Apicontent

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]

Today’s Reading: John 1:35-42

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“What are you seeking?…Come and you will see.”

* * * * *

Andrew and John (the writer of this Gospel) were two of John the Baptist’s disciples. But when John pointed out that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sins, they started to follow him. Andrew and John spent the day with Jesus. As with any meaningful and personal friendship, you can’t really know Jesus unless you spend regular time with him.

During this time together, Jesus asked them a very important question to ponder. It was not just for them, but for you as well. “What are you seeking?” he asked. Everyone is seeking after something in life. What are you seeking? Fame? Popularity? Significance? Prestige? Influence?

Jesus then invited them to come and see. He invited them to explore his claims and teachings. He invited them to come and see true purpose in life.

Jesus did this because he knew that if someone truly tries to seek him, they will find him. Every spiritual seeker and skeptic who explores honestly who Jesus is will eventually discover the truth about him.

They will find him. They will enter into a personal relationship with him. They will find the true purpose of life.

What are you seeking in life? Has it completely filled the vacuum of your heart? Or has it left you feeling empty and purposeless?

When Andrew realized who Jesus was, he excitedly found his brother Cephas to tell him whom he’d discovered. He introduced Cephas to the Lord, who saw his future and knew his faith would become the bedrock of his church. Jesus didn’t see who Cephas was, but who he’d become. He renamed him Peter, the rock. He knew his glorious destiny. And he used Peter to change the world.

When you find Jesus, you can’t wait to tell others about him. You know you’ve found life’s purpose in him. You want others to know him as well.

Today, continue to come to Jesus with all your burdens. Continue to seek him with all your heart. Continue to pursue his purpose for you.

Know that Jesus doesn’t see your present messiness. He sees your future. It is filled with hope! He sees you as a rock of faith, someone who can influence countless others for him. He sees you as a world-changer for him. See yourself as Jesus sees you.

Don’t ever doubt it. It’s true! Jesus wants to give you a great future and hope.

Just make sure you always come and seek after Jesus—his kingdom and righteousness. Everything else will be naturally added to you.

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

Today’s Reading: John 1:43-51

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’…Nathanael said to him, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’”

* * * * *

There are two great truths Jesus reveals to us here. They are found in how he called two of his disciples.

First, look at how Jesus called Philip. He found him in Galilee and simply said to him, “Follow me.” Jesus didn’t call Philip to follow a set of rules and regulations. No, he called him to follow himself. Jesus invited Philip to live as he lived—to emulate him and let his life flow through him. He would change Philip from the inside/out. That’s what would happen as he followed Jesus, who calls you to follow him as well.

Second, note that Philip went and found his friend Nathanael. He told him he had found the Messiah, the one to whom the Law and prophets pointed.

Initially, Nathanael doubted Jesus. He had heard Jesus was from Nazareth. He didn’t think anything good could come from Nazareth. His heart was filled with prejudice.

When Nathanael finally did come, Jesus already felt great love toward him. He knew what was in Nathanael’s heart—even his prejudice. Before Nathanael ever approached Jesus, Jesus supernaturally saw him sitting under a fig tree—a symbol for the nation of Israel. Nathanael was struggling with why God’s people had wandered so far from the Father’s intentions. Why were they under Roman occupation and oppression?

Nathanael’s heart was seeking truth. He didn’t know that God’s truth was already seeking him. Before Nathanael ever came to Jesus, the Lord already knew him and his heart. Long before he ever chose Jesus, Nathanael had already been chosen to follow him. Before Nathanael ever loved Jesus, the Lord first loved him.

Jesus was waiting to replace Nathanael’s prejudice with his unconditional love.

Today, know that Jesus wants you to follow him. Your life is found in him. With everything you face today, simply follow him. Imitate him. Do what he calls you to do. Listen to his still, small voice within you. He will lead and guide you.

And know how much Jesus loves you. He loved you before this world was created. He knows all your struggles, doubts, questions, prejudices, and meanderings. Even while you were sinning, Jesus had chosen to die on the cross to forgive your sins.

He saw you before you ever saw him. He chose to love you before you ever chose to love him. You can’t begin to imagine what Jesus has prepared for you.

Rest in these realities today…and forever.

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

Today’s Reading: John 2:1-12

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“My hour has not yet come…But you have kept the good wine until now.”

* * * * *

This is Jesus’ first recorded miracle. It occurred at a wedding feast in Cana, a city in Galilee.

Jesus’ mother, Mary, had become concerned because the feast had run out of wine. This was potentially a humiliating embarrassment for her friends. So she came to Jesus and stated, very simply, “They have no wine.”

Mary knew deep in her soul how special Jesus was. From her cousin Elizabeth sharing how her son, John, leapt in her womb when Mary entered the room with Jesus in hers, to the shepherds coming to the manger in adoration of her newly born baby boy, to the wise men arriving and offering expensive gifts to him, she knew Jesus was special. So she turned to him in this time of need.

In response, Jesus said, “My hour has not yet come.” He wasn’t being insensitive. He knew miracles might push a messianic expectation that was not yet ready to be realized. The Jews wanted a military leader to eradicate Roman oppression. Instead, Jesus offered to die for their sins. It was not yet his time to reveal this truth and go to the cross.

But Jesus did meet her and others’ needs. His heart was moved with compassion. He changed the water into wine. In fact, his wine was so much better that the guests assumed the best wine had been saved until the end of the feast—not the way things were done!

Trust today that Jesus has a perfect hour for everything in your life. As you wait for him to act on his promises, wait patiently. All times and hours are in his hands. If it’s not yet the hour for him to act for you, continue to trust him. His timing is always perfect.

Also, know that Jesus cares about the most intimate concerns of your life. Even your hidden feelings of embarrassment and humiliation are of concern to him. Come to him today and give them to him—no matter how great or small. Let him carry them for you. He cares about everything in your life.

Finally, even as you grow older, please know how much he still cares for you. He saves his best wine until the end. He saves people’s best years in life to be their last years. Age is just a number. It means nothing to him. All he cares about is your faithfulness. He wants to use your later years in great ways for his glory.

Give him the rest of your life. Give him all your years today. He ordered them all. He cares about every second of your life on earth. Great is his faithfulness.

Your best is yet to come.

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

Today’s Reading: John 2:13-17

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

* * * * *

When Jesus entered the Temple, he became angry about how it was being used. Merchants and money-changers were selling animals to the pilgrims coming to Jerusalem from all over the Roman Empire. These animals were offered by the pilgrims as sacrifices to God to receive his forgiveness. People were using his holy place of worship to make money. Jesus’ soul was grieved. And his anger increased.

But his anger was especially aroused as Jesus observed that this hypocrisy was happening in the court of Gentiles. This outer court was where Gentile spiritual seekers would gather and ask about how to worship God.

But all the commotion caused by the merchants kept the Gentiles from knowing the Lord. The Temple had been built, as Isaiah said, to be a house of prayer for all the nations (Isaiah 56:7). That’s why God had instructed Kings David and Solomon to build it. It was intended to be a place for Jew and Gentile alike to come and worship the Father.

What does this mean for you today? Remember that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. In you he lives and moves and has his being. And it’s through you and your life that those who don’t know him will have an opportunity to find him. You are presently his house of prayer for all the nations. People look to you to know him.

Therefore, remove anything that keeps Jesus from fully indwelling you. Eliminate specifically everything that may keep those who don’t know him from seeing him in your life. Take away all hatred, lusts, consumerism, materialism, wrath, anger, bitterness, slander, malice, despair, discouragement, disappointment, and hopelessness.

In anger, Jesus swept the Temple clean because of his zeal for God’s house.

Similarly, he has a zeal for you. He is jealous for your affection in return. He doesn’t want anything to keep you two from being close. He doesn’t want to share you with any other affection you may have. Other loves can quickly and easily replace your love for him and become idols. Don’t let it happen. Sweep away these things. Don’t let your life be simply for commerce, trade, and making money.

Jesus wants you to live on purpose. As he came to seek and save that which was lost, he desires you to do the same. When people who don’t know him see your “temple” cluttered with the things of this world, they won’t desire to know him. Get rid of all the stuff! Have an eternal perspective. Live for Jesus’ eternal rewards. Everything else is considered worthless in comparison to the infinite value of knowing him.

Make Jesus the master passion of your life. Seek first his kingdom. Make the doing of his will what you desire most in this world. Make sure you pray regularly for all the nations to come to faith in Jesus.

And he will use you in others’ lives in ways you never dreamed possible.

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

Today’s Reading: John 2:18-25

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up…But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because…he himself knew what was in man.”

* * * * *

After Jesus cleansed the Temple, he was not very popular. The religious authorities demanded that he give them a sign to validate his authority. His answer pointed to his resurrection. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” he declared to them. As Creator over this world, he knew he had the power to resurrect his physical body. He knew he would return from the grave.

Today, believe that if you trust in Jesus, you will be raised from the dead as well. After death, you will receive a glorious, eternal, flawless resurrection body. You will never die. Rather, you will step from this life into the next one.

It is a day to which you should look forward. It should allow you to face today without fear or anxiety. Where is the fear of death? Where is its victory? It’s been swallowed up in the reality of your future resurrection from the grave.

And if Jesus controls your life after death, he will surely control your life today. Nothing that happens to you is beyond his control. Don’t fear! No weapon formed against you will prosper. He is your God. He upholds you with all his strength. Face today with courage and boldness.

And as you do, remember not to put your faith in people. Resist every ounce of living life trying to please people!

Jesus did. He didn’t trust anyone. Why? Because he knew what was in every person’s heart. He knew what motivated people. He knew the pernicious pride that indwells every person. He knew that every human primarily looks out for number one. He knew that everyone has an inbuilt desire for the world to revolve around him and use other people for their own personal, selfish benefits.

Jesus is trying to teach us the dangers of living for the praises of people. He knew how fickle they are. He knew the power of sin in their hearts and how self-serving they are. Therefore, he entrusted himself to no one. He trusted God alone. He knew steadfast, eternal joy could never be found in people’s ever-changing whims and fancies.

Jesus later experienced this truth. As he died on the cross, all the disciples, except John, deserted him. They were afraid they’d be captured and killed in a similar fashion.

Today, realize that people make lousy gods. Don’t trust them. If you depend upon them, you will be disappointed.

Depend solely on Jesus. Trust explicitly in him. He will never leave nor forsake you.

He will never let go of you. He will never give up on you. His love never fails.

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

Today’s Reading: John 3:1-14

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God…That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

* * * * *

You must be born again by the Holy Spirit to see and experience God’s kingdom. It’s not merely optional. It’s essential for eternal life. You must be born again through the Holy Spirit.

Before sin entered the world, God’s first created children, Adam and Eve, walked in perfect harmony with him in the Garden of Eden. Nothing hindered their relationship with him.

When they declared their independence from the Father by eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, selfishness entered their hearts. Separation occurred between them and their Father. Their hearts became dead. There was no longer any kingdom rule from God in them.

Sadly, the rebellious sin nature within them has now been passed on to everyone who has ever been born. All human hearts are dead in their sins and trespasses.

Jesus came to earth to reestablish the Father’s personal, loving, intimate relationship with humanity. He came to reestablish his kingdom rule and eternal presence in all hearts. The forgiveness he offers on the cross is intended for the Holy Spirit to flood people’s hearts with his overwhelming love, mercy, and kindness. Where the human heart was once bent toward self, the new spiritual birth causes hearts to be bent toward God’s loving, inward kingdom rule and others.

Has this new birth happened in you? It’s easy to know. Do you desire to do God’s will? Do you want God’s eternal kingdom to rule in your heart? Have you inwardly experienced the breadth, width, and height of his forgiving grace? Do you love to worship him and pray to him—living every moment in joyful thanksgiving and praise for the new life within you?

When you have been spiritually reborn, you know that Jesus lives inside you through the Holy Spirit. He abides permanently in your heart. You are a new creation. Your sins are forgiven and forgotten. You are certain that Jesus is an eternal amnesiac.

You know Jesus will be with you for all of your days on earth. You know you can place all your burdens on his shoulders because he is strong and able to carry them. You can know with certainty that he cares for you. You are indelibly and inextricably connected to him now and for eternity. Isn’t this wonderful news?

And the seeking of his kingdom is now the master passion of your life. Those who desire to do Jesus’ will are his family.

Does this describe you? Have you been born again?

It must happen for you to be a member of God’s kingdom.

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

Today’s Reading: John 1:1-5

Hearing God’s Voice for Today:

“He was in the beginning with God…all things were made through him…the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

* * * * *

Jesus existed before creation. He was with the Father when all creation was formed. Indeed, he created all things himself! There is not one atom that came into existence outside his sovereign command and control. Through him, all things came into being.

Today, as you awaken in the morning and watch the sun nod into evening, remember it’s his world. When you enjoy the tantalizing tapestry, the magnificent majesty, the delightful design of his colorful creation, know that he made it all for you to richly enjoy!

He also created you. Before creation, he knew you by name. At the very mention of your name, his heart jumps with joy. Your name is inscribed on his heart. It is a name he will never be able to forget.

Why did Jesus create you? In eternity, the Father, and the Spirit, and the Son were in a perfect love relationship, like three distinct persons carrying out a perfectly synchronized, harmonious, and unified dance together. Jesus created you to forever dance along with them in this lavish love relationship.

He knit you together in your mother’s womb. He knew the number of cells in your body, the hairs on your head, and the shape of your face. If he were to make you again, he would make you exactly as you are. You are like no other and perfect in his sight.

If your life is ever filled with darkness, please know that Jesus is not the author of darkness. In creation, he separated light from darkness.

He is perfect light. His light always overcomes darkness. He is the light of the world. He is your personal light amidst all your days of darkness.

Jesus came to give you life and to give it to you abundantly. He is the author of life, not death. Choose today to live in his light and life.

As you do, trust that he oversees everything that is happening in this world. He oversees all history. He oversees your personal history.

Nothing catches him by surprise. He is Lord over all. He is Lord over your life. He protects his faithful ones and promises to keep you safe.

The Lord Jesus will be with you today. He is close to the brokenhearted.

He gives strength to those whose spirits are crushed. He will encourage you by giving you his strength. Nothing can separate you from his love. His personal, loving presence will be a light to all your paths.

You can trust him today.

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

Here is a question I’m often asked: How does a person hear the voice of God? It’s an important question to answer to aid people’s spiritual growth. Jesus said unambiguously that his sheep hear his voice so they can know and follow him more faithfully (John 10:27).

When asked this question, I consistently give the same answer: The best way to hear God’s voice is through reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word. Then the Holy Spirit will speak through those words to your heart.

I’m then asked, “Well, is there a good place to start when trying to hear God’s voice in his Word?” My answer is an unequivocal yes. It’s to where my dad always pointed people to start. I heard it’s the same place Billy Graham encourages people to begin when reading God’s Word.

It’s the Gospel of John. It’s a brilliant, blazing constellation of light in a world of darkness. In John, we read clear claims of Jesus’ deity— more specifically, his seven “I am” statements, which are unique to the

Gospel of John. John gives us deep insights into Jesus’ relationship with the Father. The person and work of the Holy Spirit come alive.

In John, Jesus promises us that through him, we will never hunger or thirst spiritually again.

Just when you think you know all you possibly can about Jesus, a jolt out of the Johannine blue surprises you. “Oh, I’d never seen that before!” you exclaim. Sometimes you gasp in wonder as a new revelation enlightens your heart.

I did this spiritual exercise in John for a year. Daily I would read some verses and allow my heart to be marinated by their words. I would then say, “Speak to me, Lord Jesus, in your Word.” Then I’d write down what I thought the Lord was saying. It was a year of extraordinary spiritual growth.

This book, Hearing the Voice of God, is a compilation of that year’s worth of reading, listening to, and writing down what I thought God was saying. I’ve now tried to translate it into a context where any reader could similarly hear God’s voice in his Word.

My greatest desire is for you to experience what I experienced: God speaking powerfully and personally in his Word. While I did this over the course of a year, you’re welcome to ponder and apply these readings at a pace that works best for you.

At the end of reading the Gospel of John, I hope your heart’s antennae will be more finely tuned to hear God specifically speaking to you so you can follow Jesus more faithfully. Jesus said he speaks to his sheep. He yearns for his people to hear his voice and do his will, and that includes you.

I pray this devotional will aid you in hearing the voice of God as you journey through John’s Gospel.

It was an incredible experience for me, and I’ll never be the same because of it.

My hope is the same will be true for you.