A Moment of Hope

Begin your day with a "Moment of Hope." This podcast is a compliment to David and Marilynn's weekday devotional - providing deeper insights and encouragement. Featuring Jenn Houston.

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: Be a Man of God 01/15/2025

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: Trust Her Gut 01/14/2025

8 Great Ways to Honor Your Wife: What is Honor? 01/13/2025

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: “Your Minister to My Needs” 01/10/2025

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: “Your Messenger” 01/09/2025

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: "My Fellow Soldier" 01/08/2025

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: "My Fellow Worker" 01/07/2025

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: "My Fellow Worker" Faithful friends are hard to come by! They are the rare ones who weep when you weep and rejoice when you rejoice (Romans 12:15). They bear your burdens (Galatians 6:2). They challenge you to grow out of your sin and move into righteousness (Proverbs 27:6). Paul had a faithful friend named Epaphroditus. He described him very intentionally in Philippians 2:25. First, as a brother. And secondly as “my fellow worker.” What does this mean? As a fellow worker, both Paul and Ephaphroditus both shared in the common labor of loving and serving Christ. They worked together first in Philippi and then as Paul was in a prison in Rome. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Ephesians 2:10 says that we were “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Clearly work and actions are really important to God. And having a friend on the same page to work with and to work for the Lord makes for a special friendship! When you are working with someone on a common mission to serve Jesus, it draws you closer together. That’s why sports teammates often remain friends for life. In some cases, they only play together for a few years in college (like I did with my UNC teammates), but they end up being friends forever. The common game trials and experiences draw the team together for life. Paul and Epaphroditus labored together to plant the Philippian church. To reach souls for Jesus. To serve the needy. These experiences bonded them for life. Get involved in a church. Find a project that brings people to faith in Jesus. Or serves the needs of the poor. Or cares for the sick. You will surely develop “my fellow worker” relationships, friendships that will last forever because you have labored together for the kingdom! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34556535

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: “My Brother” 01/06/2025

Descriptions of a Faithful Friend: “My Brother” How many of you have a faithful friend? Someone who loves you, champions you, and desires God’s best for your life. Or maybe you are blessed enough to have two, three, or even more! Faithful friends are hard to come by and can only be proven through seasons of both trials and victories. The apostle Paul had a friend like this. His name was Epaphroditus and you’ll find their story in Philippians 2:25-30. Paul described him in verse 25 as his “brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.” Epaphroditus came from Philippi to bring Paul a gift of encouragement when Paul was in prison, most likely in Rome, around 62 AD. Paul genuinely loved and respected Epaphroditus. Paul used five terms to describe their friendship, the first one being “my brother” (Philippians 2:25). A faithful friend feels almost like a family member, and in some cases can even be better than a family member! Although not biologically related, upon their salvation, Epaphroditus and Paul shared the same royal blood lineage of Jesus. My family brother, Howard, was a dear friend for years until he passed away a couple of years ago. Our family connection made us naturally close. But his love for Jesus was what made our connection especially impactful. It was our royal blood connection that made our love for one another even deeper and something that will last for eternity. Paul and Epaphroditus did not have the same family, but they shared a common love and commitment to Jesus. They were members of the family of God. They both knew God as their “Daddy” in heaven. We all need an Epaphroditus! Friends in the church like he was to Paul. Brothers and sisters in Christ who can spur us on as we run this race. With God as our Daddy, Jesus as our big brother, the family of God is the most powerful agent of hope to the world! When you have a friend like Epaphroditus was to Paul, you have a friend indeed! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34556515

Bad Guys of the Bible: Zimri and Cozbi 01/03/2025

Bad Guys of the Bible: Zimri and Cozbi This week we are sharing some of your favorite Moments of Hope from 2024. Thank you for taking a moment of your day to grow in your discipleship journey with us. To explore additional resources from Moments of Hope Church, please by David Chadwick We have looked at some hidden heroes from the Bible this week. People who are probably not as known, but had a significant impact on the storyline of the Bible. But I want to wrap up this week with another couple of bad guys. These are two individuals who tried to thwart all of the good in God’s story. Yet, in spite of their efforts, God was still able to work it out for his good. Zimri and Cozbi. Two bad guys who were enemies to God’s heroes. Their story is found in Numbers 25. On the way to the Promised Land, the Midianites tried to entice the Israelites toward adultery and sexual infidelity. They began to worship the gods of Baal. Satan has known for all of time that if you can’t destroy a nation from the outside, through invasion, then destroy them from within. Destroy their values. Morals. Principles. And that is exactly what the Midianite women did with the Israelite men. A man from Israel named Zimri and a woman from the Midianites named Cozbi openly flaunted their sin among the Israelites. They even went into Zimri’s tent right next to the tabernacle, to sleep with one another. Phinehas, who had a zeal for God’s holiness and righteousness, was so fed up with the open defilement against God’s laws that he went in and killed them both. He was actually rewarded by God for his holy fervor with a perpetual priesthood because he practiced God’s righteousness and holiness. I find it interesting that God openly named these two godless sinners. Don’t let it shock you. All of our names are either written in God’s book of life or not. Every name in the world is known by God. And those who sin without being forgiven by Jesus will have a public reading of their names one day in judgment. It’s a sobering thought for all to consider! Is your name in the Lamb’s book of life? Don’t wait to surrender your life to Jesus. When he saves you, you become one of his favorites and as he writes your name in the Lamb’s book of life, you are forever forgiven. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34590490

Why Theology Matters: Adopting a Trinitarian Culture 01/02/2025

Why Theology Matters: Adopting a Trinitarian Culture This week we are sharing some of your favorite Moments of Hope from 2024. Thank you for taking a moment of your day to grow in your discipleship journey with us. To explore additional resources from Moments of Hope Church, please by Marilynn Chadwick The “Doctrine of the Trinity” is a powerful tool to refute many heresies. Now you know why the Apostles Creed, with its strong affirmation of the Trinity, was written in the second century to combat the rise of false teaching in the early church. The scope of God’s created order is a mystery too great to fathom. But in a paradoxical way, the Trinity helps us know God more intimately. In the Trinity we see the unity of the triune God—One God in Three Persons. We begin to comprehend God in relationship with the Trinity, with the world, and with us. The Trinity also helps us understand the realities behind the names of God—"God the “Father,” “God the Son,” and “God the Holy Spirit.” The influential 13th century theologian Thomas Aquinas tells us the name “God” refers to the whole of the Trinity. Teaching the doctrine of the Trinity helps us embrace what theologians refer to as a “Trinitarian culture.” The early Church developed a vibrant Trinitarian culture which influenced their reading of Scripture, their prayer life, and their worship. Simply put, the Trinity helps us understand the interplay of the Trinity. When we pray, we are praying to the Trinity. When we worship, we are worshiping the Trinity. When we witness, we are emboldened and animated by the Trinity. The Good News of the Gospel is carried forth into the world in word and deed as we learn what it means to walk in the Spirit. A Trinitarian-culture-in-action invites us to pray, study God’s Word, worship, and serve God in the world. Our works should naturally flourish when this doctrine is rightly taught, contemplated, and practiced. Might we see a resurgence in the miracles of Pentecost—healings, miracles, and redeemed souls—like those which occurred in the early church and are manifested in the Global South and Far Eastern churches even today? Our cultivation of “Trinitarian wisdom” helps us better understand One God in Three Persons. A robust Trinitarian faith enlivens our understanding of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through the creative and multiplying work of each—in the world, in the universe, and in our small souls. We see God is not simply a mysterious mixture of three Beings. Rather, each has a personality—separate, yet One. Prayer becomes prayer to the Trinity. We worship the Trinity. We are saved by, through, and in the Trinity. Life in the Spirit is life in the Trinity. Thoughts of a triune God slow us down. The doctrine of the Trinity prods us to humbly contemplate these matters, “too wonderful for us” (Ps 131:1; 139:6). The Trinity is a mystery, a “simple yet difficult” doctrine and one which points to realities beyond our ability to understand. We are invited to enter into the experiential knowledge of the Trinity. Aquinas called the Trinity a “gift of God” which prepares us to contemplate him in the joy of heaven. Much fruit has been born out of Trinitarian wisdom in the historical church. Might we pray for this wisdom, along with a vibrant Trinitarian culture, to become more present in ours? /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34590475

How to Wait Well: Excitedly and Expectantly! 01/01/2025

How to Wait Well: Excitedly and Expectantly! This week we are sharing some of your favorite Moments of Hope from 2024. Thank you for taking a moment of your day to grow in your discipleship journey with us. To explore additional resources from Moments of Hope Church, please by David Chadwick How to wait well. It’s something we all must learn when Jesus becomes the Lord of our lives. I believe as we cultivate strength in our ability to wait well, we are developing eternal qualities as we await our soon and coming Savior. Today, I want to urge you to learn to wait excitedly and expectantly! These are two adverbs that should describe our attitudes toward Jesus’s Second Coming. Jesus is coming back! We must all turn our gaze toward heaven and prioritize the skill of learning how to wait well for our soon and coming King. Be excited! Why? Because when Jesus returns, he will usher in a brand new kingdom. His kingdom is unshakeable (Hebrews 12:28). It will be a place where all things will be made new. All means all! Every part of this broken, selfish, polluted world will be made new. We will live in a sinless world! And live forever. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” (Revelation 21:4). No more enemies! No more death! No more pain! No more heartbreak! No more betrayal! Doesn’t that excite you? Be excited. But also be expectant. Jesus’s return could happen any day now. Any moment. The early church theologians called it the doctrine of immanence. It will happen in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52). We should say every day, “Yes, Lord, I’m ready. If you come today, I’m ready.” And I believe with all my heart that Jesus will be excited and expectant to meet you as well! His bride. The one he loves with all of his heart. The object of his affection. The reason he endured death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). As he greets you, I’m sure he will say to those who have placed their trust in him, “Well done!” /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34590460

Key Doctrines of the Faith: Glorification 12/31/2024

Key Doctrines of the Faith: Glorification This week we are sharing some of your favorite Moments of Hope from 2024. Thank you for taking a moment of your day to grow in your discipleship journey with us. To explore additional resources from Moments of Hope Church, please by David Chadwick This week, I will give you five final key doctrines of the Christian faith. These truths are foundational to our faith. They are essentials. We cannot add to them or take away from them. Today we focus on glorification – the final step in our redemption after justification and sanctification (Romans 8:29-30). It’s when we all receive our eternal, material, perfected, glorified bodies. They will be like ours here, but without sin, flaws, disease, and imperfections. What a glorious day that will be! The Bible says that we move from glory to glory as we are transformed to live and look more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). Ultimately, we will appear with Christ in glory one day (Colossians 3:4). As God’s children, we have not yet seen what will be, but when he appears again we shall be like him (1 John 3:2). Jesus was given his glorified resurrection body after he died on the cross, was resurrected, and ascended to heaven. He was given an eternal, material, flesh and blood body. How do we know this? Because the disciples saw him after this happened. When he came to the disciples after being raised from the dead, Jesus offered Thomas the opportunity to touch his nail scarred wrists and feet. This implies he both had an eternal body and that body had scars! Could it be that one day at the wedding feast of the Lamb, Jesus will serve us with those visible scars? And we will see these scars on his body forever? Always reminding us of his grace and the price he paid for us? How special would that be! Our glorified bodies will be perfect in every way. Free from sin, decay, disease, hurt, pain, shame. Stop and imagine that for a moment! And let it prompt you to worship our risen Lord Jesus! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34590450

The 21 Day Experiment: Day 1 12/30/2024

The 21 Day Experiment: Day 1 This week we are sharing some of your favorite Moments of Hope from 2024. Thank you for taking a moment of your day to grow in your discipleship journey with us. To explore additional resources from Moments of Hope Church, please by Marilynn Chadwick In him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4 (ESV) It’s been said that it takes 21 days to form a habit. For me, the beginning of every new year is the perfect time to launch a new habit. Forming a habit is much like an experiment. An experiment gives me permission to try something on for size. If I’m pleased with the results, I can repeat the steps. If not, I can toss it aside. Simple as that. If you were to ask me my single most important habit, I would say, hands down, it’s the daily reading of Scripture. Saints of old like Charles Spurgeon and George Mueller pointed to Scripture reading as the secret to their legendary faith. They combined Scripture reading with prayer—thereby turbo-charging their prayers. Starting today, I invite you to join me for what I like to call “The 21 Day Experiment.” We’ll devote just fifteen minutes each day to reading one chapter from the Gospel of John. It's a good place to start, since John has exactly twenty-one chapters. This simple experiment could change your life. I know it changed mine. Many years ago, when I was a new believer, I heard about a former atheist and newspaper reporter who told of her dramatic transformation after reading the Gospel of John—as a skeptic, not as a seeker. Her story captivated me, since just one year earlier, I had been an atheist who happened to be a journalism major in college. The reporter said her “experiment” opened her eyes to the reality of Christ. Instead of confirming her conviction that the Bible was a “dead book,” she became a totally devoted follower of Jesus. What’s more, she challenged fellow skeptics to set aside 21 days to read John’s Gospel. Miraculously, many of those same friends were also born again. I like to conduct my own version of “The 21 Day Experiment,” adding a few ground rules: Set aside 15 minutes each day to prayerfully read one chapter of John’s Gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to “highlight” a verse from your reading. I call this my “watchword.” Write your “watchword” on a card (I use a 3x5 note card). Then list a few prayer needs on the back of the card. Simply pray that verse over each need. Find other times to reflect on the verse and pray. I keep my card handy for when I’m stuck in traffic, folding clothes, waiting in line, or going for a walk. During today’s reading of Chapter 1, I noticed Jesus anew as the Creator. John writes: “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3 NIV). I was also struck by references to the word “life.” “In him was life and that life was the light of mankind" (John 1:4 NIV). I’ve decided John 1:4 will be my "watchword" today. This theme of “life” has prompted me to ponder God’s astounding gift. I encourage you to stick with this experiment. Don’t evaluate until the END of the 21 days. You can even say to yourself, “Well, nothing seems to be happening today, but I will postpone judging its impact until after 21 days.” Over the years, without fail, each time I have repeated this 21 Day Experiment, God has spoken to me in a special way. I am praying the same will be true for you. This Moment of Hope was adapted from the book by Marilynn Chadwick. Please to order a copy of this book and find additional resources from Marilynn and David Chadwick. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34590440

I Came: To Preach the Gospel 12/27/2024

I Came: To Preach the Gospel by David Chadwick Jesus came for many reasons. From the cradle to the cross. To bring life. To destroy the works of the devil. To bring light. To judge. Finally, he came to preach the gospel! In Mark 1:38, Jesus said, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out." Jesus gives us yet another reason why he “came out” of the beauty of heaven to enter the mess of this world: to preach the gospel. To preach the kingdom of God. Preaching is a valuable asset to the soul of any believer. To encourage, exhort, challenge, and strengthen. It is imperative for all who follow Jesus to find a gospel-centered and kingdom-oriented church where the preacher unabashedly preaches God's Word and truth. We are not to be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16). Preaching is also one of the ways that God calls lost souls to be saved. How will people know the good news of Jesus unless there are preachers willing and able to preach? Romans 10:14-15, "And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?" Verse 15 goes on to say how blessed are the feet of those who proclaim the good news of the gospel. How beautiful Jesus's feet must have been! And think of missionaries who go into really hard places, where the gospel has never been preached before, risking their own lives because they know the value of eternal souls for Jesus. Their feet are immeasurably beautiful as well. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find preachers who will boldly and courageously stand before a congregation and say, "Thus says the Lord." But they are there. Find one. Settle in that body. Pray for the preacher: his protection, boldness, and commitment to Christ. And stand by him as he stands for Jesus and the preaching of the gospel. And pray for places where you, too, can proclaim the gospel. Places where you can be sent to be Jesus's voice of truth. Where your feet are beautiful as well! Jesus CAME to preach the gospel. He wants you to do the same! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320820

I Came: To Bring Judgment 12/26/2024

I Came: To Bring Judgment by David Chadwick You can’t have good news without first having bad news. You can’t come to bring light unless there is darkness. Jesus came to the cradle and the cross. He came to give abundant life and to destroy the works of the devil. He came to bring light. He also came to bring judgment. This reason for Jesus’s coming is a bit more solemn, but nevertheless is true and needs to be noted during the Christmas season. He could never have offered mercy without first bringing judgment. Jesus told us that his message would divide people, even family members (Matthew 10:34). Among friends. Within society and culture. Think especially of the persecuted church worldwide. It has already happened. It will continue to happen. Jesus told us it would. Look at the following Bible verses. Jesus said in John 9:39, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” And in Matthew 10:34, he says, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Jesus came to bring judgment upon this world so that the blind will see and those who think they see will become blind. What does this mean? It’s referring to spiritual sight. Jesus came to open up people's spiritual eyes so they can walk in truth. He also came so that people who walk in darkness--evil and sin--will be judged. We live in a world where it seems that people get away with anything and everything that’s sad, bad, and evil. But one day Jesus will bring perfect justice! As for division with family and friends, please know during this Christmas season that Jesus knew it would happen. It’s one of the reasons that he came. One day, he will make all things new. He will overcome all evil. In heaven, there will be no division. Only perfect unity. In the first coming, he came in love, but in the second coming, he will come in judgment and justice. His love and judgment fit perfectly together. Until then, we have the church. The family of God on earth. And for those cast out by an unbelieving family, there’s a new set of brothers and sisters in Jesus’s church. That’s the power of the Christmas story. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320805

I Came: To Give Light 12/25/2024

I Came: To Give Life and Life Abundantly 12/24/2024

I Came: From the Cradle to the Cross 12/23/2024

I Came: From the Cradle to the Cross by David Chadwick “I came.” It’s the phrase that makes the Gospel of Jesus Christ unlike any other of the world’s religions. The name Emmanuel. God with us. He came. He left the splendor of heaven and chose to willingly live in the squalor, sin, and brokenness of this world. Through his life, death and resurrection, we can be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life (John 3:16). Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Jesus is the only God figure who can look at humanity and say, “I came.” Let’s start by going back to look at the importance of the Trinity, three distinct persons in the Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Without it, the Incarnation makes no sense. Because our God is Triune, the Father sent his Son into the world, empowered with the Holy Spirit. This is an essential tenet of the Christian faith. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humanity as a whole became lost. When they willingly chose to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin corrupted mankind for generations to come. All people for all times. We ALL have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). We were conceived in sin (Psalm 51:5). At the moment of conception, we have a bent toward the same rebellion and sin that tempted Adam and Eve. Like him, we are lost in our sin and headed to hell. But God. The Father, who is just and holy, knew our condemnation. But also being rich in perfect love, chose to send his Son, Jesus into the world. The Savior of the world. The perfect and righteous Lamb of God came to seek the lost and to die on a cross to save us from our sin. Even in our sin, his great love chases us down! The cross and cradle both show us how Jesus came. Jesus first came as a baby in a manger to die on a cross, the lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. The shadow of the cross will forever mark the manger. One day, he will come as a lion and his return will restore all of creation. Don’t forget this Christmas why Jesus came. That he came. When realized, Christmas becomes even more beautiful and meaningful. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320740

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Anna, The Prophetess 12/20/2024

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Anna, The Prophetess by David Chadwick Anna the prophetess is today’s hidden hero. She is one of my favorite heroes in the Christmas story. Like Simeon, Anna’s story is also found in Luke 2, starting in verse 36. I love that God chose to give such a significant role of prophetess to a woman like Anna. She is another devout character in the Christmas story who heard from the Lord and spoke truth in the temple area. Anna was the daughter of Phanuel. He must have been a Godly man to produce such a wonderful woman like Anna. The Bible describes her as being “advanced in years.” She married as a virgin and lived with her husband for seven years until he died. She then spent the rest of her life as a widow until the age of 84. After her husband died, Anna spent all of her time in the temple, “worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day” (Luke 2:37). Anna was in the temple when Simeon blessed Jesus. Upon hearing of the Messiah’s birth, Anna "began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). She, like Simeon, began to give thanks to God. Anna must have known in her spirit that the Messiah had arrived! Anna was thrilled to speak about Jesus to all who would listen to her that this baby Jesus was the one who would bring redemption to Jerusalem. The hidden heroes of the Christmas story make the story come more alive for me. None of them knew what a significant role they would play in the coming of Jesus. They weren’t seeking the spotlight. In fact, some of them, like Adam, really messed up. But the grace of God’s story is evident in them all. None of these characters were perfect, but they made themselves available to God to be used by him. As for Anna, she was humble and servant-hearted. Kind and gentle. And God used her mightily to advance his kingdom. Like all of these hidden heroes, God used each of them so powerfully to help tell the greatest story ever told. A story we all get to be a part of even today! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320735

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Simeon, The Devout Priest 12/19/2024

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Elizabeth, Mary’s Cousin 12/18/2024

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Elizabeth, Mary’s Cousin by David Chadwick Zechariah was yesterday’s hidden hero in the Christmas story. It only seems right to include his wife, Elizabeth. Her story is found alongside her husband’s story in Luke 1:5-25. Elizabeth, like Zechariah, was very old and beyond child bearing years. She desperately desired a baby. After the angel appeared to Zechariah, he expressed doubt about this child and was silenced by the Lord. Somehow, he must have been able to tell her about the angel’s message to him through writings and sign language. Being a righteous and Godly woman, Elizabeth was a daughter of a priest in the lineage of Aaron. Aware of the significance of the child she carried, she spent the remaining five months of her pregnancy quiet and hidden. While Zechariah was silenced by the Lord, Elizabeth chose hiddenness alongside her husband as they ushered this very special child named John the Baptist into the world. During these five months of hiddenness, what do you think Elizabeth did? I believe she prayed, praised, and thanked God. She whispered faith and life over him. Perhaps she even spoke words of hope over what he’d become. It is apparent God wanted a time of reflective silence surrounding the birth of this child named John the Baptist. He would not let even one word of unbelief come out of Zechariah’s mouth. Only words of faith, hope, life, blessing, and belief must have flowed from the lips of his mom. John was born in Luke 1:57. When Mary went to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, to tell her of her own angelic visitation, the baby Jesus in Mary’s womb caused John, at 6 months gestation, to leap inside of Elizabeth’s womb. What a moment that must have been! The forerunner of Jesus’s life and ministry and the Messiah himself met in their mom’s wombs. By the way, did you know that the Greek term for “child” in these verses is blepos? The same word Jesus used to invite the little children/blepos to come to him. Life must begin at the moment of conception. The relationship John the Baptist and Jesus had began in the womb. The way that John was carried in Elizabeth’s womb is what makes her one of my hidden heroes in the Christmas story. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320690

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Zechariah, The Persistent Priest 12/17/2024

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Zechariah, The Persistent Priest by David Chadwick Hidden heroes in the Christmas story. These may be more well-known names, but their significance in the Christmas story has a hiddenness that must be sought out. Zechariah is today’s hidden hero in the Christmas story. His story is-found in Luke 1:5-25. Zechariah was a righteous, blameless, and Godly person. He was a priest in the temple. As noted in Proverbs 16:33, the Jews believed that drawing straws was under the sovereign hand of Almighty God in decision-making. In the case of Zechariah, straws were drawn for him to serve in the temple. He was selected, which implied God’s sovereignty. Zechariah, and his wife Elizabeth, were childless. Like many fathers do, Zechariah desperately wanted a son. He was older in years and the hopes of having a son seemed increasingly impossible. One day, in the silence of his temple service, he begged God for a child. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him that a child was coming. Upon hearing this news, Zechariah expressed disbelief, so the angel closed his mouth. This child who would be born to Zechariah and Elizabeth would be John the Baptist. And I am convinced that John the Baptist was SO important to both the Christmas story and God’s overall narrative that God chose to silence Zechariah’s mouth as the child developed in his wife’s womb so that no doubting or negative words were able to be heard. As a side note, do you think babies can hear words of unbelief in the womb? Do you think they can cause negative emotions within? It is powerful to think about the importance of those months in the womb for fetal development, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually! How do you think Zechariah communicated the news to Elizabeth? Maybe he ran home with sign language and a writing tablet! But she surely understood. Zechariah didn’t speak again until the birth came. He named his son John as instructed by the angel. He didn’t give him a family name, which was what was most often done, but the name God wanted. John means “grace.” The moment he wrote the name on a tablet, his voice returned. And he praised God. I can only imagine how wonderful of a father he must have been to John. His son became the first cousin and good friend of Jesus, and the forerunner to declaring the coming life and ministry of Jesus! /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320675

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Adam, The One Who Paved the Way for Jesus 12/16/2024

Hidden Heroes in the Christmas Story: Adam, The One Who Paved the Way for Jesus by David Chadwick Hidden heroes. It’s a topic that has become near and dear to my heart. To find the people of the BIble who may be lesser known and dig out the treasures of their story. We are jumping back into some more of the Bible’s hidden heroes. This time, we will look at heroes specifically tethered to the wonder of the Christmas story. In these cases, these are heroes who may be more well known, but I am referring to them as hidden heroes because they have significant, but more hidden roles in the Christmas story. Adam. Today’s hidden hero. The genealogy of Jesus found in Luke 3:23-37 traces Jesus back through Joseph, all the way to Adam. Adam, alongside Eve, was the one of the two who ate the fruit of rebellion in Genesis 3 and corrupted the world. Eve was offered the fruit by Satan and chose to partake, and Adam did not stop her. Some would say he was passive and silent in the face of temptation. He was not a vigilant steward of God’s instructions nor was he a protector of Eve in the face of Satan’s luring and cunning behavior. Some have suggested that Adam will not be in heaven because he’s not listed in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Fame of Faith. His name is not listed among other Old Testament heroes who looked forward to the day of Jesus. Only God truly knows. Why is Adam a hidden hero in the Christmas story? Let’s take a look at Romans 5:12-19. Paul bookends the story of salvation in this passage of Scripture. Sin came into the world through Adam. “Death reigned from Adam to Moses” (Romans 5:14). The free gift of grace through Jesus brought justification for many. Through Adam’s disobedience, many were made sinners, but through Jesus’s obedience, many would be made righteous (Romans 5:18). Where Adam disobeyed and the world fell into corruption, Jesus, the second Adam, perfectly obeyed the will of God and brought redemption to the world. Where the first Adam failed, the second Adam succeeded. Everyone in the world is either in Adam or in Christ. The way of Adam leads to eternal death. But the way of Jesus leads to eternal life. Jesus came as the second Adam to save us and give us the gift of eternal life (Luke 19:10). Understanding the first Adam’s role in the Bible should give a whole new meaning to him being one of my hidden heroes in the Christmas story. And Adam gives us the reason Jesus had to come into this world in Bethlehem. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34320660

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Answer Two Questions 12/13/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Answer Two Questions by Marilynn Chadwick Children are generally asking two questions: “Do you love me?” and “Can I have my own way?” They seem to thrive on love and limits. So, David and I would regularly say, “Yes, I love you" and “no you can’t always have your own way.” Focused attention, eye contact, lots of snuggles, a listening ear. There are many ways to say I love you. Limits are important too. Here’s a little secret: If it’s necessary to correct your children, give them consequences that are actually beneficial to them. For example, early bedtime; cleaning the bathroom; finishing a book instead of watching television; doing 50 jumping jacks to get the wiggles out. You get the point. I also learned as the kids reached middle school to go easier with eye contact. Chill out. Don’t bear down too hard in serious conversations. That’s probably why our best talks—especially the hard ones—happened while driving in the car. They’d tell me most anything I wanted to know if I didn’t intrude. Conversations in the van seemed to turn into spiritual lessons—I dubbed our drive time “e-van-gelism.” Faith is both caught and taught. I encouraged our kids to be on the lookout for signs of God at work—in big ways and small ones. We dared our kids to dream big and trust God with the results. But mostly, I wanted them to be able to hear God for themselves—to discern His voice from all the others.They didn’t know it, but I continually watched to see if they were shaping their views according to what they were learning at home or what the world was telling them. We also tried to help our kids experience the laboratory of answered prayer. We included them in our faith journeys. When we were hoping for a third baby, we encouraged the older two to join us in prayer. It took years of waiting, but they prayed relentlessly. I finally told God I was going to be “really upset if you let these little kids down.” And they were thrilled when their persistent prayers were answered with the arrival of their little brother! It really doesn’t matter where I travel. It’s the same in any culture—rich or poor. We can never underestimate the power of a strong and loving home. Home is where humans thrive and grow best. It’s where children should be nurtured. Instructed. Protected. It’s where they catch the faith. And where they’re free to dream. Especially when the home is built on the solid rock of faith in Jesus Christ. When a woman is both warrior and nurturer to her household, when she seeks the Lord with all her heart, when honor and respect are present, a home can produce children who are likely to change the world. This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098956

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Train Yourself to Sustain Yourself 12/12/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Train Yourself to Sustain Yourself by Marilynn Chadwick Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1b NIV). I want to take a minute to encourage you as a parent to take care of yourself. This goes back to our earlier discussion about building your spiritual house. Your relationship with Jesus is the foundation. Your marriage is next. Children love knowing their parents have a healthy marriage. And that they are strong as individuals. Your strength in the home will set a climate that somehow encourages your children to dream big. I remember one time our daughter asked me, “Mom, do you enjoy us?” Wow. I had to pause and reflect. In that moment, I knew I had gotten to a fragile point where I was not creating habits to help me sustain the joy of motherhood. I became more mindful to enjoy my children, and our family, rather than just “enduring them.” A thankful heart is a happy heart and makes for a happy home where children, and their dreams, can grow tall. Remember, mothering is a marathon, not a mile run. So pace yourself. Are you taking care of your “temple”? Getting enough exercise, good food, and pure water? Do you have good friendships? Prayer partners? Now I sound like a mother, don’t I? But it really is so important for us, as moms, to guard our mental and emotional health. Malachi 2 warns us to “guard ourselves in the spirit” as a protection against so many things, including divorce. So, be alert and watchful for the purpose of prayer (1 Peter 4:7). Then “throw off what hinders and the sin that entangles us,” as Hebrews 12:1 encourages. Watch as God strengthens you and sustains you again and again. This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098936

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Encourage Your Child to Listen to God’s Voice 12/11/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Encourage Your Child to Listen to God’s Voice by Marilynn Chadwick My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27 NIV). Train your children to hear God’s voice. Find creative ways to teach them God’s Word. Songs and memory verses are great. But they also need to learn how to apply biblical principles to the problems they encounter in the world. Toss out opportunities for them to think biblically. This will also help them listen for God’s calling on their life—their dreams. A very astute older friend whose children were grown once gave me some advice I have always taken to heart. “I helped my kindergartners deal with the problems they faced on a kindergarten level. Then, each successive year, I taught them to learn to look at life from a biblical worldview for that age level. So by the time they were in high school, they were well-practiced at confronting a secular world view.” And, I would add, our children learned to see the people around them who did not believe in Jesus as friends to be won for Christ. Not enemies to be avoided. Regardless of the educational direction your children take, whether secular school, Christian school or homeschool, they need to hear God’s voice. They need regular, ongoing, consistent communication about Jesus and God’s Word. I felt comfortable with our children being out in the world once I sensed that they had learned to hear God’s voice for themselves. They accepted Jesus at an early age and were learning how to apply God’s truth. I was always involved in their schools and their friendships, and set clear boundaries. At times, our rules were stricter than those of their friends—and that was okay. As I mentioned earlier, we included our children in our own faith walk. We encouraged them to pray for some of the issues we faced as a family. Children are realists. They pray in specifics and notice when prayers are answered. They’re also honest about the pain of unanswered prayers. Jesus loves children for lots of reasons, including their unfiltered honesty. As our oldest grandchild Anna Grace once reminded me, “Jesus loves children because we are so fun to play with!” This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098931

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Serve Together With Your Child 12/10/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Serve Together With Your Child by Marilynn Chadwick If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday (Isaiah 58:10 NIV). Whenever possible, David and I included our children in serving others. In fact, some of our most fond memories as a family were going to our sister church in uptown Charlotte and volunteering with their ministry. We would regularly feed the homeless and worship with their congregation. They became like family to us. It was one of the highlights of our kids’ childhood. When Michael was around eight, I took him with me to work with some moms and children from a different fragile community in the Charlotte area where I volunteered. One little boy, also named Michael, happened to have a handicap. He couldn’t walk on his own and had to be carried around by an adult. Our Michael wondered how he could help. The program director told Michael the little boy simply needed a special kind of orthopedic crutches in order to walk on his own. Michael persisted until I called our orthopedic doctor friend, who just “happened” to have some of those very crutches available. Michael made sure the other little Michael received those crutches. I told him the little boy’s mom had been praying for some crutches for her son. To which Michael replied, “Cool…I answered a prayer.” I agreed. It is very cool to find ways that we can actually be the answer to someone else’s prayer. I know I keep saying the same thing again and again, but with good reason. We find life as we give it away to others. From my experience, this is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Find ways to serve with your kids. Teach them to give their lives away to others. Watch as God develops eternal fruit in their hearts by cultivating a life that is “others focused.” This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098906

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Build a Team Around Your Child 12/09/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Build a Team Around Your Child by Marilynn Chadwick Let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds (Hebrews 10:24 AMP). We are in a two week series of how to raise great kids. Even if you are not a parent, there is a good chance that you play a role in someone else’s life who is younger than you. I pray these parenting tips will give you tools to lead the next generation. Every dreamer needs a team. Build a strong team around your child who will inspire them. Bring grandparents, coaches, friends, teachers and church leaders into your circle of friends. They can be some of your biggest allies in helping your children reach their dreams. Prayer partners are also key, along with the parents of your children’s friends. It really does take a village. I supported our children’s teachers and coaches and volunteered whenever possible. Coming from a family of educators, I deeply admired the many adults who poured their lives into our children. I prayed for them, encouraged them, even befriended them. But there were also times when I had to go to bat for our children. On a couple of occasions, I asked a teacher or coach to consider giving a second chance or a harder challenge to one of our children. In each case, I knew the child was ready. And in each case, the teacher or coach agreed, so I was glad I spoke up. I want to add a brief word here about what I call “dream killers.” David and I were more intentional about protecting our children against dream killers than we were against drugs. Children usually recognize the stupidity of drugs. But they may not always see the subtlety of a dream killer. Dream killers can come in the form of peers or even adults at times. This is sometimes called “the crab-pot syndrome.” When one crab tries to crawl out of a pot, the others will pull him back down. Not everyone will see your child’s dream as clearly as you can. Again, that’s why David and I prayed fervently for God to guard our children’s dreams. To use those dreams to draw our children close to him, and then to open doors for their calling to make an impact for Christ on this broken and hurting world. This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098866

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Teach Your Child to Work Hard 12/06/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Teach Your Child to Work Hard by Marilynn Chadwick Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters (Colossians 3:23). When our kids were younger, I made up a song based on Colossians 3:23 to help them remember this truth. We would sing it together all of the time. It was not just to remind them of these truths, but to remind me. I’ve had to learn some parenting lessons the hard way. I am not a naturally self-disciplined person. But I discovered early on that it was nearly impossible for me to take the kids beyond where I had gone myself. If I was undisciplined, it was hard to discipline them. If my schedule was inconsistent, it was hard to help them follow a schedule. If I quit before I reached the finish line, it was hard to teach them to persevere. When an airplane loses cabin pressure, we’re told to administer oxygen to ourselves before we give it to our child. There are some lessons we have to “administer to ourselves” before we can teach them to our children. Hard work is one of those. We always encouraged our children to see all work as honorable—whether it was waiting on tables, doing weekly chores, or even folding laundry. Sometimes I would point out those who appeared to be “working with all their heart,” like the guy who loaded up our groceries with an especially cheerful attitude. Hard work is vastly underrated in today’s culture. We live in a culture that is easily distracted and chooses the path of least resistance more often than not. If you know me, you know how vital I think it is to talk about the importance of big dreams. But without plenty of hard work, they remain just dreams. What are some small habits that you can build into your everyday life that will be passed on to your children? Morning worship time? An afternoon walk? A time each day to practice gratitude? Daily time in your Bible? Ask God to show you small steps you can take to instill discipline into your life and watch as your kids learn the same. This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098856

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Challenge Your Child to Dream Big 12/05/2024

Our Favorite Parenting Tips: Challenge Your Child to Dream Big by Marilynn Chadwick Blessed are those who fear the Lord…Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed (Psalm 112:1-2 NIV). Since they were born, I’ve prayed our children would be “mighty in the land.” I believe God created us to dream and placed the seeds of those dreams in our hearts—even as children. Our children are who they are, in large part, because they followed the path of their dreams. I noticed over the years that around age ten, somewhat of a lifelong dream began to emerge. Other parents have told me they noticed the same thing with their children. So we took those childhood dreams seriously. David and I tried to identify, invest in, and protect those early dreams. We believed their dreams could be the pathway to God’s destiny. After all, He’s the one who gave them the gifts and talents to reach their dreams. One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to believe in their dreams and invest in whatever you can in the development of those dreams. Dreaming is as natural as breathing for children. What’s not so natural is the self-discipline it takes to reach their dreams. David and I helped our kids experiment until they found something they loved and were good at. Then we’d provide structure and discipline to help them stick with it for a mutually agreed upon length of time. At least until their efforts brought some measure of success. For example, all of our children loved sports. But at different times, each would have chosen to skip out on practice, especially those grueling early morning workouts. That’s when our role was to provide that little extra push. As they got older and developed a passion for their dreams, their own self-discipline kicked in with a fierce determination. Dreams energize effort. And over time, we saw how small but faithful habits helped our children accomplish those dreams. Maybe you need to sit down with your kids and revisit some of their dreams. Ask them questions like, “What do you love to do?” “When do you feel most alive?” “What brings you joy?” You might even need to sit down with a journal and ask yourself some of those same questions. We all need to dream. Whether we are 9 or 99, we must always find ways to dream! This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor by Marilynn Chadwick (Eugene: Harvest House, 2017). a free PDF copy of Woman of Valor. If you enjoyed today's Moment of Hope feel free to forward this email or with a friend so they can sign up to receive a Moment of Hope every day. /episode/index/show/a852a973-4adc-4299-bb53-caff7cbf2ba5/id/34098836

A Moment of Hope

TOPICS