Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 4:27-38

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“I have food you know nothing about…Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.”

* * * * *

Jesus’ disciples went into the village to get something to eat. They returned and offered some food to him. He refused it.

They were confused. They had traveled a long distance. They knew Jesus was hungry. They urged him to eat. But he used this moment to teach them something important.

Jesus used the physical food they offered to him to teach them an eternal reality. The most important food they would ever ingest was not physical food, but to do the will of his Father. That’s what fueled Jesus’ life. It needed to fuel theirs as well.

What was that “food” that gave his life an eternal perspective and purpose? It was the harvesting of people’s eternal souls. He came to earth to seek and save people who were lost (Luke 19:10).

This world has farming seasons dotting the calendar year that lead to eventual harvests. Similarly, human souls have spiritual seasons when they are more ready to be harvested into the kingdom.

For you to be a part of this harvest, you need to lift up your eyes and see people all around you who need God’s grace and forgiveness. They surround you.

But so many human eyes are looking inward—concerned only with their own life’s situations and problems. Or they are looking downward—discouraged and depressed. Or they are looking at others— unceasingly panting to impress and please other people.

Jesus wants you to join his mission. How? By looking up. By being aware of the numbers of people in your sphere of influence and around the world who need his grace and forgiveness. The fields around you are white for harvest.

The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few. Please join him.

Today, pray for the Lord’s inner promptings to lead you to someone who needs him. Listen carefully to his voice. His followers can hear his voice. Then go to that person. Offer a helping hand. Listen to his hurting heart. Pray for Jesus to open a door where you can share how he has touched your life. No one can ever refute your testimony.

Then share the truth of who Jesus is. Don’t be concerned about the possibility they may reject you. Always remember this truth: You are in sales; the Lord is in management. It’s your job to share about him. Yes, you need to offer to people the chance to respond to the gospel. But realize it’s God’s job to bring them to himself. All the pressure is gone!

Join Jesus in the most exciting adventure you can possibly imagine— pointing people to him and seeing their eternal trajectory changed.

You’ll find purpose in life like never before.

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

Today’s Reading: John 4:39-45

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.’”

* * * * *

Jesus spent two days in Samaria. During this time, the woman whom he had met at the well told all her friends about him. They came in large numbers to hear him teach eternal realities. After hearing about Jesus’ identity, they came to know him personally as their Lord and Savior. They understood his earthly mission. They believed in him, and he forgave their sins.

At that moment, Jesus’ earthly disciples were able to receive a glimpse of the worldwide harvest that would come after his death and resurrection. He had come to die for the sins of all people in the world—even the Samaritans.

That was difficult for his disciples to understand. The Jews despised the Samaritans. They thought them unworthy of God’s love and acceptance.

But when Jesus’ disciples saw that he loved the hated Samaritans, they began to comprehend that his love was for everyone in the world. They came to realize that God’s forgiving love was to be extended to everyone everywhere, for all need a Savior.

How about you? Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? Do you know of his extraordinary grace, mercy, and forgiveness for you? Do you know that he doesn’t despise you? Do you know how valuable and priceless you are in his sight?

If so, you know that he doesn’t see you as guilty anymore. You aren’t filthy anymore. He’s not angry with you. He is your personal Savior. He has saved you from your sins and forgiven you. He has given you eternal life—solely by his grace. He has placed his boundless love in your heart.

Jesus came to this earth to seek and save the lost—including despised Samaritans—and all who are lost and aimlessly wandering without hope. And people like you.

Receive his love anew today. He will satisfy all your deepest longings within you. He will heal your hurts. He will rest in you forever. He will carry your burdens. You will never face anything without his eternal power and presence with you.

Believe today that Jesus is for you. He is on your side. He doesn’t remember your sins anymore. You should never feel condemnation. His grace is sufficient for you.

In your weakness, Jesus is strong. Through him, you can do anything because he indwells you and gives you the strength to face it.

He is your Savior.

That’s the best news you will ever hear.

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

Today’s Reading: John 4:46-52

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; for your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way…So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.’”

* * * * *

Why are miracles so hard for people to believe? Every miracle is rooted in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” With one simple word, creation occurred. From nothing, creation came.

If God created all, doesn’t he control all? Can’t he work within his creation to do as he wishes? If he made everything, can’t he give people a miracle if he wishes?

A certain Roman official came to Jesus to ask him to go to his home and heal his son. He simply believed Jesus was able to do it. The Lord saw his great faith. He told the official that his son was alive. The official “simply believed” in Jesus’ word, and returned home.

As he made his way home, he met his servants who were coming for him. This Roman official was a good man. He treated his servants well. They told him his son’s fever had broken. He asked the exact time when it happened. When told, he knew it was the same moment Jesus had told him that the fever had departed.

Believe today that God is able to do exceedingly more than you could ever ask or imagine. Nothing is impossible for him. He created you. He formed every part of you in your mother’s womb. He oversaw every interconnected cell in your body. He is the God of all flesh. Nothing is too hard for him because he created everything.

Come to him with your needs, burdens, cares, hurts, and disappointments. Like the Roman official and father who deeply cared for his son, come to him and ask, seek, and knock. Have faith in God and don’t doubt. Be confident that what we hope for will happen. Faith gives us assurance about things we can’t see. It’s impossible to please God without faith. He rewards those who diligently seek him.

Today, do you need a miracle? Ask God for anything. Whether your need is great or small, make your requests known to him. He cares intimately about every area of your life—and the lives of your children and loved ones. If he knows the number of hairs on your head and when a sparrow falls to the ground, he certainly knows and cares for you—the crown of his creation.

God controls everything in this world. He controls everything in your life. He controls the exact hour when a healing happens. He oversees all. He is the God of the miraculous.

Tell him what you need. Ask him for a miracle. You have not because you ask not. Trust that he loves you. Lay it in his hands. Believe that he has the best answers for your requests.

Miracles are not difficult for him.

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

Today’s Reading: John 4:53-54

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He himself believed, and all his household. This was the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.”

* * * * *

God is the God of miracles. When Jesus spoke, the Roman official’s son was healed. It happened at the exact hour he ordained. He oversees all times and seasons.

The Roman official believed in Jesus. He completely trusted him. He knew that he oversees all in the universe. He knew Jesus oversaw his son’s life.

The healing of the official’s son was the second miracle Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. The first was when he changed water into wine at the wedding feast. Miracles went on to become a common practice in his ministry.

Why did Jesus perform miracles? He used them as signs to point people to himself. They were means to the end of helping individuals come to faith in him. They were evidence that the kingdom of God had come to earth. They were proof that Jesus was God’s Son sent to earth to die for the forgiveness of people’s sins.

Ask the Lord for a miracle today. He still does them. Believe that he is able to give it to you. He is the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end. He is the first and the last—Lord over all history. He spoke, and the world was created. He spoke, and the Roman official’s son was healed.

Ask him to speak into the tough times in your life today. If you have the faith of a mustard seed, you can speak to a mountain and demand it be moved. Nothing becomes impossible. Ask him to create something from your nothing in your life. Believe he is able. He is.

And when you see him move in your life, trust him even more! Believe that you never need to fear anything. Believe he can supply anything you may need.

Give Jesus your cares. He is especially concerned for your children— as he was with the Roman official’s son. Trust him with their burdens. Believe he wants to touch them—even if they have wandered far away from him. Keep praying for them. Don’t give up! A parent’s prayer has prolific power in eternity. Believe they will soon return to him.

Give Jesus everything—your concerns large and small, personal and familial. He cares for them all. None of your concerns is beyond his help.

He still does miracles.

Just have faith in God.

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

Today’s Reading: John 5:1-9

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, ‘Do you want to be healed?’”

* * * * *

There was a certain paralyzed invalid who sat by the pool at Bethsaida for 38 years. Imagine enduring this condition for 38 years! That’s longer than many people in that day lived.

He was like many other blind, lame, and paralyzed people gathered around the pool. They believed that if one of God’s angels from heaven were to descend to earth and stir the water, whoever entered the pool first would be healed immediately.

Supernaturally, Jesus knew that he’d been sitting by the pool for a very long time—just like he knows all that is occurring in everyone’s life. There is nothing hidden from him. He is omniscient over everything in the universe—and what’s happening in every person’s heart.

Jesus knows what’s in your heart today as well. He knows the places where your heart is paralyzed. He knows your hurts, habits, and hang-ups. You cannot hide them from him. Before you confess your sins to him, he knows of them. His grace and forgiveness are available to you even before you ask for them.

Jesus asked this invalid by the pool a very important question: Do you want to be healed? Sadly, many don’t want to be healed—even those who are unhappily hurting. They enjoy wallowing in their weakness. In some cases, it even becomes their identity. They have no problem carelessly meandering down the most dangerous path imaginable: the path of least resistance. They allow their indolent flesh to rule them—never taking the smallest step toward emotional, spiritual, mental, or physical health.

Is this you? Do you want to be healed? Or are you satisfied in self-pity, mesmerized in mediocrity, ruled by the lusts of your flesh?

If you are ready to be healed inwardly, take one small step toward Jesus. Refuse to remain in your present condition. Speak these words to your heart: “I want to be healed. I want to be made well. Today is my first step toward breaking my addiction, solving this problem, and changing my life’s mess. Today, I choose to be well!”

If you make this decision and move toward the Lord, he promises he will be there to meet you. He will walk with you. He will give you the strength and courage you need for the next step. And the next one. And then the next one.

To the faithful, God shows himself faithful. He shows his unfailing love to those who walk in devotion to him. His faithfulness endures as the world he created. The mountains may move or the hills disappear, but God’s faithful love will remain.

God is faithful. He can make you well. But remember: It all begins with your desire to be made well. Then you’ll be able to take the next steps. These little steps, over time, eventually lead to a long, successful journey.

And you will arrive at his desired destination of physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health for you.

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