Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 10:16-21

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

* * * * *

As the Jewish leaders listened to Jesus, they could not grasp what he was saying. He told them there would be other sheep in his sheepfold who would not be Jewish.

He was referring to Gentiles. His message of grace and forgiveness of sins would be for all people around the world—including Gentiles. Even the prophet Isaiah had said so some 600 years earlier (Isaiah 56:8). But they had missed this charge. Now Jesus has given this command to his followers.

Jesus was looking forward to the day when there would be one worldwide flock under his guidance. This flock would be his church.

From the moment the Father asked the Son to leave heaven and come to earth, his vision was for both Jew and Gentile to be united as one in the church. The Holy Spirit would give birth to it. Different people from many different cultures and ethnicities would live in love and unity in it. What a glorious vision it was!

Jesus was sent by the Father to lay down his life for his sheep. It was his choice. He wasn’t coerced. He intentionally submitted himself to the Father’s will. The Father’s heart danced with delight when he saw Jesus’ voluntary submission to his desire.

Understand this truth: Jesus not only laid down his life, but he also took it up again. His divine nature was working in his resurrection. You can’t keep a perfect God down. Death cannot defeat his love. Love will always conquer the power of sin and death.

His teaching also clearly answers the often-asked question, “Who killed Jesus?” Some suggest it was the Jewish leaders. Others say it was Pontius Pilate and the Roman authorities. Others say it was because of human sin that Jesus died. All these answers are partly true.

However, a key element of the answer is this: He chose to die. He willingly laid down his life for his sheep. That was his choice. By his authority, he chose to die and then be raised from the dead.

This was the Father’s will for his life. Jesus gladly and willingly obeyed him. All this was done because of his great love for you.

Live for Jesus. Obey him as he obeyed the Father and laid down his life for you.

Go into the world and reach his sheep in different pastures. If you can’t go physically, send money. It represents you. You spent long, laborious hours earning it. When it is sent, you are being sent.

And pray fervently that people will be drawn to Jesus. Pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up laborers to go. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

Just make sure you are going—in one way or another. As Jesus was sent from heaven, so he sends you into the world.

It’s his great commission to all who follow him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 10:22-30

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

* * * * *

Take time to ponder these words from Jesus. Recall them in times of distress and need. They include truths you can claim until your dying breath.

His sheep hear his voice. He speaks to them throughout the day— as a shepherd does his sheep. He knows each one by name. They know his voice and respond to no one else.

He knows you by name. You should be able to discern his voice as well.

How do you know when you are hearing his voice? It will always be consistent with his Word. That’s why it’s imperative you know Scripture.

When Jesus speaks to you, you will know what to do in every situation. And you will know how to follow him.

His greatest gift to his sheep is eternal life. This life is transitory. Your few short years here can’t begin to compare with eternity with him. You receive the gift of eternal life by believing in him by grace through faith.

If you are one of his sheep, no one will be able to snatch you out of his hand. You have eternal security. Because there was no work you did to earn your salvation, there is no work you can ever do to make him take it away. The Father gave you to the Son. You never have to worry about being separated from him. It will never happen.

The Father and the Son are one. That’s another claim to his deity. Don’t try to understand this truth. It’s beyond human comprehension. Finite humanity cannot grasp this truth about the infinite. But it’s true.

The Father and Jesus are eternally connected. When you come to Jesus, you become similarly connected. The super glue of his love eternally cements you together. Abide in his love.

Listen to Jesus’ voice today. Be sensitive to it. If you need wisdom, ask him for it. He will give it to you generously—never rebuking you for asking for it. Make your plans, but trust that Jesus will determine your steps.

Jesus will guide you throughout your day and along the best pathway for your life. He will prompt you to go to people you should serve. He will warn you of all temptation. He will direct your paths and determine your steps. Should you go astray, seek him again, and he will place you back on the right path. He will guide you with his counsel. He will advise you and watch over you. He will lead you to your glorious destiny. He will watch over you until the day you die.

Jesus will whisper his unconditional love and guidance to you at all times. He has a grand plan and future for your life.

His sheep hear his voice.

Are you listening?

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

Today’s Reading: John 10:31-39

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”

* * * * *

Some of the people who saw Jesus doubted him. In a sense, they put him on trial. But when this happened, it wasn’t him who was on trial. It was those who examined his life who were on trial. And the same is true about people today—including you.

In what way are you on trial? By the way you examine Jesus’ works. By how you look at his miracles. One after another, they are paraded before you in Scripture. They all beg for an answer to this question: Who alone but God could perform such mighty works?

Examine them all. Look at the water being changed into wine. Look at those freed from the tyranny of demonic oppression—proving Jesus’ power is greater than the devil’s. Look at the thousands who were fed by him with only a paucity of food. The blind saw. The lame walked. The sick were healed. And the dead were raised.

Jesus performed these miracles to help those in need. They were signs for spiritual skeptics to believe in him—both then and now.

These signs show, beyond doubt, that the Father and the Son are one.

Have you carefully examined his miracles as revealed in his Word? When done, you will find that they speak loudly and clearly to his identity.

What else does this mean for you today? If the Father and the Son are one and you’re a believer, then both live in you now. This is a promise for all who believe in Jesus. Think about this truth: The power that created the universe now lives in you!

More specifically, the fact they live in you means that you can face anything that comes your way. Their strength in you is greater than any problem you will confront. The Jesus who lives in you is greater than he, the devil, who lives in this world.²

What giant are you facing today? God is greater than the problem. Don’t look at the size of your giants. Look at the size of your God who lives in you. And remember: God’s fruit is most delicious where the giants are the biggest.

Now take the first step toward your problem. You can’t be victorious if you stay put. As you do, strength will arise. You will gather supernatural momentum. You will discover you can do all things through the Lord as he gives you strength.

Trust him. As you keep moving forward, remember his miracles. They prove his power. He did them then. He still does them now.

Remember, Jesus can’t steer a parked car. That’s why you need to take the first step. No matter what the situation, God is your refuge and strength. He is always ready to help you in times of trouble. You should never fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the heart of the sea. His power is greater than your problem.

Experience his power flowing through you. And then watch your giants be slain—all for his glory!

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

Today’s Reading: John 10:40-42

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. And many came to him. And they said, ‘John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.”

* * * * *

As skeptics debated Jesus’ identity, he brought several witnesses to his defense. He wanted to give them clear evidence supporting his claim to deity.

What were these witnesses? First, there were his miracles. Second, he had his Father’s voice from heaven saying he was his Son—both at his baptism and at the Mount of Transfiguration. Finally, there was one more witness to his identity as God’s Son: John the Baptist.

How was John a witness?

When Jesus arrived at a certain place across the Jordan, those who had followed him remembered this was where John had baptized many people—including Jesus. They remembered what John had said earlier about Jesus and concluded it was true.

What did John say about Jesus? He pointed to him and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” John told several of his disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. He said he was not worthy to tie the Lord’s sandals. He said that he baptized with water but Jesus would baptize with fire—with the power of the Holy Spirit. He said that he needed to decrease in importance and Jesus must increase.

In all this, many skeptics came to believe in Jesus.

Do you still doubt who Jesus is? What more can be given to you as evidence that would help you to accept his true identity? If all this isn’t enough to convince you, what else will?

When people honestly study his claims, they conclude he is who he said he is. They experience the new beginning he wants to give them.

More than anything else in the universe, Jesus wants you to know him. He wants you to have a personal, grace-filled relationship with him. He wants to give you a new life. He wants to indwell your heart. He wants to face every one of your life’s problems with you—never forsaking you. He wants to guide you in everything you face.

Jesus especially wants to take you home to be with him forever. That’s the major reason he came to earth: To seek and save that which was lost—yes, even you.

Let Jesus control your life. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path you should take. He will work out his plans for your life. Yield to his guidance. You may make your plans, but he determines your steps. Follow him out of your darkness to light.

He is faithful.

He is who he said he is.

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

Today’s Reading: John 11:1-4

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“The sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”

* * * * *

As people plotted to kill Jesus, he departed from Jerusalem. He went to Bethany, a city about two miles from Jerusalem on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives. Its name means “place of rest.” It was such a place for him.

Jesus would go there regularly for rest from life’s mounting pressures and be with very close friends: sisters Mary and Martha, and their brother, Lazarus. He loved them all—especially Lazarus.

As Jesus made his way to Bethany, Mary and Martha sent word to him that his close friend Lazarus was ill. Jesus already knew what would happen to Lazarus. He would die and then be resurrected. It would be a miracle that would show the glory of the Father working through his beloved Son.

Jesus’ main purpose in performing miracles on earth was to show the greatness of his Father in heaven. He wanted to show the Father’s true character—his love, kindness, mercy, and grace. He desired to give evidence of the Father’s original intent for creation. God never designed for us to know disease, deformity, and death. They were evil intrusions into his once-perfect order. Jesus’ miracles gave evidence of the Father’s original design. They gave him glory regarding who he truly is.

When you rightly understand the Father’s nature, your faith increases. You trust who he is as Jesus reveals him to you.

When Jesus does miracles today, he reveals the Father’s glory.

Miracles aren’t done for everyone, at any time, whenever they ask. Otherwise, people would look to Jesus as a genie in a bottle—wanting him to serve them at every whim or fancy. But the reason he came to earth was so we would learn that true life is found in being a servant. Jesus obeyed the will of his Father in heaven, and that’s his desire for you as well.

When miracles occur, all glory should be given to God—where all glory is due. The Father does not share his glory with any human.

Do you believe that the Father alone deserves all the glory for what happens in your life? Do you have the phrase “To God alone be the glory” plastered in your mind? When you receive a compliment, or an award, or applause, do you give him the glory? When you consider creation, do you erupt in praise? When you ponder deep doctrinal truths, does your heart warm with gratefulness? Do you love to sing the doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”?

When Jesus returns, he will receive glory from his people—praise from all who believe in him. If you believe in Jesus, this includes you.

That is the Lord’s will for your life. He wants you to give him all the glory.

He alone is worthy to be praised.

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