Apicontent

Today’s Reading: John 8:12-20

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’”

* * * * *

Here is the second of Jesus’ “I am” statements in John’s Gospel. He is sharing his true identity—God in human flesh, sent from heaven as the light of salvation. He came to give light to all human darkness.

Jesus shines his light into the darkness of your soul, revealing how dark it truly is. This light also reveals the steps to escaping your darkened condition and moving into the light. He shows you the answers to the questions that haunt your heart.

You wonder if there is life after this one? Jesus shines his light toward heaven’s gates to show you your way home. You wonder if that wound left in darkness will ever heal? He shines his light into your hurting heart to begin your healing. You wonder if there’s any future for you? He shines his light into your despairing heart to give you hope. You wonder if it’s safe to keep moving forward in life? He shines his light on your life’s path so you will know the next step you should take.

Jesus is the light of the world. More importantly, he is your light in the world. When you know him and trust him with every area of your life, you have the source of all light living inside you.

His light is stronger than any darkness. Light a single match in a dark room, and it overpowers the darkness. Likewise, all darkness must flee before the overpowering strength of Jesus’ light—no matter how small it may be.

The sun, moon, and stars prove this reality. They overcome all darkness. And the brighter the light, the less darkness there is. Think about the sun at high noon on a cloudless day. There is no darkness. There is only clarity.

But think about this reality as well: In heaven there will be no need for a sun, moon, or stars. Jesus’ very presence will light up the New Jerusalem and all of heaven. His light will dominate every part of the new heaven and new earth.

He is the light of all other lights. He is the light of the world. He is your light today as you walk in this world. He is a lamp to your feet, showing you your next step as you move toward your eternal destiny.

Believe in Jesus today. Trust him with your next step. Believe what he says about himself. Call on him in your time of trouble. He wants to rescue you.

Jesus has not forgotten about you. He helps the fallen and lifts them up beneath their loads. Though you may trip, you will never fall. He holds you by your hand and listens to your cries for help. He is the strength of your heart. You belong to him. He is yours forever. He is your light.

In him, all your places of darkness can be overcome.

He is stronger than any dark place in your life.

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

Today’s Reading: John 8:1-11

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.’ And even more he bent down and wrote on the ground. But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him.”

* * * * *

A woman had been caught in the act of adultery. The religious leaders badgered Jesus to have her stoned to death in accordance with the Law of Moses. They tried relentlessly to entrap him. If he had agreed she should be stoned to death, he would have been accused of having a hard heart and no compassion. If he hadn’t agreed, they would have accused him of not obeying the Law of Moses.

In anger and arrogance, the crowd clutched their stones. Jesus’ slightest nod of approval would have triggered the first stone to be hurled. His response was different than anticipated. He asked for the person who had never sinned to throw the first stone.

Then Jesus continued to write in the sand. What did he write? Some believe he scribbled down the sins of those ready to jettison rocks— their lack of compassion, their hypocrisy, pride, arrogance, and self-righteousness. Perhaps he wrote the name of the woman—whose life he lovingly clutched in his hands.

Then the Holy Spirit began to prick the hearts of those in the crowd. Slowly but surely, he convicted them of their own sins. As the defenseless woman quivered in fear, each person began dropping the stones they were clutching—beginning with the oldest.

This is how it should be. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. But the older a person becomes, the more aware he is of his wicked, selfish, and deceitful heart. The longer people live, the more opportunities they’ve had to realize their selfish motives and actions.

People love Jesus in direct proportion to how great a sinner they know themselves to be. If you don’t think you’ve sinned much, you won’t love him much. But if you know you are a great sinner, you will love him greatly.

Today, open your heart wide to the convictions of the Holy Spirit. Let him prick your heart of your pride. Let him make you aware of your arrogance. Let him confront your lack of compassion. Let him expose your hypocrisy. Let him reveal how far you have fallen short of the Father’s perfect will for your life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit. They alone know God’s kingdom. Blessed are those who mourn over the sinful condition of their soul. They alone receive the comfort of his forgiveness and grace. Blessed are the broken. They alone know the fullness of his love.

Are you broken today? Have you come to grips with your rebellion against God?

If so, you are ready to drop your stones of self-righteousness and receive Jesus’ full forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, and kindness. Your guilt is gone. You are made right with God. His love lives inside you.

You will go and sin no more. You will love the Lord more than you love your sin.

Realizing your sinfulness is the necessary first step in your relationship with him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:41-51

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus answered them, ‘Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.’”

* * * * *

The Jews grumbled because Jesus had said he was the bread that came down from heaven. They even hinted at the rumors of his purported illegitimate birth. It’s a classic strategy of debate. If you don’t like the argument, attack the person making the argument.

Be careful about grumbling. It caused the Israelites to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. It’s unbelief. It shows you don’t trust the Lord. It’s sin. If you complain, you remain in the wilderness. Do not grumble among yourselves—ever! Rather, believe. Trust Jesus in every facet of your life. The opposite of grumbling is trust.

And remember this truth: Anyone who believes in the Son does so solely because the Father in heaven draws him. That was why he sent Jesus.

There is nothing meritorious within you to earn Jesus’ favor. You were dead in your sins and trespasses. That means only a divine power outside of you can give you life. Before you chose Jesus, the Spirit was working on your heart to make you alive in him.

Why is this important? It means God alone receives the praise and glory. It makes him alone the one worthy of all honor, dominion, and power. He alone is the author and finisher of your faith. He alone demands all our life, soul, mind, and energy. In light of all that, he alone is worthy of your worship.

How does the Father’s perfect sovereignty and your will work together for your eternal salvation? Some people see these two truths as contradictory. But they are not. They are like two train tracks that run parallel with one another until they ostensibly come together on the distant horizon. They seem disparate here. But they do come together in the future. We may not understand this now, but we will in eternity.

Heavenly mysteries belong to God alone. Don’t let your puny, finite mind dwell on things too difficult and majestic for you to understand.

One day you will comprehend doctrinal difficulties. Questions that puzzled you will be answered. Now you look through a mirror dimly. Later, you will see the Lord face-to-face. And he will explain all to you.

That’s why the most-often-spoken word in heaven will be “Oh!” As Jesus explains to you all that you didn’t understand, your eternal eyes will widen with amazement as you grasp why he was doing what he did in your life. “Oh! Oh! Oh!” you will continually exclaim.

There is eternal purpose in everything. God has reasons for all that he allows to happen in your life. In eternity, it will all make sense to you.

Until then, continue to trust him. He drew you to the Father. He will raise you up on the last day.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:52-59

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’”

* * * * *

Is this teaching difficult for you to understand? Here, Jesus is teaching deep, internal, and eternal truths using a human illustration. So don’t take this literally.

What was he teaching? To “eat my flesh” and “drink my blood” means to ingest him totally in your life. It means trusting him completely— especially when it comes to his death on the cross and the forgiveness of your sins. You need to ingest and digest the reality of his grace, mercy, and kindness living in you every day. You need to chew on it like a cow does its cud, letting his grace and mercy nourish you throughout the day.

This truth is also expressed at the communion table the Lord gave to you. Whenever you receive the bread and wine, representing Jesus’ flesh and blood, you are reminded of and experience anew his spiritual presence in your life. You remember the meaning and significance of the cross. You know the Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing grace. Your faith in him is renewed. Your life in him is mysteriously recharged.

You know you have eternal life. You know you will be raised up on the last day. There should be no doubt in your mind. It’s an absolute certainty. Death has lost its sting. The grave has been conquered.

This is pure, profound, and prolific unconditional love. It’s not that you first loved him, but that he first loved you. Before the foundations of the earth were ever formed, he first loved you. His love for you began before this world was ever made.

Jesus gave up his life as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. He took upon himself the punishment you deserved so he could give you the gift of eternal life. He went through the agony of his suffering so his grace could consume your heart.

Eat of his flesh. Drink of his blood. Be totally consumed with his grace. It’s inexhaustible.

Jesus is eager to relent and not punish. He loves to repay two blessings for each of your troubles. He loves you so very much!

This love is patient and kind. It doesn’t envy or boast. It isn’t arrogant or rude. It doesn’t need to be right. It isn’t irritable or resentful. It doesn’t rejoice with evil, but celebrates the truth. This love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. It never fails.

Nor will this love fail you today. It will be profusely powerful in your heart no matter what you may face. This love that sustains you today will one day carry you into Jesus’ presence.

Feed on this truth.

And you will be filled with the joy of his presence.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:60-71

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.’”

* * * * *

Many followed Jesus after he had fed them. But when he talked about eating his flesh and drinking his blood—being totally committed to him until death—the masses melted away. They followed him only as long as he met their needs.

Don’t misunderstand. He is concerned for your daily needs. You are to pray to the Father to give you your daily bread.

But following Jesus is not about him benefiting you. It’s about your willingness to do what he says no matter what the cost. The crowds weren’t willing to pay this price.

Is this you? Do you follow the Lord only for what he will give to you? Or do you follow him because you know that he alone holds the keys for a meaningful life? As he died for you, are you willing to die for him? That’s the cost of discipleship.

After the masses had left, Jesus asked the Twelve if they were going to leave him as well. Simon Peter answered correctly. He realized that only Jesus had the words of eternal life. He recognized Jesus was the Holy One of God. He realized there was no other person who held this truth. Peter had believed in him. His faith was settled.

Is your faith settled? Is there any room for doubt? There should not be. Your doubt will cause your faith to be tossed to and fro—like the tide erasing a truth you just etched in the sand. It forces a divided loyalty. That’s why your faith should not waver.

How will you know if you truly are one of Jesus’ disciples? You will be one of his disciples tomorrow. And the day after that. And the day after that. Your perseverance in faith until the end of your life proves you are one of his faithful followers.

Yes, you will still have much to learn about following Jesus. That’s okay. The Twelve had much to learn as well. Just keep learning. Keep obeying what he says—even if you don’t understand why. He has his reasons. Sometimes they are hidden in heaven. But there are reasons behind his principles. Trust and obey them—and him. Every time you do, your faith grows stronger.

He alone holds the words of eternal life. No one else does. Every other teaching pales in comparison to his.

Jesus is the Holy One, sent from his Father in heaven because of his great love for you. He is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Your eternity is in his hands.

Trust him today in everything that happens to you.

And remember this truth: Only Jesus holds the words to eternal life.

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

Today’s Reading: John 7:1-9

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now the Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, ‘Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.’ For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, ‘My time has not yet come, your time is always here.’”

* * * * *

Jesus had earthly brothers and sisters. He was the firstborn in his family. His brothers and sisters grew up with him. They knew him. But they did not understand his mission on earth and why his Father sent him here.

The Feast of Booths in Jerusalem was a time of year when thousands of faithful Jews would come to Jerusalem to celebrate God’s faithfulness while they were wandering in the wilderness. Jesus’ brothers saw this time as an opportunity to increase his popularity and gain an even larger following. “You need a brand, a platform, to increase your followers,” they were saying.

That’s how the world thinks. It wants celebrities. But Jesus came to serve. His path is one of a suffering servant. His way to change the world is not through you being a celebrity, but a servant. It’s when you are humble that the Father lifts you up.

Jesus steadfastly refused to think in the way his brothers did. That’s why he said, “My time has not yet come.” He would not be manipulated by their worldly thinking. He reminded them that the time to die on the cross had not yet arrived. That time was solely in the hands of his Father in heaven. It was not yet the Father’s will for him to publicly go to Jerusalem.

Please understand this truth: When you give your life to Jesus, everything is under the sovereign timing of the Father. There is a time, season, and purpose for everything under the sun. God is the unseen Seer. He oversees all. Nothing is beyond his control—especially your life.

Are you waiting patiently for something today? Is there a promise you feel you’ve received from the Father that hasn’t yet happened? Don’t give up. Continue to wait patiently for the answer at God’s appointed time. Strength arises within you when you wait on the Father’s perfect timing.

As you wait, feel the Father lift you up like the wind under an eagle’s wings. Feel him lifting you higher and higher—to the heavens before his throne. You will run and not become weary. You will walk and not faint.

Don’t give up your dreams. Keep persevering. If the Father has given it to you, he cannot lie. Therefore, your dreams cannot die.

There is purpose in the waiting. There is a plan. There is a time and season for your promise to be fulfilled.

Wait patiently in faith.

Your answer could be just a short time away!

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

Today’s Reading: John 7:10-24

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.”

* * * * *

If your will is to absolutely do the Father’s will, you will know who Jesus is. You will know that his teachings are true. You will know that he doesn’t speak on his own authority, but by the authority of the one who sent him.

Or do you seek your own glory in life? Do you speak with your own authoritative opinions—ones ensnarled in nothing but your own perspectives? If so, you will never know that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. You will never know the glory of the Father revealed in him.

The Father alone is worthy of all praise. Through him alone you live and move and have your being. He will not share his glory with any frail, fallen, and feeble human being.

If you believe in Jesus, you will desire to obey him. If you love him, you will obey his commandments. In your head and heart, you will know that he is God’s Son who came to forgive the sins of the world— and your personal sins. Obedience to his teachings will be the proof of your love for and commitment to him.

Obey the Lord today. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. But also remember: All your life choices greatly affect who you are and the person you will become.

Why do you make certain choices? Are they motivated by your feelings? Or by your circumstances? These things are fleeting and transitory. They change by the moment. If your feelings or circumstances determine your choices, you are most likely seeking your own glory and not the Father’s.

Or is culture influencing your decisions? Don’t rely on it. It is always changing as well. It shifts with the whims and fancies of the masses. It’s nuanced by negativism. It’s driven by the cult of personality. It focuses on self-fulfillment.

Rather, trust the immutable Father of the universe. He never changes. Obey based on who Jesus is and what he says. His authority comes from heaven. What he commands you to do is rooted in the changeless principles of a changeless God.

When you obey Jesus’ commands, you are doing his will. It proves you believe he is the truth. It proves you love him. It shows you have wholeheartedly made him Lord of your life.

Follow all that Jesus teaches you. When you do, it proves you belong to him.

It also gives the Father in heaven all the honor, glory, and praise— from this day forth and for all eternity.

Glorify him. Enjoy him forever.

This is your chief reason for living.

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

Today’s Reading: John 7:25-31

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.’”

* * * * *

People often assume they know more about Jesus than they do. They’ve never taken the time to explore what he has actually claimed. Subsequently, they make wild, audacious statements about him that are far from true.

As Jesus taught in the Temple, some Jews did the same thing. They thought they knew his identity—especially the specifics about where he was from. They concluded the Messiah could not have Jesus’ background.

They failed to realize Jesus’ true home. He was sent from heaven. He didn’t come on his own accord. He was asked by his Father to leave the splendor of heaven and come to the squalor of this world.

Do you know why Jesus was sent? He became a baby in a manger to live the righteous life you can’t live because of your sin. He was sent to die a hideous death you should have died. He took your shame upon himself and gave you his righteousness—all a gift by grace through faith—rooted in the Father’s love for you.

Jesus knows the Father. He came from him. The Father alone sent the Son.

And Jesus gladly obeyed—so that you could be forgiven of your sins and have an intimate, personal, and dynamic relationship with him forever. It was for love—for you—that he came.

Do you know the extent of Jesus’ abiding love for you? If you feel any condemnation, it’s not from him. How could he die for you and then condemn you? How could he justify you, declaring you not guilty before the Father, and make accusation against you? How could he offer incessant intercession for you and prosecute you at the same time? It’s implausible and makes no sense.

If you feel condemnation, it’s from the enemy. He is the accuser of those who believe in Jesus. He wants to paralyze you with guilt. He desires to put you on the sidelines of life with a spiritual ACL injury. He hopes to paralyze your Christian walk.

There is no condemnation for those who know Jesus’ love. None. Don’t listen to those voices of accusation in your mind. They are not from Jesus. He is for you—on your side!

No shadow of shame ever darkens the face of God’s people. Those who look to him are free from guilt and are radiant with joy. God forgives wickedness and never again remembers sin.

God loves you. You are his. Nothing can ever separate you from his love. It is secure.

He said so.

And God speaks nothing but the truth.

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

Today’s Reading: John 7:32-36

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus then said, ‘I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to him who sent me. You will see me, and you will not find me. Where I am you cannot come.’”

* * * * *

There is an old saying: “If you don’t like the message, kill the messenger.” That was the position of the chief priests and Pharisees— those who represented the ruling body of the Jews, called the Sanhedrin. After hearing Jesus’ teachings, they desired to arrest and kill him.

Jesus knew what would happen next. The Temple guard would attempt to arrest him. But they would not find him. His time to be arrested and die on the cross had not yet come.

When Jesus said, “Where I am you cannot come,” he was alluding to his future ascension. After his death and resurrection, he would return to his Father in heaven. He would sit at the Father’s right hand— having been given all power and authority to rule over the universe. From this position of power, Jesus will one day return to judge the living and the dead. He will give eternal life to some, and eternal condemnation to others.

Jesus was saying that when he ascended to heaven, he was going to a place where the chief priests couldn’t follow him. They didn’t believe in him. They wanted to kill him! How could people who wanted to kill him inherit the gift of eternal life? They couldn’t.

If you believe in Jesus, you have eternal life. It’s a free gift guaranteed to you—by grace through faith alone. Good works cannot earn this gift. You can never do enough good works to please the Father. That’s why Jesus needed to take the excruciating punishment of your sins upon himself and give you his righteousness.

Some call this “the great exchange.” You received the much better end of the deal. Jesus received your guilt, blame, shame, and punishment. You then received his forgiveness, grace, mercy, and kindness. He never remembers your sin. You also get to go to heaven. All this is given to you as a free gift. It is undeserved and unmerited.

Why would Jesus do this for you? Because of his love for you, and because he wants you to live in the power of his grace. When you receive his unconditional love, your life is forever changed. You start desiring to live how he wants you to live. Your life starts to reflect Jesus’ in and through you. You begin to be conformed to his image.

Live in that love today. Be consumed by his unconditional grace. Grab hold of it tenaciously. Make his grace your heart’s lifeline.

And know the truth that if you believe in him, you will go to the place where he is. Heaven will be your home.

If it weren’t so, Jesus wouldn’t have promised it to you.

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

Today’s Reading: John 7:37-39

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, “Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”’ Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”

* * * * *

Jesus is the source of all life, and he is the one who continues to give you a meaningful life.

Once he has placed his Spirit in you, you will never thirst again. Anyone who believes in him receives the gift of his inward presence through the Spirit. When you come and drink from him, he will forever satisfy every one of your longings.

This belief is not mere intellectual assent. Rather, it is an inextricable, life-giving, eternal reality—an eternal connection between you and Jesus. He lives in you. You live in him. He is your source of life and hope. Daily, you drink from him and his grace, love, mercy, and kindness. Whatever is happening to you, you first come to him and drink from his life. And he will satisfy the deepest longings of your eternal soul.

That’s why you need a daily time with him. It is essential for your health.

The living water from which you drink is inexhaustible. It flows from deep within your heart. Please note it “flows.” It’s not a trickle or a little stream. It gushes forth with grace. It’s a flood of God’s favor. It’s living water—not stagnant or brackish. It is pure, fresh, and flowing. No germs or parasites can live in it. When you drink of it, you receive abundant life.

If you feel heavy-laden by any burdens today, give them all to Jesus—all of them. Drink from him. Don’t continue to hold on to even one problem or concern.

Make sure you are connected to the Spirit, who lives in you. He is your life source—living deep inside you. He connects you to Jesus. As you remain in him, fruitfulness flows from your life. Your character is changed. God’s righteousness is evident. Your transformed life glorifies the Father in heaven.

Let the Spirit’s inward water give life to your dry soul. Let him bring comfort when you face discouragement. Have hope in your heart. He promises his presence.

Then his love will replace apathy. Forgiveness will replace bitterness. Patience will replace anger. Kindness will replace criticism. Gentleness will replace pride. Joy will replace discouragement. Courage will replace timidity. Faith will replace fear. Hope will replace despair. Peace will replace anxiety. Self-control will replace self-indulgence. Collaboration will replace strife. Your focus will be on others, not yourself.

And the Lord’s streams of living water will forever flow in you. He will give you moral excellence, which will lead to knowledge. This knowledge will produce self-control, which will lead to patient endurance. This patient endurance gives godliness, and godliness leads to brotherly affection. And brotherly affection produces love for everyone.

Jesus’ living water produces all these wonderful qualities. And he is calling you to give his living water to a dying, parched world that desperately needs it.

That’s one of the key reasons the Lord created you.

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