Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 11:5-10

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

* * * * *

Jesus warned his disciples that soon they’d have to return to Jerusalem. They objected. They knew the Jewish officials desired to kill Jesus because of his repeated claims to deity.

Jesus used their objections to teach a significant truth about following him.

He had already explained, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). When he invades your heart, his light enters you, and you become a light to the world. As his holy, eternal truth indwells your heart, his light shines through you.

Jesus will guide your paths with his light—no matter what the hour of the day may be. In the daytime, when there is light, it is easy to know where to walk. It’s not difficult to walk when it’s light. But when it’s dark, you are more prone to stumble and fall.

When Jesus’ light invades you, you can walk anywhere, at any hour of the day, and his light will guide you. That’s what happens when you are in intimate fellowship with him. You are united together. He is in you, and you are in him. You hear his voice leading you. He shows you the next step. You obey what he tells you to do.

It’s different for the person who is walking apart from Jesus. He is in the dark. He does not know the Lord’s inward guidance. He doesn’t seek his light, so truth doesn’t indwell his heart. He has no desire to know Jesus. He does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. Because he walks in darkness, he will inevitably fall.

When Jesus walked to Jerusalem, he was walking from the light into darkness. He was following the Father’s perfect plan. He was heading toward betrayal, arrest, torture, persecution, and eventual death on the cross. That was the Father’s will, which Jesus desired to obey.

Does Jesus’ light indwell you? Do you walk in his truth? Is your greatest desire to let him lead you to wherever he wants you to go? Is your most fervent desire to please him above all else?

If not, you are probably walking in darkness. You are most likely very far from him. Most assuredly, you will one day fall.

That is not the place where Jesus wants you to be. He is the light of the world. As his follower, he wants you to be a light on a hill, shining brightly for him. When others see your good works done for his glory, they will be moved to praise the Father in heaven.

Walk in Jesus’ light at all times, in all places.

And as you follow him, his light that leads to life will lead you— every step of the way.

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

Today’s Reading: John 9:24-34

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

* * * * *

Jesus healed a man born blind. The man then defended Jesus against the Jewish officials. He didn’t exaggerate in his assessment of the Lord. Since the world had been formed, no one had ever heard of anyone opening the eyes of a man born blind. He said correctly that this miracle could not have happened if Jesus was not sent from his Father in heaven.

Then the man made an extraordinarily insightful statement. If Jesus was not sent from God, he could do nothing. Unless his life was securely connected to the life of the Father in heaven, he had no authority. He could perform no miracles. He could not cast out demons. He could not preach the power of the kingdom of God.

Jesus, the Son, is in the Father. The Father is in him.

You cannot bear fruit in your own strength. Human strength cannot accomplish divine work. Apart from Jesus, no work possesses eternal value.

You need to abide in him. You must have a close, personal, living, dynamic, and vibrant relationship with him. You must remain connected to him throughout your day.

That’s why prayer at all times is so important. It allows you to constantly communicate with Jesus and he with you. In prayer, you lean on him—totally dependent in all areas of your life. As you spend time in his Word, it will come to dwell richly in you. Worship will spontaneously happen whenever a thought about him crosses your mind. Obedience to his will becomes a joy as you serve the one you dearly love.

The very power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you. You have an eternal relationship with him. All your strength comes from being connected to him, the sovereign Lord of the universe. He makes you as sure-footed as a deer climbing to new heights. He gives power to the weak and makes them strong.

Have you ever wondered why he gives you so many blessings? There is a simple answer. He wants to bless you so that you can be a blessing to others.

Jesus wants to use you to give food to the hungry. He wants you to provide water to the thirsty. He wants you to be his presence to prisoners and the shut-ins. He would like for you to help those caught in human trafficking to be free. He desires you to be a funnel of hope to the hopeless. He wants you to be a vessel of love to the unloved.

Apart from him, these things can’t be accomplished. But when you are connected to him, you can do anything.

Believe it’s true.

God’s strength becomes your strength.

Then act in his strength.

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

Today’s Reading: John 8:21-30

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.’ As he was saying these things, man believed in him.”

* * * * *

This teaching from Jesus is of great importance. Many listeners at the time didn’t understand what he said because they were earthly minded. But when they “lifted up the Son of Man,” when they crucified him, some came to realize who he was—the Son of the Living God and the Lamb of God who takes away all the world’s sins.

When they saw the cross, the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus’ identity to them. They came to believe in him. And they trusted him with their lives and eternity.

Jesus did nothing on his own authority. He purposefully chose to leave his equality with the Father when he put on human flesh and died on a cross for the forgiveness of your sins. While on earth, he spoke only what the Father said to him. The Father and the Son are inextricably and eternally connected. They are of the same nature and mind. They are one.

Because of the Father’s abiding presence in Jesus, he wanted only what was pleasing to him. His will was to do the Father’s will alone— to perfectly obey all that the Father commanded him to do. He did. All his good works were in obedience to the Father’s will—including his death on the cross. Everything Jesus did was meant to glorify the Father.

Do you believe in Jesus? Do you love him? If so, there is one thing that proves you do. As you are unquestioningly connected to him, the Father’s authority will reign over you as it did in Jesus. As the Son intentionally lived to do the Father’s will, so will you live to seek first his kingdom and to do his will.

All authority in heaven and on earth has been granted to Jesus. That means that as he lives in you, he will speak to you and guide your life. He will share with you how you are to obey him every day.

Your greatest desire will then become the doing of the Father’s will in your life—in the same way as Jesus desired only to do his Father’s will. As he was under the Father’s authority, so you are under the Son’s authority.

Please do whatever Jesus tells you to do. Perform all the good works that you know he desires for you to do. Labor enthusiastically for him. Nothing you do for him is useless. Remember that the Lord will reward each person for the good he does.

When you do these good works, you will bring glory to him. People who do not love Jesus will respect the way you live and be drawn toward your Father in heaven. The way you live can help render a good opinion of him. Living so that the Lord is glorified should be your life’s aim in everything you do.

Believe in Jesus. Be totally yielded to his authority over your life. Make the doing of his will your master passion.

When you do, you will prove your love for him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 8:31-38

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘If you abide in my words, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’”

* * * * *

Jesus didn’t call people to merely make decisions about him. He called them to be his disciples. A decision is merely a starting point. A disciple is one who is constantly learning from him.

A true disciple is one who abides in the Lord’s words. To abide means to let his life continually live in and through you. You are his disciple when you walk with him daily. There is a continual conversation between you two. There is a developing trust in and obedience to him.

One major benefit of abiding in Jesus’ word is that you will know the truth. As he indwells you, he will guide you into all truth.

And when you know his truth, you will be set free. This is a promise for all his disciples.

Jesus came to earth to set all captives free from the power of sin and death. He wants to remove all the chains that hinder you from being the person he intended you to be. He came to give you abundant life, not imprisonment. Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. Whenever you give in to sin, you increasingly become a slave to that sin. You can’t enjoy life as Jesus intended when you are enslaved to sin.

How does he set you free? By giving you a new identity. You are adopted into his family. You are no longer a slave, but a son or daughter of the King of the universe. A slave cannot live permanently in the master’s house. After working in the house, he must leave and return to his slave quarters. A slave also finds his identity solely in the chores he does daily for the master.

It’s different with you! When you come to Jesus, you are not only forgiven, but also adopted into his family. You become a permanent member of and resident in the Father’s house. You are forever a part of his family. You share his name. You’re an heir of all he owns. There are no fears of expulsion from his house—ever!

In addition, your identity is no longer defined by what you do, but by who you are because of your adoption. You don’t live in fear of the master’s punishment. Your spirit now hears daily from the Holy Spirit that you are an adopted, beloved child of the King of kings. You are free from all condemnation.

Please learn this truth: To be free from sin, you must love something more than the sin. When you know the Father’s love, you know your new identity as a son or daughter. Then you will live according to your new identity.

You behave like you believe.

This truth will set you free from being a slave to sin and guilt. That’s not who you are in Christ. You are a son or daughter of the King of the universe.

Now be free—indeed!

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

Today’s Reading: John 8:39-47

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.”

* * * * *

All through Jesus’ earthly ministry, many people did not understand his teachings. Their minds had been captured by his archenemy, the devil.

The same is true today. People refuse to listen to Jesus’ teachings because their minds are under the authority of the enemy. They were born that way—the devil’s evil wiles, schemes, and lies were hardwired in the human heart at the moment of conception.

The devil has been a murderer since the beginning of time. He was the one who incited Cain to kill his brother Abel. His job description is to kill, steal, and destroy anything the Father in heaven creates and wills.

The evil one is allergic to the truth. He is the father of lies. Lying began with him. He told Eve to doubt the Father’s word as true. He contradicts God’s character in every way. He can only operate out of his own lying nature. Every lie in creation is rooted in him. When he acts, he does so out of the core of his being.

What lies has the devil spoken to you? Has he nudged you toward feeling worthless? Has he hinted that you are hopeless? Has he suggested you can never change? Has he told you your circumstances are unalterable? Has he made you feel as though your life has no meaning?

Don’t believe him. Believe Jesus. His character is rooted in eternal truth. He is the truth. It is who he is. It is what he speaks. It is his eternal nature. One of the major reasons he came to earth was to teach you this truth. He wants you set free from the tyranny of the father of lies. He wants you forever released from the one who desires to destroy you.

Know the devil’s schemes. He studies you. He knows where you’re weak. He tempts you so you will fall.

Believe today the truth that Jesus wants your health, happiness, and wholeness. He wants to give you abundant life. He is the strength of your heart and you belong to him forever. His mercies never cease. They are new every morning. He directs your steps and delights in every detail of your life.

And remember that all the pieces of the armor of God begin with the belt of truth. That must be the starting point. Without truth, the other pieces of the armor can’t do much. Truth is the starting point and foundation for standing against the devil’s schemes.

Reject all moral relativism. Embrace absolute truth. God authored it. And remember: Don’t break his moral laws. When you disobey them, they break you.

The Lord’s truth overcomes the father of lies. Find his truth. Live by it.

And you will be set free.

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