Apicontent

Today’s Reading: John 21:4-6

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’ He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.”

* * * * *

The disciples were skilled fishermen. They had spent the entire night fishing, yet to no avail. They had caught nothing.

Jesus stood on the shore. It was early morning. As the sun peeked over the horizon, he called to them. They didn’t recognize him at first. He called out to them, “Children.” It was a term of endearment. His affection for all of them ran deep.

He then asked them if they had caught any fish. He knew they had caught nothing. That was part of the plan. He had willed for them to not catch anything. He had sovereignly decreed for all the fish to evade their nets.

He had a larger and better plan.

Jesus’ disciples answered him and said that they hadn’t caught anything. He told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.

The disciples wondered why they should obey some unknown figure instructing them from the shore. But they were tired. They knew they had nothing to lose. So they cast their nets on the other side of their boat.

When they did, they hauled in a large number of fish—too many for them to bring into the boat.

Do you see the purpose of all that happened here? This was similar to when Jesus fed the 5000.³⁰ With only five loaves and two fish, he fed them all—with 12 basketfuls of food left over. The disciples had been fishing all night and had caught nothing. But with one word, Jesus was able to supply a net so full of fish that they couldn’t even bring them all on board the boat.

Do you understand? He is not a God of paucity, but of abundance. He wants to give exceedingly and abundantly beyond what you could ever hope or imagine. How great is his goodness stored up for those who fear him!

The Lord is not a miser, nor is he stingy. He is a giver. He enjoys blessing his children. When you delight in him, he loves to grant you your heart’s desires. The Father so loved the world that he gave his only Son to die for you and give you eternal life. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. He gives hope to those who feel nothing good is going to happen.

Your faith increases when you know what kind of God he really is. He is not trying to deny you life’s enjoyment. He withholds no good thing from those who do what’s right.

Don’t give up. Keep persevering. Defeat happens only when you quit trying. Do what he says. Go to the other side of the boat and try again.

And experience the abundant blessings he has waiting for you there.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 21:15-19

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Peter was grieved because he said to him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he said to him, ‘Lord you know everything; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”

* * * * *

Jesus was doing spiritual heart surgery on Peter. He wanted Peter to know of his forgiveness for his denials. He desired for Peter to know that his love conquers all sin. He hungered for Peter’s heart to believe he still had a great plan for his life.

Three times, Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Three times, Peter responded in the affirmative. But the third time that Jesus asked this question, Peter showed great angst. Exasperated, he said, “Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus smiled inwardly, for Peter’s heart was now prepared to receive Jesus’ purpose for his life..

How did Jesus know Peter was ready? He knew because Peter had not only admitted his love for the Lord, but he also realized that Jesus knew everything. Peter trusted Jesus with all his being. That was essential— and the Lord knew Peter’s heart belonged totally to him.

Jesus then commissioned Peter again to feed his sheep. He knew Peter would. He knew this disciple would take the message of forgiveness and faith that he had personally experienced and faithfully impart it to others.

That was Jesus’ plan for Peter. In the upper room, Satan had asked permission to sift Peter like wheat.³¹ As with Job, the Lord granted permission. There is nothing Satan can do to any of his followers unless God permits it. He may be the devil, but he is God’s devil. He is on a leash. He is not all-powerful.

Though this sifting would be exceedingly painful for Peter, it was Jesus’ will for him. The pain would burn away his arrogance and impetuousness. It would prepare him for the plan Jesus had for him to be a primary pillar in the church.

It would also give Peter insights into essential eternal truths. His two New Testament letters were written primarily to a persecuted people. Because he had gone through his own deep pain, suffering, and disappointment, he could express the power of God’s grace to those who needed great comfort and encouragement. The words he wrote would be life-giving words based on his own personal experience.

And the readers of his letters would have their faith profoundly encouraged.

There is purpose in your pain as well. The Lord keeps track of all your sorrows. He collects your tears in a bottle and records each one.³² No tear that you shed is ever useless. No sigh in your soul goes unheeded.

How might God be using your troubles? The comfort you have received from him, you’ll be able to give to others who are walking through a similar experience.³³ Like Peter, you’ll be able to give to them the grace that you yourself received.

God causes all things to work together for good—even your painful problems.

If you don’t believe that’s true, read what Peter wrote in his two New Testament letters.

He will assure you there that it is true.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 21:7-14

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.’ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.”

* * * * *

When Peter recognized Jesus on the shore, he swam to him. After he arrived, Jesus asked the disciples to bring him some fish. He wanted to fix breakfast for them and care for their every need.

Peter then went back to the boat and helped haul ashore the net full of fish. It should have torn, but did not. And these were not small fish, but large, healthy, and meaty ones.

How the Lord loves to lavish good gifts on his children. His steadfast grace gives unbroken nets and large fish. It knows no bounds. It never ceases and is new every morning. It is limitless for every day of life. Great is his faithfulness.

The disciples counted the huge haul. There were 153 fish in all. As fishermen, they always counted the number of fish caught before going to market. It was a way of comparing one day’s work to the next, a way of computing success over weeks and months.

Some scholars have suggested that 153 also corresponds to the known number of different people groups at that point in human history. They wonder if this was Jesus’ way of reminding his disciples of their calling to be fishers of men and to take the gospel to every people group in the world. To fish for people’s souls was their primary calling.

There are two specific faces of grace we should note here.

First, Jesus wants to lavish his grace on you personally. It is an amazing grace. It is not only sufficient for everything you face in life, but is also given to you abundantly. He wants to give you unbroken nets of grace, full of large blessings.

Second, you are to be a messenger of his grace. You are a fisher of men. Jesus wants you to have a heart for the entire world to know him as Lord and Savior. He wants everyone, everywhere, to know about his abundant grace. Be local and global when you think about telling others of his love.

As you go, don’t despair about anything. The Lord will supply your every need according to his heavenly riches. Your nets will not break. They are strong enough for your every need. And his fish aren’t tiny, but large. How he enjoys giving you his good gifts!

Find ways to give his grace away to those around you and throughout the world. Just as you need his abundant grace, so do they. Don’t get tired of doing what is good. When you persevere, at just the right time, you will reap a harvest of blessing. Don’t give up.

When you fish for men, you are fulfilling one of the major reasons God created you. There is great joy in knowing you have helped introduce someone to Jesus and changed their eternal trajectory.

The angels in heaven rejoice when even one sinner comes home. Experience their joy as well as you obey Jesus’ call to be his witness and make disciples of all the nations.

You are his ambassador to a dying world that needs his grace.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 20:1-5

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.”

* * * * *

Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb early on Sunday morning. It was the first day of the week. Soon thereafter, Jesus’ followers started worshiping him on this day. It was to honor the day of his resurrection from the dead.

That Christ is worshiped on Sunday is another proof he was raised from the dead. Think about it. For more than a millennium, Jews had faithfully worshiped God on Saturday. Yet in a brief period of time, Christians changed this sacred worship day. Plus, they worshiped Jesus on this day. There is one major reason: They had seen him alive. It was a way to honor the importance of the resurrection.

The resurrection proves not only that Jesus is God, but that he is also worthy of worship.

The other Gospel accounts share that Mary Magdalene was not alone at the tomb. There were other women with her. You always want to make sure you read these accounts alongside one another so you will have the most complete picture of what happened. Good detectives always talk to multiple witnesses so they can put together the full story of what happened. Their gathering of independent accounts can help prove there was no corroboration.

When the women arrived, they saw that the large stone that had been placed in front of the tomb had been rolled away. And they couldn’t find Jesus’ body.

Mary Magdalene pondered a very significant question: Who moved the stone? It’s a question of great importance. Your answer determines your eternal destination.

Not knowing what had happened, Mary Magdalene concluded the Roman authorities had moved the stone. That’s one option. But why would they? They were clearly instructed by Pilate to guard the tomb and make sure no one moved the stone and stole Jesus’ body. Plus, if the body had been stolen, they would have to suffer the penalty of the person whose body was gone. That means they would have been crucified themselves. They were highly motivated to keep Jesus’ body in the tomb.

Others since have suggested the Jewish authorities had moved the stone and stolen the body. But the question asked about the Roman authorities must similarly be asked here: Why would they? They wanted all resurrection rumors squelched. They had nothing to gain by stealing Jesus’ body.

Still others say the disciples rolled away the stone and stole Jesus’ body. But was this possible? How could a ragtag group of forlorn, discouraged men elude crack Roman guards, move the huge stone, and steal the body? It makes no rational sense. Also, they were hiding for their lives. They thought persecution and death would come to them as it had for their Master. Why would they make themselves readily available to potential arrest and crucifixion?

There is really only one remaining option for who moved the stone: God did. And he moved the stone not to let Jesus out, but to let you in. He wanted everyone, for all time, to see that the tomb was empty.

Jesus was no longer there. The tomb was empty. He is alive!

And now you know this good news: Because of Jesus’ resurrection, when you place your faith in him, your sins are forever forgiven.

Your heart can rest in this hope—today and every day you will ever face.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 18:19-24

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ Jesus answered him, ‘If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?’ Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas.”

* * * * *

Annas was the former high priest—back when Jesus had cleansed the Temple three years earlier. That had embarrassed Annas, so he despised Jesus. He had wanted to exact some revenge, though he didn’t have any authority to do so at that time.

Annas asked Jesus about his teaching. Jesus told him to talk with those who had listened to him in the synagogues and Temple. That led one of the nearby guards to strike Jesus. He thought Jesus was being insolent and disrespectful.

The guard’s blow was another way Jesus took your punishment for sin upon himself. He endured great injustice because of his great love for you.

But there’s another truth here that the Lord wants you to ponder.

There are times when you should not try to defend yourself. Some hours later, when Jesus was before Herod, he refused to respond to him and defend himself. He knew it was useless for him to say anything to Herod.

But with Annas, Jesus did the opposite. There are times when it’s necessary to defend yourself—especially when the accusations aren’t truthful. The guard thought Jesus to be insolent. But Jesus knew that he’d spoken nothing but the truth. As God’s law says in Exodus 22:28: “You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” Jesus had not cursed Annas, nor had he reviled God. He was perfectly within his rights to defend himself.

Truthful self-defense is not sinful. If someone is maliciously spreading lies about you, it is perfectly acceptable for you to defend yourself. You can set the record straight. If you don’t, who will?

People will revile you because you love Jesus. Lies will be spread about you. The father of lies will work behind the scenes to slander your name. But don’t despair. Though they can kill the body, they can’t touch your soul. Speak the truth in love. Stand courageously for the Lord. He will give you the words to speak when you need them.

He will do that because his love for you is so great.

Annas then sent Jesus to Caiaphas, who despised him as well. The plot to kill Jesus was inching forward. The plan to make salvation available to the world was advancing as well.

None of the Father’s plans can be thwarted. This is true for everything in the world. All human history is God’s story.

It’s true in your personal life as well. He knew you while you were being formed in your mother’s womb. He knew you by name before the world was ever created.

God’s purpose for your life is perfect.

No weapon formed against you will prosper.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 18:25-27

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Peter again denied it, and at once the rooster crowed.”

* * * * *

Back when Jesus had washed Peter’s feet, he predicted that Peter would deny him three times before the rooster finished crowing. It would be a moment of intense shame for Peter.

That prediction came true. As Peter stood in the high priest’s courtyard, he denied knowing the Lord—three times. The final denial was spoken to one of Malchus’s relatives. (Malchus was the one whose ear Peter had cut off in the garden of Gethsemane.) Then the rooster crowed.

There were times when Peter was impetuously courageous. For example, when Jesus called Peter to become a follower, he immediately dropped his nets and did so. Later, during a storm, he was the only disciple to jump out of the boat and walk on water toward Jesus. And the night before the Lord went to the cross, Peter boastfully proclaimed he’d be willing to die for him.

But Peter also had times of embarrassing cowardice. When he faced his own crucible in the courtyard, he denied he knew Jesus. In the Lord’s hour of greatest need, Peter failed him.

In fact, Peter did exactly what Judas had done. He betrayed Jesus. But Peter returned to Jesus. He experienced Jesus’ gracious forgiveness. He repented and was restored to fellowship and friendship with Jesus.

Godly sorrow always leads to repentance. That was not the case for Judas. He felt sorrow, but was too proud to ask for forgiveness. Jesus would have immediately given it to him. Even at the last supper, the Lord purposely seated Judas to his left—the position of honor. Up till the last moment, Jesus yearned for him to repent. But Judas stubbornly refused.

The Savior will not force repentance on anyone. Not even the city of Jerusalem, which he had wanted to gather under his wings as a mother hen does her brood. But she refused.

Godly sorrow leads to repentance. That is the deep feeling of regret that wants to change the behavior that initially broke the Father’s heart. It changes life’s trajectory and moves in a direction away from sin. It receives grace that restores a life broken by sin. It rescues those with a crushed spirit.

Jesus will never reject a contrite and repentant heart. He entered this world to save sinners. He is gracious and merciful. If you return to him, you will live. He will never turn his face from you if you return to him.

Jesus loves to give second chances. Just look at Peter.

Jesus restored Peter with his grace and made him a rock in his kingdom.

Let him do so with you as well.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 19:12-16

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now it was the day of the preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!’ They cried out, ‘Away with him, away with him, crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar.’ So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.”

* * * * *

It was the day of the preparation for the Passover. The Passover lambs were being prepared in the Temple area to be slaughtered for the sins of the people. And Jesus was being prepared as well, as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

Pilate brought Jesus into the courtyard— beaten and bedraggled. He said, “Behold, your King!” The mob yelled back, “Away with him, crucify him!” Pilate responded, “Shall I crucify your King?” They retorted, “We have no king but Caesar.”

Astonishingly, the crowd acknowledged Caesar, not God, as their king. They subverted their own national heritage. They committed blasphemy—the very crime they accused Jesus of committing! God had repeatedly told his people only he could be their King.¹⁷ Yet the people denied their own messianic expectations of a king who would come and free them from Roman oppression.

Seeing this intensely obdurate opposition, Pilate had no other option. To maintain his power and prevent a rebellion, he was forced to give Jesus over to be crucified.

With the death sentence pronounced, Jesus received 39 lashes. This act was nicknamed “intermediate death.” A whip was matted with metal, glass, and bone. Each lash bit deeply into the Savior’s flesh, ripping apart skin, muscle, and sinew. The purpose was to weaken the body so death would not linger on the cross.

Jesus went through all this agony for you. Those lashes should have been yours. Your sin caused great alienation between you and the heavenly Father. But Jesus took the punishment for your sin upon himself so you wouldn’t have to receive it.

That’s how much he loves you.

Could there be a greater love in the universe than that of Jesus laying down his life for you? A friend would die for a friend, but who would suffer and die for an enemy? Jesus suffered excruciating agony so you wouldn’t have to. He gave his life for you. He died in your place.

Jesus knew no sin, yet he became sin so that you might become the righteousness of God.¹⁸ The proof of this love is that while you were still wallowing in your sin, he died for you. He didn’t wait for you to try to become perfect before he went to the cross to die for your sins.

What more could he give you?

Contemplate and grasp today the depth, breadth, width, and height of his love for you. Believe it’s true. It’s lavish and without limit. Claim it for yourself. Cling to it no matter what you’re facing.

And you’ll discover he is able to do in and through you more than you could ever think or imagine.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 19:17-27

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

* * * * *

Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified. He was nailed to the cross, and people waited for him to die.

At the foot of the cross were Jesus’ closest friends and relatives. There was his mother, Mary. She had carried him in her womb. Now she awaited him placed in a tomb.

Mary’s sister, Salome, was there as well. She was the mother of James and John, two of the disciples. Mary Magdalene was present. She had experienced a dramatic life change when Jesus had freed her from past bondages. She’d become a new creation because of his grace.

And there was John. All the other disciples had fled in fear. They were convinced they too would be arrested and crucified. But John stayed true to the end. How great was his love and courage! He was truly the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Even in his last moments on earth, Jesus remained committed to perfectly obeying the Father’s moral law. The Ten Commandments were given by the heavenly Father to express his heart of perfect righteousness. Therefore, as death neared, Jesus desired to obey the command to honor his parents.¹⁹ He wanted to make provision for his mother after he died. She was a widow. She had no income or anyone to take care of her.

So Jesus turned to Mary and said, “Woman.” It was a term of endearment. He loved her deeply. She was a woman of extraordinary faith and obedience.

Jesus said to his mother, “Behold your son.” He wanted her to know that John would now be responsible for caring for her for the rest of her life. Jesus then pointed her to his dear friend John and told her he was now her son. From that moment onward, John took Mary into his home. He made sure her every earthly need was addressed until she died and went home to be with the Lord.

The lesson here is clear: Do the same for your parents. To honor your parents is one of the Ten Commandments. It’s also the only one that has a promise connected to it: You will live long in the land.

Yes, the Lord understands your situation if you had bad parents. If they abused you, you don’t have to let them continually abuse you. But you are still commanded to honor them. That means you pray for them. You forgive them for any wrong they’ve done to you. Perhaps because of your love for Jesus that is expressed in the ways you minister to your parents as they age, they will repent and seek forgiveness from God.

And remember this truth: You will age as well. Your children are watching you as you care for your parents. Your example will determine how they care for you.

As you honor your parents, the Lord will honor you. It’s a moral requirement from him. Always honor your parents.

Jesus did so with his mother. Do so with your parents.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]

Today’s Reading: John 19:28-30

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), ‘I thirst’…When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

* * * * *

Jesus knew death was near. He knew his work on earth was almost complete.

Before he died, he said, “I thirst.” There was a specific reason. He was fulfilling a specific prophecy. Psalm 22 is a messianic psalm. It looks forward to the Savior and addresses the righteous one of God suffering in thirst (verse 15).

Every word of God’s Word is true. The Holy Spirit authored it. It was not written by fiat. Every word in it was written for a reason.

The Savior’s thirst on the cross shows his humanity. He was totally divine and human at the same time. Because of his humanity, there is no temptation that you face that he is not aware of. When you become weary, remember that he became weary. When you feel alone, know that he felt the same way. He desired human relationships, as you do. He faced death, as you do. He became thirsty, as you do.

That means there’s nothing you experience in this life that he doesn’t understand. As your eternal friend, you can lean on him with all your burdens. He understands them all. He empathizes with your every hurt. He will help you carry them.

Then, after Jesus drank the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he died.

What is the “it” that Jesus finished? “It” is the finished work of your salvation. He had completed the work on earth for which he’d been sent. Where Adam had failed to obey God’s moral law, Jesus was successful. He had finished living the perfect, sinless, and righteous life no human could ever live. He had met every single aspect of the righteous requirements of God’s law.

Jesus had to be perfect God and perfect man for forgiveness to occur. He had to be perfect man and meet the law’s requirements to substitute his life for yours. He had to be perfect God to pay the price for your sin. God is the offended party with your sin. Only he can grant forgiveness.

Jesus bore the penalty for your sin. Your debt to the heavenly Father was paid in full. Jesus’ obedience to what the Father had asked him to do was now complete.

Jesus “gave up” his life. His spirit was released from his body. In three days, it would be covered in a new, glorious, and perfect resurrection body.

On the cross, the Savior finished the work of righteousness you could not accomplish. He now offers you the forgiveness of your sins through his completed work on the cross. It’s a gift offered to you, the gift of eternal life—all by grace through faith.

Have you received this free gift today? Yes, it’s easy for you to obtain. But it cost the heavenly Father everything to make it easy for you to receive—even the death of his only Son. But he desired to make salvation easy for you because of his great love for you.

He loves each of us like there is only one of us.

If you have received this free gift, your sins are forgiven. You need never fear death. You have eternal security in the Lord.

It’s guaranteed by Jesus’ finished work.

[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]