Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 11:22-27

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’”

* * * * *

Martha had just told Jesus that she believed Lazarus would one day be raised from the dead in the final resurrection. Jesus responded that Lazarus would indeed rise again, for he was the resurrection and the life.

Yes, one day the Lord will launch the final resurrection. And that brings us to this important truth: Resurrection life occurs only through a relationship with Jesus. Whoever believes in him, though he die, he will live. It’s an extraordinary promise.

Believing in Jesus is not mere intellectual assent. It’s much more. When you believe in him, your life is yielded to him and united with his. You are eternally connected. And as he lives his life through you, you can then do all things through him who gives you strength. Jesus is your life.

When you die, your mortal, fading, earthly body will be taken off— like you take off your clothes at the end of the day. Your soul will then be enwrapped in a new, perfect, glorified resurrection body that will never die.

Don’t miss this key “I am” statement from Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in him will never die. This was another claim to deity. Moses never said this. Mohammed never uttered such words. Nor did the Buddha or Confucius. It’s a unique claim. Only Jesus made it. Only he could do that.

That’s because Jesus was God in human flesh. Those who believe in him will never die.

Jesus asked Martha if she believed this. She said that she believed he was the Christ and the Son of God. She said she believed he was the one “who is coming into the world,” a messianic expression from Psalm 118:26. She believed he was the fulfillment of all the Old Testament Scripture.

Do you believe these things about Jesus? He is your present help in time of trouble. He is your strong tower to whom you can run in times of distress. He is your protective shield who daily defends you against enemy assaults.

If you believe in Jesus, you know that this earthly tent in which you live will be taken down when you die. You will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for you, made by God himself.

And Jesus is your resurrection hope. If you have received him, he has given you the right to become one of his children.³ If you believe in him, you have eternal life. He is your assurance of life after death. He is your conviction that you will be with him in paradise.

To be absent from the body is to be with the Lord. Though you die, you live.

Settle the question of your eternal destination now, and you can live this life to the full.

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:28-31

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him.”

* * * * *

Jesus had just told Martha that he was the resurrection and the life. And her brother, Lazarus, would soon be raised from the dead.

Jesus wanted Martha’s sister, Mary, to witness the miracle as well. He also wanted some time with her to encourage her grieving heart and reassure her of resurrection realities.

How Jesus loved Mary! She loved him as well. Her heart was exceedingly pure. Her faith was great. Jesus knew that as they spent time together, he could give her hope amidst her despair and soothe her hurting heart.

Jesus wants to do the same for you today. If your soul feels shattered, and your heart is hurting, and your insides crave healing, he wants you to know that his heart aches with yours. He feels what you are feeling. He desires to give you hope.

Therefore, go to him. Spend time in a quiet, private place with him. Perhaps it’s a place where you’ve met before. Or perhaps it’s where you meet regularly. He will be there to meet with you. He yearns to spend time alone with you today.

There is no burden you are carrying that he doesn’t want to carry for you. There’s no hurt in your heart he doesn’t desire to heal. There is no pain you are experiencing with which he doesn’t empathize. There is no disappointment in your life he doesn’t want to help you overcome.

Jesus is a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. There is no hurt or temptation common to you that he has not gone through. He overcame them all, and he can help you do the same. Nothing is impossible for him.

Go to Jesus today. Tell him what’s happening in your heart, and make all your requests known to him. He loves your truthful, honest feelings expressed openly to him. He loves to lift the loads you are carrying. He is lifting you up now, carrying you. Even righteous people face troubles, and the Lord is faithful to rescue you when you come to him.

Jesus loves to bandage your wounds. He wants to give help to the fallen and discouraged. He desires to give you a double blessing for each one of your troubles.

Don’t hesitate any longer. He is waiting for you. He desires some special time alone with you to hear your heart.

He really does care.

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

Today’s Reading: John 9:35-41

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ He answered, ‘And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshiped him.”

* * * * *

The man born blind had been cast out of the synagogue. Jesus sought him, and found him. That’s how he always works with people. Long before they ever seek him, he was seeking them. He is constantly knocking on the door of people’s hearts.

You love Jesus because he first loved you. This is how his love works—not that you love him, but that he first loved you and gave his life as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. Long before you chose him, he had chosen you—before the world was ever formed.

Jesus found the blind man he had healed. The Jewish officials had rejected him. He’d been thrown out of the Temple. He needed Jesus’ grace and mercy as all despised and rejected people do. The Lord knew how the man felt. He was treated that way too.

Jesus began a dialogue with him. It led to a true revelation of who he is.

Jesus asked the man if he believed Jesus was the Son of Man. The man knew this term was a reference to the long-awaited Savior of the Jews. He asked where this person was. Jesus told him it was the Son of Man who was speaking to him.

Humbly, the man said, “Lord, I believe.” Note he called Jesus “Lord,” a term of great respect. With this term, he recognized Jesus’ identity. He knew Jesus to be God.

Then he worshiped Jesus. And the Lord received his worship. As the Son of Man, the Savior of the world, he could rightly receive this worship. Yes, only God is worthy of worship. But the Father and the Son are one. Jesus could receive this man’s worship because he is God.

Do you believe Jesus Christ is God? In this encounter with the man born blind, you can see how he eventually came to recognize Jesus’ deity. At first he thought Jesus was a mere man (verse 11). Then he thought Jesus was a prophet (verse 17). Finally, he realized Jesus was the Son of Man and worthy of worship (verse 38). Slowly, progressive revelation happened. He believed. And he worshiped.

Know who Jesus is. He is worthy of your worship. He created you and the world in which you live. Through him, all things came into being. All is under his sovereignty—including your life. He knows all. He sees all. He controls all.

He will even use your painful rejection for your good.

He is seeking you. He desires to have an intimate relationship with you. He wants you to trust him with everything in your life.

Please stop running and hiding from him.

Let him find you.

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

Today’s Reading: John 10:1-7

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep will follow him…I am the door of the sheep.”

* * * * *

In Jesus’ day, a sheepfold was a common courtyard near or beside a house. One of several family members would oversee all the sheep. There was a specific door by which the sheep would enter the sheepfold. A gatekeeper would carefully guard the door. It could be a family member or a hired hand.

Jesus is that door to the sheepfold. Those who enter through him are God’s children.

The gatekeepers are ministers and shepherds who are called by him to oversee his sheep. Their job is to guard and feed his sheep.

Through the ages, thieves have tried to approach Jesus’ sheep without going through him. Sometimes they pretend to be sent from him. They try to fleece, not feed, his sheep. They try to use, not serve, his sheep—for their own glory. His heart is broken when this occurs.

That is why you must learn to hear his voice. You must know his Word and be able to discern true teachers from false ones. False teachers do not have your good as their highest aim. True teachers do. They will continually point you to Jesus. They want him alone to receive all the glory. Self-aggrandizement and greed are not their desires.

Jesus is your shepherd. When you enter the sheepfold through him, you will want for nothing. He will lead you beside still waters and green grass. He will restore your soul.

He will lead you on the path of righteousness so that his name alone will be glorified. He doesn’t share his glory with any human. You will desire that he alone receives all glory.

Should you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you will never fear. Jesus promises to be with you. He will guide, comfort, and protect you. His living, personal presence in your life is the best antidote for fear of death. You will never walk alone. He will prepare a banquet table for you in the presence of your enemies. He will soothe your frenzied life with his refreshing, soothing oil.

Your cup will overflow with his grace.

Surely his goodness and mercy will pursue you every day of your life. And you will dwell with him in the eternal dwelling place he has prepared for you.

Jesus will go before you. He will speak to you while leading you. Just let him be your Shepherd. Be guided by the good and faithful shepherds who love him—and faithfully teach his Word. And flee the false shepherds who are using you for greed and fame. They are not from Jesus.

Jesus’ good shepherds want only your best—and his glory. Be sure to follow them.

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

Today’s Reading: John 10:8-15

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”

* * * * *

The thief is God’s eternal enemy. He has a very simple job description: To kill, steal, and destroy anything created by the Father in heaven. All this evil comes from him. He inaugurated the Fall in Genesis 3. Evil did not come from the Father.

Jesus’ job description is exactly the opposite of the enemy’s. He came into the world to give you abundant life. He doesn’t call his followers to a miserable, depressed existence. He came for you to possess a rich, loving, encouraging, and joyful life. He wants his favor and blessing to flow through you to a hurting world.

All this comes when you enter into his sheepfold through him and have a personal, close, and intimate relationship with him.

Jesus is your good shepherd. This is the fourth time in John’s Gospel he used the term “I AM.” It’s another claim to deity.

Note also that he describes himself as “good.” He is good. It’s an essential part of his nature. He wants his goodness to flow from his heart to yours. When life is difficult, always believe that he is working everything in your life for good—even the painful parts. Trust him that all is working together for your good because he is good. It’s his character. It’s who he is.

Finally, Jesus is your good shepherd. He loves you passionately. How can you be certain of his love? It’s because he is willing to lay down his life for his sheep—and for you. He literally gave his life on the cross for your sins to be forgiven so that you can have a personal relationship with him. Now you can live an abundant life rooted in his grace.

Don’t assign to Jesus what the enemy has brought to you. The evil one wants to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in your life. He is not a good shepherd. Rather, he prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to ravage. His power is great. He functions through hate. But resist him, and he will flee. Though he is a formidable foe, he is a defeated foe.

Remember that Jesus willingly gave up his life for you. Look at his cross. Survey his bloodied, bruised, and broken body. Remember his crown of thorns and his nail-scarred hands. Study his wounded side and pierced feet. This picture proves his love—it confirms he is the good shepherd.

You were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. But now you are reconciled to God through the death of Jesus in his physical body. As a result, you are now brought into his own presence and declared holy, blameless, and without fault.

What good news! What an amazing expression of God’s love to you. If you are a believer, his love now lives in you.

And when God’s love pulsates through you, you will experience the abundant life he intended for you to have.

It can be yours today.

It’s the reason he put on human flesh—so he could come for you and make you his own.

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