Apicontent

Today’s Reading: John 16:12-15

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

* * * * *

Jesus’ greatest gift to you is not earthly presents but his eternal presence. He promised he would be with you—even to the close of the age. That promise is fulfilled when, at the moment of salvation, the Spirit of truth comes to you.

Notice Jesus called him the Spirit of truth. He wants to guide you into all truth. There is absolute truth in the world; the Father ordered it that way.

Jesus is that truth.

If you are truly seeking him with all your heart, you will be guided into all truth. You will deny the lie of this world that truth is whatever you believe it to be or that truth is a social construct. Rather, you will understand the difference between right and wrong and be able to discern good from evil. Absolute truth will form the foundation of your faith.

The Spirit of truth does not speak on his own authority. He hears from Jesus, and Jesus speaks through him. The Spirit only speaks what Jesus tells him.

The Helper does not want any attention. He wishes to point people to Jesus and for him alone to be exalted. He yearns for you to see that Jesus is the King of kings. He longs for you to believe that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.

The Holy Spirit knows the future and how the world will end. He reveals insights about future events—especially Jesus’ second coming— through the Word. Though you should never attempt to predict the time or date of Christ’s return, you are told to look at the times and seasons and discern how they fit with his revelations.

The Helper not only knows the world’s future, but also discerns your future. He is aware of where your life is headed. Perhaps he will reveal it to you.

Most often, though, he will not.

Nothing in your life is catching the Helper by surprise. He will guide you with every step you take. You do not need to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s troubles are enough for today. The Holy Spirit is guiding you along the right path and is watching over every step you take. You can be sure his plans for you are good.

Do you need truth today? Seek the Holy Spirit of truth. He will reveal it to you.

Do you want to glorify Jesus with all your words and works? That is the Helper’s desire as well. Seek the Holy Spirit of truth. He will show you how to glorify Jesus.

The Spirit’s presence and guidance is Jesus’ greatest gift to you.

Rest peacefully and securely today in him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 13:36-38

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Simon Peter said to him, ‘Lord, where are you going?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.’”

* * * * *

Jesus loved Simon Peter. He knew this disciple had a big heart for him. There was little question about Peter’s devotion to the Lord.

But how Peter struggled with his flesh! He was so impetuous. Frequently he would speak before thinking. His emotions easily swayed him. That’s why Jesus called him “Simon bar Jonah.” In Scripture, “Jonah” is the same word for “dove.” As a dove flies one direction and abruptly changes to another, so did Peter.

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter even fudged on the gospel of grace. He was in Antioch, eating with Gentiles—as he should have been. Then the Judaizers came to town. They were convinced that new believers needed to be under Jewish law and be circumcised, and they persuaded Peter of this. So he stopped having fellowship with Gentile converts.

Paul called out Peter publicly for his prejudice. Peter knew he was wrong and repented immediately.

Do you see the pattern? Even when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, your flesh can still be easily manipulated. Often your spirit is willing, but your flesh is weak.

Peter asked Jesus where he was going. The Lord told Peter it was a place he couldn’t immediately come to. Later, he would be able to. Jesus was referring to heaven. Peter said he wanted to follow the Lord now and would even be willing to die for him.

Once again, Peter was being impetuous. He didn’t understand the profound disappointment he would feel after Jesus’ death, nor the antagonism, hatred, fury, and persecution that he would receive from the religious authorities. Jesus foresaw the future. He knew that Peter would deny him three times.

Peter and Judas behaved similarly. Judas was tempted by power and money and failed Jesus. Peter was tempted by fear and cowardice and failed Jesus. Even though their sins were different, they both betrayed the Lord in his hour of greatest need.

Though they behaved similarly, their responses were very different. Judas never repented. He felt sorrow for what he had done, but he never repented. Instead, he committed suicide. By contrast, Peter felt sorrow and repented. And Jesus, in one of his resurrection appearances, assured Peter three times of his unconditional love and forgiveness for him—one for each of Peter’s betrayals. Their relationship was restored.

Repentance is the key. It stops the behavior that is breaking God’s heart. It admits you are wrong and chooses to go in a different direction. If you return to the Lord and repent of your wrong, he will restore you. He loves to heal wayward hearts and give second chances.

Failure happens only when you fail to return to Jesus. His grace covers all sins—no matter how great or small, including Peter’s. Including yours.

You can’t sin beyond his grace.

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

Today’s Reading: John 13:1-5

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”

* * * * *

The Jews had rejected Jesus. It was the night before he went to the cross. He was nearing the Father’s appointed time to die.

As you read about his preparation for the cross, keep in mind these three points:

First, because the Jews had rejected Jesus, he was now devoting his full attention to those who had faithfully followed him to the end. Through them, he was going to start a movement that would change the world. They were now his focus.

Second, the devil had put into Judas’s heart the desire to betray Jesus. Satan was the tempter from the beginning. Though Satan’s temptations are inevitable and common to all, he can’t force you to do anything against your will. But he can tempt you in the hopes of getting you to make bad choices. That’s what he did with Judas, who loved money and power. He ensnared Judas and had him choose to betray Jesus. Beware! The enemy works to ensnare you in similar ways.

Third, the Father in heaven had given Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth. The Son had come from him, and would soon return to him.

These lessons are ones you need to know well. But the most important lesson—one that applies to all believers—is Jesus’ call on your life to be a servant. Why did he take the towel and basin and began washing the disciples’ feet? Luke’s Gospel tells us. According to his telling of what happened that night, an argument had erupted among the disciples about who was the greatest (Luke 22:24-27). Sadly, this selfish debate exploded several times during their three-plus years together.

That’s when Jesus took the towel and basin and started washing the disciples’ feet. This domestic duty was usually reserved for a household helper. It was essential in a culture where people wore sandals and walked many miles on dusty or muddy roads, which would cause their feet to become exceedingly dirty.

Jesus himself had carried out a most menial household duty that only the lowest of servants would perform. He was showing humility— the earmark of anyone who would choose to follow him. He wanted all his followers to emulate his example.

You are called to wash others’ feet. You are called to serve, not be served, and to give your life away to a dying world.

Do you acknowledge this truth today? If so, go find someone whose feet you can wash. Find someone you can serve. Find someone to whom you can give hope.

You will find yourself when you lose yourself in something greater than yourself. Your depression will lift like the noonday sun shining on creation.

It’s one of the most important lessons you can ever learn.

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

Today’s Reading: John 13:6-11

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus answered them, ‘The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, ‘Not all of you are clean.’”

* * * * *

There were two symbolic meanings behind the foot-washing Jesus gave to the disciples. He wants all his followers to understand both of them.

Peter objected when Jesus began to wash his feet. When Jesus told Peter that he could not share in fellowship with him unless he washed his feet, Peter asked Jesus to wash his entire body.

Peter’s objection points to the first meaning: the forgiveness of your sins. This was the purpose of the cross. When you accept the washing made available through the cross, you become “completely clean” in God’s eyes. All sins are forever forgiven and you become his for all eternity. The only exception among the disciples was Judas, who had already decided to betray Jesus. He was not one of our Lord’s sheep.

There was another symbolic meaning behind the foot washing: Yes, you are forever forgiven. But as you continue your life’s journey, you will still sin and accumulate dirt on your soul. You’ll still fall prey to your old nature’s yearnings to rebel against the Lord. You’ll still need to return to him and ask for forgiveness.

John, in one of the letters he penned to the churches, wrote, “If you confess your sins, he is faithful and just and forgives you of all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

In other words, even as God’s child, you will need daily grace.

When you do something that hurts the Lord’s heart, come back to the cross. Be washed again. Receive anew his steadfast love. It never ceases. It is new every morning.

Jesus loves to clean a sullied heart. He loves to renew a right spirit in us. He desires to give grace to the disobedient.

Jesus asks just one thing: Don’t use his grace as an excuse to sin. That cheapens his grace. It makes a mockery of his death and resurrection. In doing this, you are taking advantage of his love as you rebel against him. It’s a total misuse and abuse of his grace. It breaks his heart, and it deserves his severest condemnation.

Yes, following Jesus is costly. It’s not for the fainthearted. It demands all you are to be all he is. It is extremely difficult and challenging at times.

But his grace is the fuel that will keep you moving forward. It will never fail you. It’s what has empowered you to live for Jesus until now. This grace will lead you home.

It should lead to a fervent faithfulness as you follow him.

Let Jesus wash you again and again with his grace—today, and every day.

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

Today’s Reading: John 13:12-20

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’”

* * * * *

Jesus was instructing his disciples about faithfulness. But he wanted them to realize that even though he had chosen all twelve of them, there was one who would not be faithful. He would betray Jesus. His name was Judas.

Have you ever been betrayed? Has someone hurt you deeply through lies, deceptions, and behind-the-scenes manipulations?

Most people have experienced this crucible. Some of them were great men of faith. For example, Moses faced a rebellion led by Korah. King David experienced betrayal on two different occasions by two different people. The first time was Ahithophel—a close friend and advisor. The second occurred through his son Absalom. The apostle Paul was betrayed by Alexander the Coppersmith and Demas.

It happened to Jesus as well. He wasn’t surprised. Scripture had to be fulfilled (Psalm 41:9). But it still stung and scorched him. He loved Judas. He had made him treasurer over all money given to the disciples. This was not a small amount to oversee. Some widows gave significant money to fund Jesus’ ministry. Judas had an important responsibility. Sadly, he failed the Lord.

Is there someone in your life who has betrayed and hurt you? If so, Jesus can empathize with the hurt in your heart. But you must not allow bitterness to eat away at your soul. It is a root that can defile you and many who live around you. It can choke away the Lord’s grace and mercy.

If you cling to bitterness, you are the one eventually hurt the most. It’s like drinking arsenic and expecting the other person to die. You repeatedly pay the price for another’s sins against you. Sometimes this person is not even in your life anymore, and yet he continues to hurt you—even from the other side of the grave! That makes no sense.

You must forgive those who have hurt you. Refuse to hold a grudge so that the Father in heaven will forgive you. Release them to the Lord. Let him settle all debts and enact revenge. He knows all the details of what happened—much better than you do.

His justice is perfect.

If you persist in exacting revenge, Jesus will take his hands off the problem. It will become your deal. Or you can trust him and know that he will enact justice in the right way and time.

God has forgiven you a billion-dollar debt you owed him. Now forgive the person who owes you a ten-thousand-dollar debt. Let God settle the score.

In so doing, you are then released from the prison of your bitterness— and set free to live for the Lord.

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

Today’s Reading: John 13:21-30

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking.”

* * * * *

Jesus and his disciples were celebrating the last supper. It was a sacred moment. The next day, Jesus would face the cross.

During the meal, he announced that one of them would betray him.

They were eating in a circle, reclining on their elbows around a table. Each person to the right of another had his head at the breast of the person to his left. This made it easy for an intimate conversation to occur between two people without others hearing it.

After Jesus announced he would be betrayed, Simon Peter motioned to the disciple next to Jesus—the one whose head was on the Lord’s breast, to ask who would betray him.

Throughout the Gospel of John, this disciple is called the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” He surely was. He was John, one of the sons of Zebedee, whom Jesus chose along with John’s brother James. Together with Simon Peter, John was a member of Jesus’ inner circle. His heart was devoted solely to the Lord. He desired, above all else, to do Jesus’ will.

Would this describe you? Would Jesus call you a disciple whom he dearly loved?

That is his heart’s desire. If you passionately love Jesus, it’s most likely because you have discovered how much he first loved you. You love him in response to knowing how much he loves you and his willingness to give up his life for you.

Have you ever wondered why John always referred to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” instead of using his actual name? Many believe it was because of his humility. He didn’t desire his name to be closely attached to Jesus. He felt his readers would see it as self-promotional and prideful.

John wanted all attention and applause to be given to Jesus. He didn’t want any glory for himself. He realized God crowns the humble with victory. He believed that humility precedes honor. He understood that the humility of a child is the way someone enters the kingdom of God. He knew that all glory belonged solely to the Lord.

Jesus loved John’s unabashed love and humility.

Does your life emulate John’s? Do you love Jesus as he did? Do you seek after humility? Do you know that everything you have in life comes from the Lord? Do you realize that true love for Jesus recognizes that before you ever loved him, he first loved you? Have you pondered recently the reality that he gave his life as an atoning sacrifice for your sin?

Love and humility are two major benchmarks that prove you belong to Jesus.

Pursue them both today—and all days.

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

Today’s Reading: John 13:31-35

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

* * * * *

The cross was looming on the horizon. In just a few hours, Jesus would give his life for the salvation of the world.

Before going to the cross, the Lord wanted to give his disciples a profound teaching. It was a new commandment: As he had loved them, he now wanted them to love one another.

At first glance, this may not seem like a new commandment. Moses had told the Jews to love God with all their heart and their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18).

But Jesus’ love was deeper and more powerful than Moses’ words. “Just as I have loved you,” he said. It would be evidenced by his death on a cross. It was an unconditional and self-sacrificial love. His would be a death that invited love for enemies and prayers for persecutors.

Jesus wanted his disciples to emulate the love displayed on the cross and show it to other people. When rightly done, this love would be a strong evangelistic tool. The world will know that you are one of Jesus’ disciples by the way you love fellow believers.

The world knows little of this kind of love. Friends are willing to die for friends, but not enemies. People are willing to die for their country, but not for their persecutors.

The world’s love is rooted in performance. It’s often quid pro quo. What you do for me, I will do for you. You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours. If you perform well, you receive plaudits and a raise. If not, you are on your own.

That’s antithetical to God’s kind of love. His love is unconditional and sacrificial. It’s not rooted in merit. It lays down its life for friends and enemies alike. While you were still wallowing in your sin and headed toward eternal doom, Jesus came and died for you. He left the grandeur of heaven to enter the garbage of this world. He died a shameful, hideous death because of his love for you.

Jesus’ followers are called to love one another the way he loves them. This ability to love others comes from God himself. Anyone who loves proves he’s a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Anyone who loves other followers of Jesus is living in the light and not causing others to stumble.

When Jesus’ love is lived out rightly in his church, spiritual seekers will be drawn to him. They will desire to know this Savior whose love is not based on the exhausting demands of performance. They will want to be part of a group of people who love as he has loved them.

Everything else in this world will one day fade away. Three things never will: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

How he loves you!

Now love one another—even your enemies—the way he has loved you.

When you do, the world will know you truly belong to him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 12:20-26

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls in to the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’”

* * * * *

Some Greeks wanted to meet Jesus. He wanted to meet them as well. His gospel is for everyone in the world—Jew and Gentile alike.

Philip brought the Greeks to Andrew. Andrew took them to Jesus. Andrew had a heart for bringing people to the Lord—for example, he had brought his brother, Peter. Now he was bringing Greeks. Oh, that we would all have Andrew’s heart to introduce people to Jesus!

The Lord taught the Greeks something of extraordinary importance. He told them the hour had come for the Son of Man to be glorified. He knew that within a few days he’d be lifted up on the cross. His hour of humiliation and glory was near.

The term glorified means “weighted.” It speaks of something being heavier or greater than something else—like iron being heavier than water. The glorified Jesus is greater than anything else in the universe. His cross and resurrection prove it.

When Jesus said a grain of wheat cannot bear much fruit until it falls into the ground and dies, he was speaking of his death on the cross. Only through his death could he grant new resurrection life for millions around the world.

He was speaking of your life as well. He was talking about the blessedness of brokenness. Only the poor in spirit understand his kingdom. Only those who weep will be comforted by the Holy Spirit, who indwells the hearts of all those who believe in him.

The only people who receive his resurrection hope are those who are broken. His resurrection life is only for those who have died to self and been crucified with him.

Have you died to self and been crucified with him? Have you experienced the blessedness of brokenness? Have life’s distorted and bankrupt promises finally driven you to him?

If so, you should be glad. The kingdom of heaven can now enter your heart. The Holy Spirit who indwells you can comfort you. You now know that God loves the humble and stands against the proud. Humility precedes honor. The humble will see God work in powerful ways and be glad. They will inherit the earth.

The pain that you went through was the very instrument the Father in heaven used to draw you to him. It was necessary to break you of self-love.

Now Jesus can use you. Now he can bear much fruit through you.

It begins with being broken.

Rejoice in your pain, sorrow, and brokenness.

There’s purpose in it.

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

Today’s Reading: John 12:27-36

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

* * * * *

Jesus would soon go to the cross to die for the sins of the world. His Father’s judgment on this world would soon come. All sins would be condemned forever.

But the Father had a plan. Instead of his wrath falling upon you, it fell upon his Son. Jesus became the penal substitute for your sins. Judgment fell upon him instead of you. He took the punishment he didn’t deserve so he could give you the forgiveness you didn’t deserve.

All this was done because of the Father’s great love for you.

At the same time, when Jesus died, the ruler of this world, Satan, was cast out. He was forever defeated. The foul enemy of the Father and your soul was overcome. When you believe in Jesus, the devil has no more authority over you.

When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, he drew all people to himself. This doesn’t mean everyone in the entire human race. Obviously, many people choose to reject his claims. They want only refuse to follow him.

This term “all people” means “all kinds of people”—that is, all kinds of people from all around the globe. Christ’s kingdom will have Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, young and old, male and female, and all skin colors.

This broad range of people and ethnicities will comprise his church. They will love, encourage, serve, and pray for one another. Together, they will serve this hurting world until he comes again.

Jesus is the one who draws you. As you survey his wondrous cross, don’t you sense his love drawing you? It’s his amazing grace wooing you to come and follow him.

When you chose to follow Jesus, realize he was already drawing you. With every situation and circumstance, in every relationship, in every moment of your life, he has been drawing you. He does this so he can crown you with his tender mercies.

Jesus knew you by name when you were in your mother’s womb. He knew your name even before the foundations of this world were ever laid. Though human parents may have dementia and forget your name, he never will. It’s written indelibly in his mind.

He wanted you in his kingdom. His cross proves it. What more could he give?

Respond today to his great love. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him⁵.

It’s something that demands your soul and your life—indeed, your all!

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

Today’s Reading: John 12:37-43

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”

* * * * *

Sometimes people miss the fact even many authorities came to believe in Jesus. This included influential members of the Sanhedrin, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea.

Yet a major problem persisted. Though these authorities decided to put their faith in Jesus, their fear of the Pharisees remained strong. They were afraid to follow the Lord publicly for fear of being ostracized from their synagogues. They knew they would face rejection. Not to be able to have community with other Jews was a great fear.

The human heart is complex. People want to follow Jesus, but they fear public rejection. They want to follow him, but they also want the praises of people.

It’s impossible to have both. Some people in your sphere of influence will not like you if you choose to follow Jesus. They will label you a narrow-minded, bigoted obscurantist. They will call you intolerant. They will hate you because you love Jesus. If you follow him, you must be willing to give up the praises of people.

If you do make your faith in Jesus public, your reward in heaven will be great. If you honor him before people, he will do the same with you before the Father.

Your public recognition of Jesus here on earth will bring you rejection from some. But from an eternal perspective, it will be worthwhile. When you hear his public commendation of your witness before the Father, all the angels and saints in heaven will break out in uproarious applause.

That one moment will soothe all your hurts from people’s rejection.

Don’t be ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of the Father in heaven to change hearts—first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. There is no such thing as a secret-service Christian. You should never want to remain quiet about all you’ve seen the Lord do and all he has done for you.

You are called to be his witness. You begin locally, then reach out globally.

Ask yourself this question often: If you were put on trial for being Jesus’ witness, would the evidence be enough to convict you?

Don’t fear what others can do to you. Yes, they are able to kill your body. But that’s all. If you fear anything, fear God, who has the power and authority to cast both body and soul in hell. He will protect you from those who desire to do you harm.

His opinion is the only one that should concern you.

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