Apicontent

Today’s Reading: John 7:40-52

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, ‘Why did you not bring him?’ The officers answered, ‘No one ever spoke like this man.’”

* * * * *

The Temple police had been deployed by the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus. Upon their return, they were questioned why they had not arrested him.

Their response is telling and profound: “No one ever spoke like this man!”

What they said was true. No human had ever taught like Jesus did. They can’t. No other person in history has been fully divine and fully human at the same time. Because Jesus was divine, when he spoke, he did so with the authority of his Father in heaven. He was giving insights from him. He spoke with perfect truth and wisdom.

That was what the officers heard. That’s why they were confounded and couldn’t arrest him. His teachings pointed to his true identity. Deep inside, they knew they couldn’t arrest God in human flesh.

As you take time to carefully read Jesus’ teachings, they will become indelibly etched in your soul. You will sense God’s authority speaking to you. You will experience his goodness. Similarly, you will feel your total depravity—how much you’ve hurt God’s heart. Recognize the cry of your soul: “I need a Savior.” Jesus is that Savior.

See yourself as a lost sheep who has wandered away from the rest of the herd. Yet you are still precious to Jesus. He would have left heaven and died for you even if you were the only person on earth.

See yourself as the rebellious son wallowing in a pigsty. You’ve made a mess of your life. See yourself as being awakened to your hideous condition and wanting to go home. See yourself as one being welcomed home by an unconditionally loving Father in heaven—with a smile on his face and his arms opened wide toward you.

See yourself as the pearl of great price being purchased by a merchant no matter what the cost. You are that pearl. See yourself as a hidden treasure covered in a field. Jesus has found you. Now he gives everything, even his life, to own you. Jesus was willing to go to any extreme to purchase your freedom from sin. In fact, he died on a cross to own you! That’s the extent of his love for you.

Jesus’ love for you could not be greater. He rescued you from the kingdom of darkness and transferred you into his kingdom of light. He purchased your freedom and forgave your sins. You now stand before him blameless, without a single fault. His teachings should overwhelm your heart with how much he cares for you.

No one has ever taught like Jesus.

That’s because there has never been one like Jesus.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:35-40

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”

* * * * *

Every faithful Jew would know the significance of Jesus’ “I am” statements. When Moses was called by God to deliver the Israelites from the bondage of Egyptian slavery, he asked God to give him his name so he could tell the Egyptians who was sending him. God responded, “I am who I am.” It was God’s holy name that all Jews sacredly honored for centuries. It was considered so holy that faithful Jews didn’t think it should be uttered.

When Jesus used the “I am” phrase, it was a clear reference to his identity. More specifically, when he said, “I am the bread of life,” he was saying that he alone is the one who can fill the hunger of the human heart.

Jesus nourishes people spiritually. When literal bread is eaten, eventually your hunger returns. But when you ingest Jesus and invite him to live in and with you, he offers a spiritual sustenance that satisfies your soul forever. You will never hunger again. You are eternally satisfied when you hunger and thirst for righteousness.

How do you receive this spiritual food? By believing in him. Believe he is who he says he is. What are your options? Was he a liar? That’s impossible. He is perfect truth. Was he crazy? There is nothing crazy about anything Jesus teaches. His words give sanity to the despairing.

If Jesus is not lying or crazy, what other option is there? He is who he says he is. He is the bread of life. He is God in human flesh. If you partake of his life in you, you are forever satisfied. Your soul will be nourished forever.

God’s Word is true. It gives wise advice for everyday living. It should comfort you. It gives light so that even the simple can understand it. It is more desirable than fine gold, even the finest gold. It is sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. It warns us of potential danger. There is great reward for those who obey it.

Don’t live solely by the bread of this world. It is transient. It won’t last. Rather, live by every word that proceeds from the Lord’s mouth.

Then you’ll experience life as he intended it to be lived. You will know the depth, width, and height of his grace for you. You will experience his inexpressible joy inside your heart. His peace that passes all understanding will be yours. The pressures of life will be moderated. His kindness will consume you. Your decisions that you make throughout the day will be his decisions.

Feast upon Jesus today.

He is your personal bread of life—today and forever.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:25-34

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus answered him, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’”

* * * * *

Jesus had just told his listeners that they should not labor for food that doesn’t last. Their life’s focus should not be on things that are temporary and have no eternal value. Their eyes should be fixed on heaven, not on the things of this world.

But they completely misunderstood what he was saying. They wanted him to show them certain works that they could do so they could possess eternal life. That’s called self-righteousness. Humans desire to know and obey laws that make them righteous in the Father’s eyes.

Jesus told them this eternal truth: The one work that the Father requires for people to be declared righteous is to believe in him. You are to believe that he died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin. The one work required to enter heaven is to trust in his completed work on the cross. That’s all that is needed.

But your faith in the cross is a very hard work to do. Why? You have never seen Jesus, yet you are still called to believe in him. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Without faith, it is tacitly impossible to please him.

This kind of faith is especially challenging when life makes no sense. It’s very difficult to continue to believe in the Lord when pain increases and you can’t see your next step. It’s hard when you feel betrayed, unloved, and deserted and you want to give up on life. It’s hard to believe when life gets challenging.

But that’s what Jesus calls you to do. He asks you to follow him by faith, not sight. He asks you to love him though you’ve never seen him. He asks you to trust that he is with you always, even when the next step cannot be seen.

Real faith demands you lean on him in complete dependence no matter what. It believes he will lift you out of the pit of despair.

Jesus loves great faith. It pleases him when you believe he can do the impossible. He loves when you trust him in everything that’s happening— especially when it’s difficult.

Jesus knows you face some days when you feel as if you are drowning. He realizes there are times when you want to give up. When that happens, trust him. Fight the fight of faith. He will help you to keep moving forward. His power works best in your weakness. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. He will be with you wherever you go.

Yes, it’s a very broken world in which you live. Jesus suffered in it as well. But rejoice! He has overcome the world. He is your strength and shield. Yield your life to him alone. Let him be your life’s desire. Believe that the more you suffer, the more he showers his comfort on you. Choose to worship him in the tough times.

Work hard to believe in him, even when it’s difficult to do so.

It’s the only work necessary to inherit eternal life.

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

Today’s Reading: John 5:25-36

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”

* * * * *

Reflect on this truth today: Jesus can do nothing on his own. He is totally dependent on the Father and his strength.

Think about this reality. Jesus was completely connected to his Father and daily needed his strength as he lived on earth. So do you as you are connected to Jesus on a daily basis. Apart from him, you can do nothing. Connected to him, you can do all things.

The Father has given the Son full authority over all humanity. It is Jesus’ responsibility to judge all humans. He alone holds the power to give eternal life and death. His judgment is perfect in every way. This is because he seeks first and solely the will of his Father in heaven. He was the one who sent him. He and the Father are one.

God is your source of life. In him, you live and move and have your being. He has guaranteed to you the gift of eternal life.

Today, be still and know that Jesus is your God. He is the one who created you. You are his, the sheep of his pasture. Remain totally in him. Rest completely in him. Don’t find your life’s meaning or strength in anything or anyone else. From him alone you will find your strength and hope.

Don’t seek your own will. Seek first his kingdom. Desire his will— with all your heart, soul, mind, and might. Trust him with all the secondary and tertiary issues in your life.

They are not unimportant to him. He knows your needs. Just seek him first. Your needs will be met.

Listen to the Lord’s voice today. He will guide you. Go to where he tells you to go. Feel his promptings to touch another person in your sphere of influence with his love. Go find a hurt and heal it. Go find a need and fill it.

Walk in his grace. Be his hands and feet today. Let his life flow through you to others—as his Father’s life flowed through him to you and others who believe in him.

Don’t you see? This is Jesus’ will for your life each day. He wants you to be an instrument of his healing and peace to the world. He wants you to help him advance his kingdom on earth.

Will you let him lead you? To those who are faithful to what he gives them, he will give even more responsibility.

Through him, you will find the strength to do all things.

That’s because nothing is impossible for those who believe in him and are totally connected to him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 5:37-47

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me.”

* * * * *

The Jews of Jesus’ day believed that Moses wrote the Law. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, they trusted that Moses faithfully wrote the words of God. One would assume that if they believed Moses’ words, they would have eagerly received Jesus’ words—since his words come from the Father as well.

But they did not. Therefore, they must not have believed Moses’ words to be from God. Otherwise, they would have believed Jesus’ words.

Moses wrote over and over again about Jesus. When he pointed to the coming great prophet, he was referring to Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15). He is that great prophet. Moses wrote about the high priest alone having access to the Father on behalf of the Jews (Leviticus 8–10). Jesus is that high priest for humanity. Moses wrote about the perfect lamb sacrificed to take away Israel’s sins (Leviticus 9:1-10). Jesus is that perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Moses served as the one mediator between God and the children of Israel (Exodus 33:12-15). Jesus is now the one true Mediator who stands between the Father and the sins of humanity.

In one of his resurrection appearances, Jesus walked with two forlorn disciples on the road to Emmaus. During this long walk, he took them through the entire Old Testament and showed them all the passages that pointed to himself—including Moses’ writings. Their eyes were opened. Their hearts were strangely stirred. They realized it was Jesus who was walking with them.

Today, please read the Old Testament. It is the Word of God. You will find Jesus all through its pages.

As you read, you will see the Father’s plan for salvation unfold over the course of history. He oversaw every single second of Israel’s history. He was controlling every event for his purposes. There was an obvious and perfect plan being worked out. This plan finds its fulfillment in Jesus.

If you love Jesus, you are a part of salvation history as well. The Father oversees everything that is happening in your story. Your story is a part of his story.

There is no cosmic chaos. There is omniscient oversight. God is in control. He loves you. He has a perfect plan. You are a part of that plan. He has chosen you to do something only you can do. That’s your purpose in life.

Read Jesus’ Word every chance you get. It will be a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. It will give you wise counsel. Your eyes will be opened to new instruction.

See Jesus in the pages of the Bible. It all points to him. He is the hero of the Bible.

He wants to be your hero. Let him lead your life.

And you will see your story being lived out in God’s greater story.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:1-13

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.”

* * * * *

Jesus went away with his followers for some time alone. We all need that. If you don’t come apart, you’ll come apart. From Jesus’ human perspective, it was true for him too.

As Jesus and the disciples tried to rest, the masses figured out where they were. More than 10,000 men, women, and children came. This happened miles away from any place to secure food. Jesus and the disciples knew they’d eventually need to feed the crowd.

That’s what prompted Jesus to ask Philip about where to buy food. He was from the area. He was the appropriate person to ask.

But Jesus had an ulterior motive when he asked this question. He already knew the answer. He already knew the solution to the problem. His resources are limitless.

Jesus asked this question to test Philip’s faith. It was not yet fully developed. There were lessons he needed to learn.

Yes, Philip had seen Jesus perform multiple miracles. But he still didn’t possess a fully orbed faith. That’s why he needed to take the test. It was the only way he would realize faith truly existed in his heart.

Jesus does the same with you. It’s not because he enjoys placing you in difficult situations. It’s because he wants to develop your faith. You may say with your words that you believe in him. But it’s only in difficult situations that you can discover if you really trust him.

Teachers know this truth. They give tests to make sure their students know the material. Similarly, Jesus gives his disciples (the word means “pupils”) tests to help them grow in their faith. Without faith it is impossible to please him. He loves great faith.

Do you have great faith today? When his tests come to you, do you pass them with flying colors?

Are those words of whining and complaining he hears pouring forth from you during this time of testing? Are you suggesting he doesn’t really care for you? Your words show what’s in your heart. They mirror a heart of unbelief.

Receive the Lord’s tests of faith with great joy—even when they are of the “pop quiz” variety. Though he is silent when giving the tests (as all teachers are), he is administering all of them. They will help mature your heart of faith.

When the test comes, speak to the impossible situation in your life. Tell it to be lifted up and thrown into the heart of the sea. Really believe it. Don’t doubt. And see it happen.

His heart’s desire is that you pass the test.

That’s what’s most important to him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:14-15

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is come into the world.’ Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”

* * * * *

After Jesus miraculously fed the 10,000-plus people with five loaves and two fish, the crowd concluded he was the Prophet—fulfilling the prophecy of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). He perceived they would soon try to force him to be their king.

He withdrew to a private place in the mountain to be alone and pray. He wasn’t to be an earthly king. They failed to realize his true identity.

The most important question you can ever ask about him is this: Who is Jesus? Your answer will determine where you spend eternity.

Who is Jesus?

Yes, he is the Prophet about whom Moses prophesied. He spoke truths as a great prophet. Yes, he is a king. He rules over all as a great king does.

But he is so much more. He is the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords. He is God in human flesh, the perfect God/man, conceived in his earthly mother’s womb by the miraculous power of the Spirit. He lived perfectly in obedience to the righteous requirements of the Law—something no human can do. He died on the cross as the perfect substitute for your sin. His cross should have been your cross. He died in your place—suffering for a penalty that was yours.

Jesus was raised from the dead, thus proving his deity and confirming the forgiveness of your sins. By grace through faith, you can now receive his gift of eternal life. Just as he was raised from the dead, all those who believe in him will be raised as well.

Who is Jesus?

He is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything else and holds all creation together. He is your way to true life— both eternally and now. He is your closest friend and companion in this life—closer than a brother or sister. He lives in you—the hope of glory. He is daily conforming you to live as he lived—as a servant, not a superstar. The very power and presence of heaven is indwelling you through him—right now.

Listen to his prophetic voice today, guiding you into all truth. Let him rule as a king in your heart, overseeing and controlling everything that comes to you.

Know who Jesus is. Believe in him and you will be saved. Joyfully face your upcoming eternal paradise. Your heart should never be troubled. Believe in the Father. Believe also in Jesus.

As Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, know that he will always uphold you with his righteous right hand.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:16-21

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’”

* * * * *

The disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee. It was approximately six miles to the other side. Jesus was not with them. He watched them from the mountain where he was resting and praying.

The wind blew furiously against them. The sea was rough, yo-yoing their boat up and down, the waves loudly slapping the sides of the boat. They were alone and scared.

They failed to realize this fact: Jesus knew the storm was approaching. He knew what they were going to face before they left the shore. None of this took him by surprise.

As they struggled against the contrary waves, their fear increased. They quickly forgot his miracle with the five loaves and two fish. How quickly people can lose their heart of faith when a storm arises!

As you struggle today against life’s wicked winds, blowing contrary to your desires, always remember the facts of this story. Jesus was not surprised by the storm. He took the initiative and came to the disciples. He knew of their struggle. He understood their fears before they felt them.

Jesus is not aloof from your life’s storms. He is always moving toward you, knowing what you need from him.

And what does Jesus say to all his fear-filled followers? “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Fear is the antithesis of faith. Fear destroys faith. Don’t be afraid!

And what is the best antidote for fear? It is Jesus’ presence. He comes to you, to be with you, in all life’s trials and circumstances. He is with you. He upholds you. He strengthens you.

There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that you and Jesus can’t face and handle together. His promised presence is what conquers all fear.

Don’t be afraid! Take courage. The Lord is with you. Though you may be walking through a dark valley, he is beside you. His spiritual weaponry is available to protect and comfort you. Fasten around yourself his belt of truth. Put on his helmet of salvation. Place his shoes of peace on your feet. Hold high his strong shield of faith to extinguish the fiery darts of the enemy. Know and quote his Word—which is your best offensive weapon against the enemy—along with continuing to pray without ceasing.

Jesus did not give you a spirit of fear, but of love, peace, and a sound mind.

Don’t be troubled or afraid. Speak to fear and say, “The Lord is my helper. I will have no fear.”

Let Jesus answer the next time fear knocks on the door of your heart. When you do, you’ll find fear to be gone.

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

Today’s Reading: John 6:22-24

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.”

* * * * *

After Jesus had fed the 10,000-plus people, word about the miracle spread quickly. Throngs tried to find out where he was staying. When they couldn’t find him, they continued seeking him.

Why do you seek him? This crowd simply wanted more food. They just wanted another miracle. They wanted Jesus to serve them. They didn’t desire to serve him. They sought a magic genie in a bottle—a genie that would say to them, “Your wish is my command.”

That’s not the kind of follower Jesus desires. When someone seeks him and chooses to follow him, they need to know they are choosing to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. They are choosing to die to self and live for his glory. They are choosing to crucify their own lusts of the flesh and live a holy life that emulates who he is. They are choosing to leave any other god, lust, or passion that would be placed above him. They are choosing to seek first his kingdom and his way of right living.

It’s a life that demands your soul, effort, and energy—your all.

Why do you seek Jesus?

If you are truly seeking him, you will find him. True spiritual seekers will always discover him and choose to live for him. He is their first priority. They choose serving over being a celebrity. Any praise they receive is like a rose that is smelled and enjoyed, but then given to him. They know every gift they have comes from him.

Why do you seek Jesus? Be honest with your answer. Are you following him for him to serve you, or for you to serve him? For your glory or his?

Know that as you follow him, he promises to meet your every need. He is concerned with every area of your life. He wants you to enjoy life and to do so abundantly. He is not a miser. He doesn’t withhold blessings from his followers who do what is right. He loves to give blessings to those who trust him and make the Lord their confidence and hope. He enjoys giving his favor generously to people who need and desire him.

Jesus is good and kind. His mercies endure forever. He is worthy to be followed.

Just make sure you know why you are seeking him. And what it will cost you to follow him.

It’s very important that you rightly know. When you do, you will be able to persevere until the end.

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

Today’s Reading: John 5:10-14

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Now that day was the Sabbath…Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.’”

* * * * *

Jesus healed the man who had been lame for 38 years. He healed him on the Sabbath. In doing so, he shattered the silly traditions of men that said no healing should happen on the Sabbath. His desire for people to be governed by grace on all days, especially the Sabbath, had become legalistic imprisonment.

The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. It was created to give one day’s rest that renews minds, bodies, and souls. It also reconnects spirits with the Lord through worship—the one from whom all blessings flow. He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He created it. He knows its purpose. This purpose had been horribly misappropriated by the religious leaders of that day.

His desire is for your heart to be filled with his grace. A personal relationship with Jesus is not about following rules and regulations— or the traditions of men. When you know his forgiveness, he lives in you and you in him. You walk closely and intimately with one another. You converse throughout the day.

Yet he also doesn’t want you to miss this very important truth: When you know his forgiveness, and you walk closely together, you are not to forget his moral law. The Ten Commandments are gifts to you—including the Sabbath. They show you how people should live a civil society. They are guardrails on the highway of life designed to keep you from hurt and pain.

Remember that this grace is not earned by obeying the moral law. It is given to you the moment you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. It’s a gift that can never be earned.

And when you’ve truly received his grace, you will still obey his moral law—not because you have to, but because you want to. Your obedience will please him—the one from whom you’ve received grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.

That’s why Jesus told the healed man to sin no more. When rightly understood, the receiving of his grace and forgiveness should always lead to holy obedience. In response to his indwelling love, his followers live out a righteousness that exceeds the righteousness of those living by the law. There is a desire not to sin.

Joyful are those who desire to obey God’s law and search for him with all their hearts. God’s law is good, righteous, and holy.

Is there a desire deep within your heart to obey all that the Lord has commanded you to do? Is the greatest desire of your heart obedience to his moral law—the Ten Commandments? Do you yearn to be holy as he is holy? Have you set aside the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship of him?

If yes, it’s proof you understand how profound his amazing grace is. It shows you know what he rescued you from so that you don’t desire to sin again.

Is this you?

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