Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 3:15-21

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

* * * * *

Child of God, see the Father’s love for you in each phrase in this verse.

“For God so loved the world…” The Father’s covenant love is for everyone in the world. All people everywhere are objects of this love. How is this love known?

“That he gave his only Son…” The Father’s love is not mere flabby, fluffy feelings. It’s a specific action. Real love is a verb. The Father sent Jesus, his only beloved Son, to earth as a man. He put on human flesh and went to the cross to bear the penalty for your sin upon his body— something he didn’t deserve. When you accept his gift of eternal life, you receive the Father’s glorious righteousness—something you don’t deserve. All this was done for you because of the Father’s great love for you.

“That whoever believes in him…” This grand statement is for anyone who will humbly believe in Jesus and receive his gift of eternal life. No one is excluded from this offer.

“Should not perish…” This is the “bad news” of the gospel. You can never fully appreciate the good news of Jesus’ gift of eternal life until you understand the bad news of the inevitability of eternal separation from the Father because of your sin. The Father is pure and holy. No sin dwells in him. Any sinful person trying to enter his presence must be rejected. As a healthy body rejects unhealthy germs, so God rejects sin from his presence. It’s what his holy nature must do. People are doomed to perish without his forgiveness.

“But have eternal life…” The Father in heaven desires no one to perish and be rejected from his presence at death. That’s why Jesus came to earth and put on human flesh. He came to seek and save that which was lost. He came to rescue the perishing and give them the free gift of eternal life.

When you clearly know what you are saved from, and what you are saved for, you will never doubt Jesus’ eternal love. You know he will be with you daily until you come home to be with him forever.

Does the “whoever” in this verse describe you? Do you believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive you of your sins? Have you accepted his free gift of eternal life?

If so, you can face today with confidence no matter what may come your way. Jesus will be with you as you face it. You have eternal life, and this life is found in Jesus.

When you believed in Jesus, you came into fellowship with the Son and the Father. And you now enjoy the eternal life Jesus promised you. Your eternal destiny is secure. He is always with you.

Because this is true, why worry about anything you may face today?

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

Today’s Reading: John 1:6-18

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth…and from his fullness we have received, grace upon grace.”

* * * * *

Why did Jesus put on human flesh and enter your world? It’s because of his great love for you. How much does he love you?

He loves you so much that he put human flesh around his eternal glory and entered your world. He left the splendor of heaven to enter the squalor of a cattle trough in Bethlehem to pursue you.

If you ever doubt his love for you, remember the cradle. It’s evidence of his pursuit for you. He desired to give you a new spiritual birth, to make you a child of the King of the universe! That’s why he came.

The Father knew that the best way for someone to communicate with a bird would be to become a bird. And the best way for him to communicate with humans was to become human. So the Father asked the Son to put on human flesh around his glory and become one of us. Through him, you can know who God truly is and understand his eternal plan for your life.

What is Jesus’ true nature? He is full of grace and truth. Never place one above the other. They are to be held in perfect tension in your life.

Grace without truth becomes sloppy, mushy love—like a river with no boundaries. That produces a mosquito-laden swamp. But truth without grace becomes rigid judgmentalism. That produces death to your soul. Seek grace and truth with balance.

And please know that Jesus not only wants to give you grace, he wants to give you grace upon grace. The love he wants to place within you is limitless. It’s beyond anything you could ever hope for or imagine.

Today, live in his grace and truth. If you have been unjustly treated, know that his truth will prevail. All will one day be held accountable for their actions. And he oversees all human history. No one gets away with anything. Trust his perfect justice.

And let your heart be filled with his grace upon grace. Know the extent to which the Father would go to pursue you and fill with you with his love. He yearns to be one with you forever—his heart inextricably linked with yours for all eternity. He loves deeply those who love him.

And should you choose to continue to run away from Jesus, he will continue to pursue you with grace upon grace. He loves you that much.

The proof of his love is evidenced in the cradle—the fact that he came to you. He put on human flesh and pursued you.

You were that important to him.

You always will be.

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

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’”

* * * * *

Anyone who speaks in support of Jesus will face opposition. Sometimes you’ll feel lonely, like a voice crying in the wilderness. John the Baptist did. So will you.

Everyone who says they follow Jesus has a testimony about him. The question is what kind of testimony it is. What is yours? Is it silent? Is it indifferent? Is it consistent? Is it passionate? Is it unabashed?

John was asked, “Who are you?” The same question should be asked of you. “Who are you?” Your answer goes far beyond your name, background, position, power, or people’s approval. God never calls people to be famous, but faithful.

Who are you? This is a question about your identity. Is it found solely in Jesus and him alone? If you find your identity in anything other than Jesus, it will fade like the morning dew on the grass. It’s a vanishing vapor and will not last.

John answered “Who are you?” by saying, “I am not the Christ.” He knew his purpose in life was not to be Jesus but to point people to him.

Belonging completely to the Lord was his purpose in life. Can you say the same thing about yourself?

John simply wanted people to know Jesus. He said he wasn’t even worthy to put his fingers on the straps of Jesus’ dirty, grungy sandals and untie them.

Today, examine your heart. Is there a desire within you for self-exaltation and self-aggrandizement? Do you proudly think you are worthy to untie Jesus’ sandals? Be honest. Place your life as a mirror against his selfless, sacrificial life. See in the Son the Father’s intention for all humanity. See in Jesus his desire for all humans to serve, not be served, to be servants, not superstars. Loving others proves you are one of his disciples and his love lives in you.

The Father desires your life to be spent pointing people to him, not yourself. He wants your life to be a testimony to his greatness, not your own.

You are not the Christ. Quit trying to control others and your world.

Give it all to him. He oversees all. He controls all. You don’t. Trust him today with everything in your life.

Is God like a human who changes his mind? Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised anything and not carried through? Of course not!

John knew this truth.

Do you?

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

Today’s Reading: John 1:29-34

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“And John bore witness: ‘I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.’”

* * * * *

When John the Baptist saw Jesus walking toward him, John exclaimed that he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He foresaw Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross for all the world’s sins to be forgiven.

That includes your sins as well. No matter what you’ve done, if you confess your sins to him and ask for forgiveness, you are forever forgiven.

His Spirit enters your heart. You now have a personal relationship with Jesus for all eternity. He promises that he will never leave you or forsake you.

This promise was evidenced when John baptized Jesus. As he did so, the Spirit descended from heaven and remained upon Jesus and in him.

During every moment of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Spirit empowered his life and obedience to his Father in heaven. Their hearts were interlocked in perfect union. The Spirit never left him. He was always with him—no matter what temptation or trial he would face.

When you receive Jesus as the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the same Holy Spirit who remained with and in him will remain with and in you as well. There is no sin you can ever commit to cause him to leave you. He will be with you constantly no matter what temptation or trial you may face. He is God’s promised presence for all his children who believe in Jesus.

The Spirit empowers your life to be a witness for Jesus. He abides in you and causes a perfect union life between you and the Lord.

Today, no matter what you are facing, know you face it with Jesus’ presence in you. He will confront all your problems with you, comforting you with his strength and encouraging your heart to persevere and never give up. He is for you. He is on your side. He will constantly whisper to your heart that all will work together for your good and his glory.

Jesus will guide you forever. Until your last day on earth, he will be your eternal presence. He directs the steps of the godly. He will show you the proper path, even if you should go astray. He delights in overseeing every detail of your life.

Jesus’ life is in you. Your life is in him. You are forever enjoined as one. He has baptized you with his Holy Spirit. Make your plans today.

But know Jesus determines your steps. He will guide you along the best pathway for your life. He will advise and watch over you. Hold his right hand. Trust he is leading you. That should bring his perfect peace to your heart.

You can trust Jesus today.

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