Apicontent

Today’s Reading: John 12:44-50

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.”

* * * * *

It is important that you learn to distinguish the reasons for Jesus’ first and second comings.

The first was his incarnation. He willingly and joyfully obeyed the Father, who sent him into the world to die for the forgiveness of your sins.

That was Jesus’ sole reason for coming the first time. He did not come to judge or condemn the world. He came to seek and save the lost—to forgive people of their sins and give them eternal life.

But he will come a second time. When he returns, he will condemn and judge this fallen world. He will eliminate all wickedness and bring perfect justice. He will right all wrongs. No one will get away with sin.

Jesus will judge everyone. The one who has rejected him will not enter into heaven. In fact, the words Jesus spoke will judge him. He will know what Jesus said, and will be held responsible for his response.

If you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, your judgment has already taken place. The moment you accepted his forgiveness, you were pronounced, “Not guilty.”

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. If you ever hear a voice accusing you of wrong, it’s not the Lord’s voice.

How can you know this is true? Because when you accepted Jesus, he accepted your condemnation. On the cross, he took the rejection you deserved and gave you the Father’s acceptance that you didn’t deserve.

It’s all a free gift given to you through his grace and mercy. It can’t be earned. There is nothing you can do to deserve it.

You are given eternal life. When you live to please the Spirit, you will harvest everlasting life from him. When you die and leave this earth, you have an eternal body made for you by the Father himself and not by human hands.

Live today in that eternal reality. Bask in the gracious glow of God’s grace. The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. Your sins are forever blotted out, and he will remember them no more.

Yes, you are forgiven. Your judgment has already happened. It’s a gift from the Lord because of his great love for you.

You are loved in the Beloved—and the Beloved is Jesus.

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

Today’s Reading: John 12:12-19

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.”

* * * * *

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” He was riding on a donkey— the fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Palm branches were waved at him and placed in his path—a reception traditionally reserved for Roman conquerors. The people thought Jesus was a military presence who would soon vanquish all oppression.

The disciples did not understand what all this meant until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Not until they had put together all the pieces of the puzzle did they finally realize the significance of this moment. Looking back, they came to realize that Christ’s kingdom was not military in nature, but spiritual. They understood that his message was that of a shepherd-king conquering human hearts. It would be a conquest of internal choice, not external force.

The crowd had gathered because Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Wanting a glimpse of the one who had done this miracle, they lined the road into Jerusalem. Like the disciples, many of them would not understand Jesus’ mission and how he would accomplish it until after his death and resurrection.

Frequently, spiritual truth is seen in hindsight. Sometimes you won’t understand what God is doing in your life. You’ll be confused and tempted to become bitter. The nasty head of unbelief will rear itself as you cry out angrily to God, “Why? What are you doing?”

It is in such times that you need to continue to trust him. Believe he is at work—especially when you can’t see it. Many people of great faith have learned that often God is on a multiyear plan.

What does that mean? Wait a few years. Commit to trusting him as you wait. Then look back at your life and see what he was doing. You’ll see pieces of his plan falling into place. You’ll begin to comprehend how he was turning your mess into a message. You’ll see his tests were meant for a stronger testimony. You’ll understand that a dark valley’s purpose was to give you a grander vision.

The Lord knows that today’s difficulties seem hard. He understands your path is not easy. He recognizes that living in the fog of the unknown can be challenging—sometimes seemingly impossible.

Continue to trust him. Commit yourself to waiting. He hears your cries. He is a faithful God. He will not delay forever. Endure patiently. God has not forgotten you. He rescues the godly. He is your fortress in times of trouble. Trust him in your pain.

Today, you look into a mirror dimly. Later, you will see more clearly.

And in heaven, you will see him face to face and understand everything with perfect clarity.

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

Today’s Reading: John 12:9-11

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away believing in Jesus.”

* * * * *

Jesus returned to Bethany to visit with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. A large crowd assembled at their house. They wanted a glimpse of both Lazarus and Jesus. Lazarus had become a local celebrity, the person whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

People love to worship human celebrities. They are prone to exalt creatures over the Creator.

Contrarily, the religious leaders were repulsed by Lazarus’s resurrection. Their power base was being threatened because the masses were choosing to follow Jesus. Therefore, they decided to get rid of the evidence of the miracle and made plans to kill Lazarus.

Some people will do whatever is necessary to deny obvious truth. Even though a living, breathing Lazarus was before them, offering undeniable proof of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God, they refused to believe in him. They would rather destroy Lazarus’s life than change their lives and follow Jesus.

Sin is never rational. Though creation cries out that the Father exists, people still refuse to believe. Though Jesus’ abundant miracles pointed clearly to his identity as the Son of God, people refused to believe.

Never underestimate the power of sin to delude your ability to think correctly. You can convince yourself of anything if you want something badly enough. Be very careful. This is a dangerous state in which to be.

The power of sin yearns for control and self-aggrandizement. It always desires to worship the creature rather than the Creator. This leads to irrational thinking that motivates godless behavior.

When Jesus changes a life, the first thing he changes is the mind. That’s what he did with you. He altered the way you think. You have been transformed by the renewal of your mind. As you think in your heart, so you are. Your behavior, feelings, and actions follow your thought life. Belief influences behavior.

When you learn to think as he thinks, you will live as he lived.

Whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise—think on these things. Flood your mind with positive, grace-filled thoughts. Set it on things that are above in heaven.

When you do, you’ll find your behavior will change.

That’s because you are what you think.

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:32-37

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’”

* * * * *

When Jesus saw Mary and all the others weeping, he asked the question, “Where have you laid him?” He was then led to Lazarus’s tomb.

And he wept. Many have noted that John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible. It is. But that’s not the reason it’s especially noteworthy.

The fact that Jesus wept is important because it shows his followers how to handle grief.

He wept because of what death had done to his Father’s once-perfect creation. He wept because of what death had done to his dear friend Lazarus. Death and destruction were never a part of the Father’s original intent. They are evil intrusions into what was once perfect.

Please note Jesus’ example of how to handle grief—especially when you lose a loved one. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that Christians should always grieve with hope. Grief is good. It’s the Father’s way of reminding you that there is much more after this life. Grief reminds you that eternity is your home and it is there that you will see your loved ones again. Only in heaven will all grief cease.

God wants you to grieve over your loss. It’s human and natural. Someone once spelled grief L-O-S-S. As you go through life, you will begin to lose things and people you love. You will eventually leave everything in this world. And the more heartfelt the loss, the greater the grief is.

That’s why tears are the Father’s gift to you. They are his natural way to salve your soul. They cleanse the wounds in your heart. You need to grieve over your loss.

But don’t stop there. Yes, grieve. But grieve with hope. One day, in eternity, you will be reunited with your loved one who trusted in Jesus. There is a better place awaiting you.

Jesus’ followers grieve with hope. Those who don’t believe in him can’t grieve this way. Yes, you grieve—as all humans do with loss. But you grieve with an eternal hope. If your loved ones believed in him, you will see them again. Heaven is your home.

Jesus wept with grief when he experienced loss. He knew that tears are a gift from the Father to help salve raw emotions.

So should you. It’s a gift to help your hurting heart.

But always remember to grieve with hope. It is hope that gives you the courage to face anything. And it is hope that reminds you that your grief is momentary in comparison to what awaits you in heaven.

For those who follow Jesus, death is merely an entrance into eternal life. It’s not the end, but the beginning. Death has lost its sting.

It has no victory over those who believe in Jesus.

Jesus has won!

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:38-44

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.’ When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out.”

* * * * *

Martha objected when Jesus gave the command to move the large stone in front of the tomb. Lazarus had been dead for four days. She was afraid the foul odor from his decomposed body would be overwhelming. Jesus reminded her that if she simply believed, she would see the glory of God.

Note how the Lord prayed before he raised Lazarus. And let his example aid your prayer life and increase its power.

First, Jesus lifted his eyes to heaven. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong to bow your head and close your eyes. But when you lift your eyes to heaven as you pray, you are reminded of the Father sitting on his sovereign throne. He alone has the ability to answer your request.

Second, Jesus thanked the Father. There’s enormous power in thanksgiving. Begin your prayers with thanksgiving. It shows your humility and dependence upon God. You are also reminded of the times God has come through for you in the past.

Third, the Father heard Jesus’ pleas for Lazarus’s resurrection. Believe that the Father hears your prayers too. He hears your pleas as well.

Jesus cried aloud, “Lazarus, come out.” The imagery suggested here is that of a horse snorting and neighing on its hind legs as it approaches battle. Jesus was entering a battle against the powers and forces of darkness as he called for Lazarus to rise.

He didn’t need to speak many words. In ages past, the omnipotent Father spoke, and creation sprang forth from nothing. Here, Jesus spoke three words, and Lazarus’s dead body returned to life.

At the time of your salvation, Jesus did this same miracle for you. He spoke to your dead, lifeless heart and called out your name to give you new life. You were dead in your sins and trespasses, and he made you alive. Originally you were born of the flesh, and now you are born again of the Spirit.

There was no good work you could have performed to receive this new life. Dead hearts can’t do anything to earn God’s grace. It’s a gift to you—received only through faith. That way, you can never boast, and the Father alone receives all the glory.

If Jesus spoke to your dead heart and made it alive, he can meet your needs today. Though your strength may fail, God will sustain you. He is able to give you whatever you may need. He possesses all power. He loves to make all things new.

He loves to create something from nothing.

Just give all your burdens to him. Stand on his promises. Trust his words.

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:45-53

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, ‘You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.’…He prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.”

* * * * *

Lazarus had been raised from the dead. The Jewish leaders weren’t happy about this and gathered to contemplate what to do with Jesus. As the people’s zealotry for Jesus surged, the leaders were fearful that Rome would take away their power, control, and authority.

Caiaphas was the high priest. He had been a high priest for a long time and was proud and arrogant.

Eerily, Caiaphas prophesied about Jesus’ work on the cross. He said it was better for one man to die for the sake of an entire nation.

John saw a double entendre in Caiaphas’s unwitting prophecy. It not only looks forward to Jesus’ death for the salvation of Israel, but to others scattered around the world. He anticipated a day when both Jew and Gentile would be gathered together in a place called the church.

The church is a unique family—one never divided by age, gender, color, economics, or social barriers. Jesus tore down the restraining walls that have kept people apart. There is equality, love, peace, and unity among them in his church. He loves it when his church has many different colors and backgrounds in it.

Are you a part of a local church family? You should be. You need to connect yourself to other followers of Jesus who will love, encourage, care for, and pray with you. You need to be able to confess your sins and share your burdens with others. You should make yourself available to help other members of God’s family in these ways as well.

If you remove a piece of charcoal from a fire, it will eventually go out. But when it remains in the fire with other pieces of charcoal, it will glow for a long time.

Likewise, you need others to help your faith remain strong. And you need to help others grow in their faith.

Jesus loves his church. You can’t say you love him and not love that for which he gave his life. That’s like telling a husband who is madly in love with his wife, “I really like you, but I don’t like your wife.” If you truly liked him, you would like his wife too because of his great love for her.

If you truly love Jesus, you must love that which he loves most in the world: his Bride. The church is his new creation. From heaven he came and sought her to be his holy Bride. And with his blood he purchased her. And for her life he died.⁴

Jesus is the head of the church and lives in her to serve this dying world. His Bride is a church triumphant, one that will live with him forever.

Jesus loves his church, his Bride.

Make sure you’re involved in one of his local families.

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:54-57

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, ‘What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?’”

* * * * *

Hostilities were rising against Jesus. He knew the chief priests and Pharisees wanted to arrest him. But he knew the time of his arrest needed to wait until the end of the Passover. So he went to Ephraim to wait for the right time.

Many people were looking for Jesus in Jerusalem. Recognizing the increasing angst against him, they wondered if he would come to Jerusalem at all. But at least they were seeking him.

Which brings us to this very important truth: If you seek, you will find. If you ask, there will be an answer. If you knock, the door will be opened.

Seeking the Lord is not a one-time search. It’s persistent. It doesn’t give up easily. He rewards perseverance in prayer.

Consider this analogy: Earthly fathers’ hearts are tainted with selfishness. Like all people, they’ve inherited a disease called sin. Yet no matter how selfish they are, earthly fathers still love to give good gifts to their kids.

If that’s true, (and it most assuredly is), then we can argue from the lesser to the greater: How much more does the heavenly Father want to give good gifts to you, his very own child? He is a good Father who is generous beyond words. He rewards those who diligently seek him.

But you must first seek him with all your heart, soul, mind, and might. And remember: His best gift is his presence, not presents.

Are you seeking him today? The Father will not coerce you to seek him. That’s your choice. He desires it. But he won’t force it to happen.

Sadly, too many people seek mostly after the things of this world— possessions, power, and pleasures. These things don’t last. They are all left here when you die. You enter and leave the world naked. You will never see a U-Haul trailer attached to a hearse.

If you are a believer, when you die, you will take the Father’s presence with you into eternity. That’s what lasts forever. You won’t take one present with you. Today, invest in your relationship with him. That’s the highest priority

Seek first the Father and his kingdom. That’s what lasts forever. When you do, he will supply your every earthly need according to his heavenly riches.

And everything else in this world will grow increasingly dim.

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

Today’s Reading: John 12:1-8

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.’”

* * * * *

Mary had just expressed complete devotion to Jesus by anointing his head and feet with expensive perfume. It was valued at around a year’s salary.

Judas objected loudly. He said the perfume should have been sold so this large amount of money could be given to the poor. But John noted in his Gospel that Judas was not concerned for the poor. Rather, Judas didn’t want money wasted that he could possibly pilfer from their treasury.

Jesus told Judas to leave Mary alone. He had no right to condemn her for her benevolent act. Indeed, when anyone would read about Mary’s act in the future, it would serve to remind him of what true devotion to the Lord looks like.

Jesus then told Judas that the poor would always be in their midst. He was alluding to Deuteronomy 15:11—the reality that poverty will exist on earth until he returns again.

The causes of poverty are many. Some people are poor because of their irresponsible, indolent choices. Others are the working poor, who try very hard to make ends meet each day. They are desperately trying to keep their head above water. Others are true victims of economic disasters, war, genocide, or diseases. Still others are trapped in a sinister system and cycle of poverty.

No matter what the causes, Jesus calls us to care for those who are broken, powerless, and voiceless. Unless they are able-bodied and refuse to work, we are called to help them. And remember this teaching from Jesus himself: When you look into their faces, remember you are looking into his face. When you serve them, you are serving him.

Jesus wants you to be his hands and feet to the poor around the world. One of the names of his church is “the body of Christ.” On earth, you are Christ’s representative to broken people. Your feet are his feet taking you to them. Your hands are his hands touching their needs. Your voice is his voice giving them hope.

One day, Jesus will return and eradicate all poverty. None of his children should be hungry, thirsty, sick, or destitute. In his soon-arriving kingdom, there will be perfect righteousness and justice. Every need will be met. Every body will be healed. Every heart will be whole. Every person will be fed. Those who thirst will be satisfied.

There will be no poverty at all.

Until that day, pray and work hard to advance Christ’s kingdom on earth. When he returns, let him find you working for this end— especially among the poor.

If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you! When you feed the poor and help those in trouble, your light will shine forth in the darkness.

And when you look into the faces of the poor, you will see the face of Jesus.

To serve the poor is God’s will for you today—until Jesus comes again and the poor will no longer be among you.

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:11-15

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’”

* * * * *

Earlier, Jesus said that Lazarus had fallen asleep. The disciples took Jesus literally. They thought Lazarus had entered into bodily sleep. They failed to understand that “sleep” was a metaphor for death. Lazarus was dead.

Nor did the disciples understand what Jesus was about to do.

The Lord told them he was glad that he was not there when Lazarus died. Why did he say this? He wanted them to believe more deeply after they saw what Jesus was about to do. When the disciples saw how the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead, their faith would increase. They would see that his delays don’t mean his denials. Whenever they remembered this event in the future, their faith would grow.

Then Jesus said it was time to go to Bethany, where they would witness the power and authority of his Father in heaven over everything in the world—even death.

Believe in the Lord’s power to do miracles. They are all around you. Look at the birth of a child. Or ponder the beauty of a sunrise over the horizon. Or consider the deep love you feel toward that special person in your life.

Theologians call these “common graces.” They are available to all— believers and skeptics alike. They are miracles surrounding you every minute of every day. They are signs on your life’s highway pointing you to God.

Jesus loves to do larger miracles as well. He revels in providing a way when there seems to be no way. He loves to open doors that seem closed. It gives him pleasure to move when all hope is gone. He still heals when doctors give up on you (like Lazarus!). He is able to give life to barren wombs. He enjoys paving ways where there seems to be no way.

Today, observe his miracles around you—both great and small. Remember his faithfulness to you. When you face obstacles, do so with the memory of his past faithfulness. You will be able to say, “If my Lord Jesus came through once for me, he can do it again.” Trust that his delays don’t mean his denials.

Especially remember this great miracle: Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. As he did for Lazarus, he will do for all his followers. Your greatest miracle is yet to come. As Lazarus was raised from the dead, so will you be! When you die, he will take your lifeless body and give it a resurrection reality.

You have the absolute assurance that you will never die.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, death has been defeated.

What a mighty promise and miracle!

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:16-21

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’”

* * * * *

When Jesus finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days.

In observance of Jewish tradition, mourners had come to the house. They grieved loudly with the family over the loss of Lazarus.

Martha heard Jesus was near. She met him outside the house and expressed her anger and disappointment in his delay. She said that if he had arrived earlier, her brother would not have died.

Jesus understood how Martha felt. And he understands when you are frustrated with him.

Everyone experiences dashed disappointments. When this happens, it’s okay to express your feelings. They are in-built responders to life situations that surround you. God made your feelings. He placed them inside you.

There are two dangerous extremes to which you can go with your feelings. On one end of the continuum, you stuff them. You refuse to admit them. You pretend they are not present. This is very unhealthy to do. Eventually, it can cause depression.

Contrarily, you can dump them on everyone around you. This is unhealthy as well. People will flee from your presence. They won’t want to deal with your negative emotions.

What is the answer? Go to Jesus with your feelings. Tell them to him. Cry out to him. Don’t hold anything back. Tell him what’s on your heart. David did this repeatedly in the Psalms. The Lord was not upset with him.

God comes to those who are crushed in spirit. He will not extinguish a flickering light, nor break a bruised reed. No matter how great our hurt, his comfort is greater.

Jesus is ready to handle your feelings. He wants you to come to him when you are weary from the load of heavy burdens. Go to him today if you are feeling anger and disappointment. Share your heart with him. Don’t hold anything back.

Don’t sin by letting frustration seethe within you. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. It gives a foothold to the devil. It’s destructive to your soul. Tell Jesus all your hurts and despair. Be honest, as Martha was. He didn’t become angry with her. And he won’t be angry with you.

Let him carry your feelings. Cast them all upon him, for he cares for you. Don’t hold any back. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you. He will place you back on a firm foundation.

And you’ll feel your burden melting away.

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