Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 5:15-18

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“‘My Father is working until now, and I am working’…This is why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him…he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”

* * * * *

The religious leaders were terribly upset with Jesus for healing someone on the Sabbath. But he told them that his Father is always working for goodness and health—no matter what the day of the week may be. Then he told them that he was doing this same good work that his Father was always doing—no matter what the day of the week.

Their anger raged against him. They knew what he was claiming. And he meant to claim it.

The Father and his Son are mysteriously one. No human can understand it. They have forever coexisted in perfect, sovereign love and unity.

Do you see here Jesus’ extraordinary claim to deity? Don’t miss it. His Father in heaven created the Sabbath, and he is Lord over the Sabbath—making him and the Father one.

Jesus is exactly like his Father in all attributes. He came to earth to reflect his Father’s love to you so you could trust him. He wants you to know his close, bountiful, and sovereign love.

If he had been a mere man, he would have been blaspheming the Father with his words. But he was not. It’s the truth. He and the Father are one.

If you have invited Jesus to live in your life, you are one with him as well. Which means you are also one with the Father. That means you have a loving Daddy in heaven eternally connected to your heart. That means God, the Lord of love, is connected to you as well.

Jesus rules over all that is happening to you—today and forever. Nothing that comes to you catches him by surprise. He is the Lord and never changes. He oversees all. And he uses it for your good and his glory.

Please believe today that the Father and the Son dearly love you. They consider you a priceless possession, a valuable treasure.

Trust their love for you today. No matter what you may be experiencing, know that all is working together for good. Don’t stop believing for the good to come eventually. It will come. Don’t give up. Continue to trust. Cling to faith. Hold fast to Jesus. He is caring for you—even on the Sabbath.

And remember: Your situation is not over until it’s good.

That’s because your Father in heaven is good.

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

Today’s Reading: John 5:19-24

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him…whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

* * * * *

God the Father has given to Jesus the right to judge all people. It was his divine pleasure to do so.

Why was this done? He wanted all humans to honor Jesus as they honor him. To honor someone means to prize, value, and esteem him. This is another clear affirmation of Jesus’ deity. If someone doesn’t honor him, they don’t honor the one who sent him.

Jesus is not a mere philosopher, moral teacher, or good man. His true identity includes these options. But he is so much more. He and the Father are one. When you worship Jesus, you worship the Father. When you honor Jesus, you honor the Father.

And whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life—at this very moment. When you’ve received his forgiveness from your sin, this life is not only a future, eternal assurance. It begins here and now and lasts forever.

From God’s perspective, you’ve already been pronounced not guilty for all your sins. You’ve already faced the judgment seat. After death, there’s no doubt about the destination of your eternal soul. It is already secure in heaven.

Because this is true, there is no reason to fear anything you face. If your eternity is secure in Jesus, why fear anything? What is the worst thing that can happen to you? If you die, you have the joy of spending eternity with him. If death is the worst possible thing that can happen to you, then it ends up being the best thing that can happen because it brings you into his presence.

If your eternity is secure in Jesus, what is there to be anxious about? Do not be afraid of anything. Don’t fear, for he is with you. He is your God—closer to you than you can ever imagine. He will comfort you when you are hurting. He will uphold you with his strong right hand when you feel your knees are buckling.

You are the focus of his eternal love and care. Your death has been conquered. Your eternal life is secured. You’ve already been declared guiltless and adopted into his eternal family. And you will be together forever.

Give your burdens to him. He cares for you. He lifts up all those bent underneath their loads. Trust him, and he will help you.

Live abundantly—beyond all expectations. Be free from all fear and worry. Allow his eternal life and love to fill your heart today, tomorrow, and forever.

As you walk with Jesus, know that he is right by your side. His presence with you is secure—for today and all eternity.

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

Today’s Reading: John 3:22-36

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

* * * * *

This verse shows Jesus’ special and personal relationship with John the Baptist. It expresses why they were very close. It shows why Jesus loved him. It’s what Jesus wants all relationships with him to be like.

Jesus must increase. You must decrease.

For this to happen, your willingness to decrease must be a daily choice. It means you desire to lessen your own importance and glorify Jesus. When you glorify someone, you render a good opinion of him. When you glorify Jesus, you render a good opinion of him in the eyes of others. Personal glory decreases. His glory increases. Through the lens of your life’s camera, you desire to render a good opinion of Jesus as people see him living in and through you.

Is Jesus first in your life? Is he preeminent in who you are and all you do? Do you desire his kingdom to be first in your life and then trust he will bring to you everything else you need—in his time and in his way?

Anything penultimate in your life is an idol. Jesus must be ultimate.

You are never to use Jesus for your own glory. Rather, he is to use you for his glory. All that you have, all that you own, all the successes you’ve known, are all because he has chosen to give them to you. Everything you have in life—from your family to friends to the clothes you wear—are gifts from him to you. They come to you solely because of his grace.

This is especially true of your sins being forgiven and your personal relationship with Jesus. You are forgiven solely because of his grace. If you could work your way to your own salvation, you’d brag about it forever. Heaven would forever hear the echoes of your boastful words that earned the Lord’s favor. But you didn’t. You can’t. Your eternal relationship with Jesus is a magnanimous gift from him to you—unearned and by grace.

All you have in life comes from him. The proof that you know this is your heartfelt willingness to humbly and daily say, “He must increase. I must decrease.”

That was John the Baptist’s passion. Is it yours? It should be.

When it’s true, you will give him control of every area of your life. You will live every day in joyful, thankful, and humble worship of him—giving him all the glory in everything. You are like a little child whom Jesus said is the greatest in his kingdom.

You will decrease. And he will increase.

That’s God’s will for your life—today and all days.

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

Today’s Reading: John 4:1-15

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water I will give him will become to him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

* * * * *

When Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman at the well, he wanted her to know why he had left heaven and come to earth. He came to satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. He came for her and you to drink his eternal water that satisfies the soul forever.

She misunderstood Jesus’ initial teaching. She thought he was speaking about drawing literal water from the town well. She was hoping Jesus would help make her daily manual labor easier.

Too many people think that way as well. They are longing for earthly realities to satisfy their eternal souls. They fail to understand the spiritual, eternal world of which Jesus speaks and teaches.

But Jesus came to earth to birth within people a new spiritual, eternal life. He came to place a well of living spiritual water within their souls so they would never thirst again. This living water is the Holy Spirit—the third person of the Godhead.

When the Holy Spirit is invited to indwell your heart, Jesus’ eternal presence of limitless love bubbles up and overwhelms you. His plan and purpose for your life is revealed. Life has new meaning.

There are two kingdoms surrounding you—an earthly one and a heavenly one. The Lord’s kingdom is not of this world. His kingdom is gloriously eternal. This earthly kingdom is temporary and transient. It is fading away, along with what people crave.

Jesus’ eternal kingdom will last forever. You enter it when your heart is born of the Spirit—his living water drenching your parched soul. It is an eternal well that rises up and overflows your soul. Only this living water can satisfy your deepest longings.

That’s what Jesus was trying to teach this woman. And that’s what he wants you to know today. As the deer pants for water, Jesus wants your soul to long for his living water.

Are you a citizen of his eternal kingdom? Do you know the reality of his living water within you? Are you allowing your deepest longings to be met solely by his spiritual life inside you? Or are you still seeking meaning in the tawdry, temporary realities of this world?

From the time Jesus entered you, his eternal grace, mercy, and kindness grows. He removes your stony, stubborn heart and gives you a tender, responsive heart. You rest in his strength. Your dry soul is renewed by his presence. You belong to him. You are his prized possession. He is yours. You are his.

Let Jesus’ living water flow in and through your life today. He will satisfy your heart’s every longing. He will overwhelm you with his love.

That’s his promise to you.

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