Humility
by Gary Cheaney on January 28th, 2026
The Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 18:4 NKJV – “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” True greatness in God’s kingdom is found not in status or self-promotion but in childlike humility. Jesus corrected the disciples’ arguments about superiority by pointing to a child—someone with no social standing, no pretense, and no ability to deceive. Scripture shows that Jesus Himself modeled this humility, ultimately becoming obedient even to death on the cross. We are called to follow His example, rejecting pride and imitating humility so that our lives point others toward Him.   Read More
Mustard Seed Faith
by Gary Cheaney on January 27th, 2026
Growing Strong in the Valley, Not Just on the Mountain Matthew 17:20 NKJV - So Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” The disciples’ mountaintop experience quickly gave way to a valley of challenge, where their inability to help a demon-possessed boy revealed their dependence on Jesus. Through this moment, they learned that true growth comes not from spiritual highs but from bringing real problems to Christ and relying on His power rather than their own. Jesus taught them that even mustard-seed faith—small but genuine—can move mountains when rooted in Him, and that prayer and fasting deepen this reliance. We, too, grow strongest in the valley when we trust Jesus, seek Him earnestly, and let Him work through our weakness.   Read More
On This Rock
by Gary Cheaney on January 26th, 2026
Built on Christ, the True Cornerstone Matthew 16:18 NKJV - "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." Jesus’ words to Peter reveal that while Peter would play a significant role in the early Church, the true foundation is Christ Himself—the Chief Cornerstone. Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” demonstrated the revelation upon which the Church would be built. Even Peter later affirmed that believers are “living stones,” but Jesus alone is the precious and chosen foundation of God’s spiritual house. Our stability and strength come from standing firmly on Christ, the unshakable Rock.  Read More
From the Heart
by Gary Cheaney on January 23rd, 2026
Matthew 15:1-2 NKJV - (1) Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, (2) "Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread." Jesus teaches that true defilement does not come from outward actions like eating with unwashed hands, but from the sinful attitudes and behaviors that flow from the heart. The religious leaders focused on traditions, but their hearts were far from God, revealing hypocrisy. Since the heart is naturally deceitful, only Jesus can cleanse and transform us from within. By confessing our sins and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us, we can honor God not only with our words but with genuine hearts.   Read More
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