A Moment of Hope

by Marilynn Chadwick All three of our now grown children especially looked forward to the end of our Day Off, which they referred to as "Family Home Night." These were weekly times of shared togetherness at the close of Sabbath and included special movies, family prayers, Bible stories, and make-your-own-pizzas. The movies we selected didn't always have a spiritual message, but they helped reinforce a value or character quality such as perseverance, compassion, kindness, or courage. Our family movies often launched spontaneous times of talking, sharing, laughing, and dreaming. The kids seemed to take this time to heart. Early on, we decided Family Home Night was not a "friend-sleepover night," but no one seemed to mind. They grew to eagerly anticipate the much-needed space set aside for rest and time with just our family. They felt renewed by the safe haven of home. Refreshed, they were ready to reenter the fray. I have found that Sabbath and giving space to share stories seem to go together. This was especially evident during our mission trips to other cultures. There, life moves at a slower pace. There, we forget our to-do list and welcome the unexpected. This is often the case in places where war or suffering have torn the people and their land. I remember the young Rwandan mother, a survivor of the horrific genocide. She shared her story of pain after our worship service together. I was amazed by her courage and strength. She said, "It is good to know you have not forgotten us." We kept in touch for years, but it was Sabbath-keeping that opened the door for our shared stories and friendship. Sabbath goes against the grain of a world that is too busy to care. Sabbath is life in slower motion. For this reason, Sabbath lends itself to sharing our stories, fears, burdens, testimonies, hopes and dreams. We were not created to experience Sabbath in isolation. I wonder if biblical Sabbath-keeping could become a powerful counter-cultural strategy in a world which thirsts for freedom from overwork, idolatry, and isolation. In a world that desperately needs shalom. A few questions to get you thinking. You may want to experiment until you find the rhythm of rest that works best for you or your family. How often does your family take a day off where you don't do work, housework, or yard work? Describe the perfect day off. Where would you go and with whom? Is there a nearby park or hiking trail you enjoy? What activities do you and your family enjoy at home together? What activities do you enjoy doing alone? Would you invite a friend to join you in the activity? What are some good movies or books you could reserve for your weekly "Day Off?" Are there special treats could you plan ahead? Ideas: Make your own pizza; popcorn with sea salt and coconut oil, drizzled with dark chocolate. Think of fun snacks that don't require much preparation. Are you one who enjoys cooking or is "Door Dash" your new best friend? How can you plan a special meal ahead of time that you or your family would enjoy on your day off? What gets in the way of taking a day off each week? Conflicting job schedules, family members with different routines, kids' sports? Are there changes that would help? What are creative ways you or your family could read the Bible and pray together on your day off—maybe over a cup of specialty coffee in a nearby park or quiet setting? What is your most significant "takeaway" from the teachings on Sabbath? Is there one change you can make today to begin to enjoy God's gift of rest?

by Marilynn Chadwick In addition to "not working" on the Sabbath, the observant Jew also practices "not worrying." Seriously. How does one "not worry?" Is that even possible? A friend coined this snappy little acronym: W.O.R.R.Y: "Worry Only Robs Rest from You." It's true. Worrying is exhausting. I realize as believers in Jesus, we're not obligated to keep Sabbath according to any particular formula or law. But a true confession. After some honest reflection, I've come to realize that worry actually drains my energy and robs my inner peace way more than work does. Worry (translated as "I really, really care") seems logical, even useful. I have plenty of excuses for why I worry. "I just have a vivid imagination." "I have lots to do." "There are so many people I care about." Worry just comes with the territory, right? No. Not if we look at what the Bible says. I've been reflecting lately on Paul's words about worry: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything." Next, he says to "tell God what you need and thank Him for what he has already done" (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT). These are training tips from a guy in prison who was always in danger of getting killed. But look at the amazing promise in verse 7: "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Wow. Prayer sounds like a much better use of my energy than worrying. I wonder if turning my "cares into prayers" (in the words of Charles Spurgeon) might be one way to stop this pesky Sabbath thief at the door? Not worrying on the Sabbath—or any other day for that matter—now that's new territory! I truly want to learn to walk more solidly in my faith and drive out worry. But old habits die hard, so I'll have to be patient with myself. Maybe you'd like to share some useful tips for how you deal with worry. Remember, we're all in this together. Let's encourage each other as we learn how to rest worry free.

by Marilynn Chadwick It's been said that Americans are the only people who worship our work, work at our play, and play at our worship. Maybe that's why keeping Sabbath is so hard. Many of us enjoy feeling productive, and taking a day off seems to slow us down. The word Sabbath, or sabat in Hebrew, means "to cease, desist, rest." Put another way, Sabbath simply means to stop working. The very first use of sabat, translated "rest," in the Bible is in Genesis 2:2-3 NIV: "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Sabbath can be described as taking one day each week to rest from our work. Work six days and rest one, a rhythm which follows God's pattern as Creator. Work and rest are holy. Both are an example of what it means to be created in the image of God. So what are some practical ways to embrace rest and resist overworking? Perhaps we can learn a few tips on Sabbath-keeping from observant Jews. Worship, rest, family time, taking a walk, and reading are among the activities considered good Sabbath practices by the faithful Jew. What is not good on the Sabbath can be summed up in three words: "work, commerce [shopping and spending], and worry." During their trek through the desert, God instructed the children of Israel to gather manna for six days and rest on the seventh, a type of training ground for later Sabbath-keeping (Exodus 16:5). Even before Moses received the Ten Commandments, God was training the Israelites in rhythms of rest. When God gave Moses the law, He reminded him of how He brought the Israelites out of slavery. "Slaves cannot take a day off; free people can," writes theologian Dorothy Bass. In her book "Keeping Sabbath, Practicing Our Faith," she sounds a wake-up call for Christians to return to the practice of Sabbath-keeping. Sabbath rest is a weekly testimony against the perpetual grind of a slave's work, she adds. It gives us a picture of who God is and what it means to be created to be in His image. God's fourth commandment, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy," points us back to Creation (Exodus 20:8 NIV). More words are used to explain this one than any of the other nine, so Sabbath-keeping must be important to God. Sabbath makes space for nurturing our families, our church, and our communities. Sabbath-keeping helps us care for our souls in an age when many are desperately thirsty for inner peace. Rest from our work is also a theological theme woven throughout the Bible. It describes the liberating life of grace for the believer who has found true rest in Christ's salvation. Perhaps St. Augustine could have been hinting at our need for Sabbath rest when he made this famous statement in his Confessions: "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you."

by Marilynn Chadwick I am reminded of the time David and I were invited to teach a marriage seminar to a large gathering of young couples. Wanting to focus on real life issues, we each made a separate list of our "Top Ten Marriage Tips." However, we decided not to reveal the results of our lists to one another until the moment we actually presented the message to our audience. It was fun to compare the different habits, practices, and insights we each felt had strengthened our marriage—right in front of our listeners. When it came time to "reveal" our top marriage tip, it turns out David and I had both chosen the same "Number One Marriage Tip." It was simply this: Take one day off together every week. In other words, "Keep your Sabbath." Ironically, this was the very same advice our first ministry-couple mentors had shared with us way back when we were newlyweds. We took their advice to heart and 45 years later, we still take our day off together each week. If you factor it over our 45 years of marriage and ministry, that's about 2,000 Sabbaths! Sabbath-keeping obviously looks different for our family since ministers typically work on Sunday, the day when many Christians celebrate Sabbath. Our Day Off is Friday. While we don't adhere to a rigid set of rules, we have landed on some practices which make this day special, fun, even holy. We look forward to our weekly ritual of enjoying our favorite coffee. Parked in a quiet setting surrounded by nature, we share thoughts about our week and read through a few Bible passages. Often, we highlight and journal our specific prayer needs or play worship music. We sometimes laugh and cry about the joys and sorrows of family and ministry. Long walks are a favorite, along with Netflix and special snacks reserved just for Day Off. It's more about the regularity of Sabbath than any specific ritual. But God seems so very present on those sacred, sanctified, set apart days. Our weekly Day Off is more than just time away from work— it is a "want to," not a "have to." A gift of grace. These times build fresh hope and healing. Our weekly Sabbath has provided life-giving boundaries to the rigors of ministry and gives creative space for our marriage and children to flourish. Like many today, our lives are very busy. Ministry comes with unexpected demands and emergencies. But most often, we're able to keep our Sabbath calm and free from work. We believe our family and church have benefitted from our commitment to this God-ordained, ancient practice. What are some ways you can begin to create a rhythm of rest into your own lifestyle?

by Marilynn Chadwick Are you feeling tired today? Maybe you worked late, slept poorly, tried to juggle too many tasks, attempted to solve too many problems, took on too much responsibility for everything and everybody around you. It seems you're not alone. America is a nation obsessed with rest—or the lack of it. At my children's high school one year, teachers sent home a disturbing article about sleep deprived teenagers. Researchers are telling us that people now fantasize about sleep! It seems the average person is very, very tired. You may be working harder, running faster, accomplishing more and more…but who's watching out for your soul? Matthew 11:28-30 NIV: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." I've been drawn to Jesus's promise of rest after observing some very "exhausted souls" lately. Exhaustion can manifest itself as anxiety, depression, illness, addiction, or even self-destructive behaviors. This has left me thinking. Why are so many people crashing and burning? What would happen if we revived the spiritual practice of Sabbath-keeping? I wonder if Sabbath—in whatever ways we choose to practice it—might help set us free from the weight of unhealthy expectations and lessen the anxieties of fast-paced living? Since the time of ancient Israel, Sabbath-keeping has been a life-giving gift of God. Sabbath was meant to refresh our relationship with God and one another. For the next several days, we'll explore the biblical and practical foundations of Sabbath-keeping. How does this once-a-week gift of rest bring peace to those who embrace it? How is Sabbath woven into God's covenant with Israel? What significance does it have for Christians today? We'll also explore some practical ways we can experience the rest of Sabbath in a busy, noisy world.

I am wrapping up two weeks of looking at lessons my dad taught me about life. The final one is this: leave a generational legacy. Deuteronomy 5 says that the sins of the father are passed down to the third and fourth generation. This should cause all dads to pause, as we realize that we need to be the ones who stop things from being passed down to our kids. And grandkids. And great grandkids. But Deuteronomy 7 should give dads great hope! If we operate in Jesus's enormous grace and forgiveness, we can pass that kind of grace on to the thousandth generation! Live every day in God's grace, dads. And every day keep passing on God's grace to your wife. Your kids. Your grandkids. So that the legacy you leave will be a Godly one for generations to come. You are passing down something to the thousands of people who could come through your lineage. What are you passing down? I pray it is a legacy of grace and wisdom! Live in the hope of the great biblical promise that our lives can impact generations! My dad passed this on to me. I passed it on to my three kids. And am now getting to see them pass it on to our nine grandchildren… and any more who may come. I pray it will go on for generations to come until Jesus returns. May you be able to say the same thing!

If the sun rises in the morning, there's always hope. Another lesson my dad taught me. Look outside for a moment. Did the sun come up today? If so, you are experiencing the mercies of God that are new every morning. Great is his faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Sometimes life is really hard. Discouraging moments. Weary situations. Seemingly hopeless circumstances. But the Gospel gives us a different perspective. Jesus came to bring hope to the hopeless. He restored strength to the weary. He gives faith to those without courage. Every day is a new day. As the sun comes up, we move from darkness to light. There is a new perspective waiting for us. We must put one foot in front of the other and seek to see it. Use the reality of each new day as a reminder that you can find renewed hope. Everything's not lost. It's not all in vain. There is still purpose in your pain. If you are struggling to understand this reality, I would encourage you to step outside for a moment. Take a few deep breaths. No, really. Slow down your mind and your heart and breathe deep. Feel the wind on your face. Look up to the sky. Maybe it's a cloud formation or a bird singing in the tree next to you. I am praying that something you see in the creation around you will remind you that there is still hope. God is not done with your story. He is working things together for your good and for his glory (Romans 8:28). Nothing is in vain. If the sun rose this morning, there's always hope!

How many of you have ever hopped into the car to go on a journey and looked only in the rearview mirror to get where you are going? Of course you haven't! You wouldn't make it more than 5 feet before running off the road. My dad knew this truth and taught me this lesson from a very young age: Don't drive your life's car looking into the rearview mirror. I alluded to this last week when we talked about the significance not of how you drive, but how you arrive. This principle is so important and if not learned, it can keep you from reaching your final destination. If you spend your life looking in the rearview mirror, you will most certainly crash. It is not just a distraction. It is actually dangerous and stupid. Dad always told me to look in your rearview mirror occasionally to learn from your mistakes. But your eyes should stay focused on the horizon. Look through the windshield. See the view around you. You'll realize how beautiful it really is. When you finally reach your destination, you will have enjoyed life to the full. Don't miss the moments right in front of you because you insist on gazing into the bleakness of the past through a tiny rearview mirror. God says we should gaze at Jesus. "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). As we gaze at him, we will change and be able to move forward with hope!

Presence over presents. Another short, pithy phrase my dad taught me. This tags along with yesterday's lesson about the way that kids spell love: T-I-M-E. Giving presents is fine, but they tend to bring momentary joy. Think about Christmas. Presents galore, usually unwrapped at a hurried speed. They are played with for a while, then discarded. The gift of presence, however, is lasting. It is what people appreciate most about you. Especially your children, for those of you who are parents. They want you in their lives. This is what they will remember most. I have so many vivid memories of my mom and dad sitting in the stands at practically every high school basketball game. And many of my college games as well. They were so committed to sharing those memories with me. I truly don't remember many presents Dad gave to me. But I do remember his presence in my life's most significant moments. That, I will never forget. I pray my kids saw me live out this truth as well. As you take a look at your life, ask yourself where you may be giving presents to those around you and forgetting to give them your actual presence. Find ways to create memories. Learn to have meaningful conversations with those you love. James 4:14 says, "For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes." What remains is how you loved, cherished, and stewarded the relationships with those around you (1 Corinthians 13:13). Presence over presents. Another life lesson from my dad.

Last week, I shared five general lessons that my dad taught me. This week, I want to share five more. My hope is that these small life lessons will bring perspective, wisdom, and insight into how to live with purpose. Today's lesson pertains to leading and loving children. Whether or not you are fathering someone, this principle can apply to so many situations. We all need tools for how to capture the hearts of those around us in order to influence them for Jesus. This is a tool for how to love people well. Here it is: Kids spell love T-I-M-E. Dad poured himself into ministry. But he reached a point where ministry had swallowed up his family. Being a man of sober conviction, he sensed a problem arising. It was like one day he awakened and realized that his own kids didn't know him and vice versa. Suddenly, in a moment, he changed. I remember he started taking me to baseball games and spending time with my siblings. It marked me as a child to see such a clear display of repentance. He was heading in one direction, knew it wasn't right, turned in a different direction, and started living in a different way. Later, I asked him what happened. He said he realized that kids spell love T-I-M-E. Years later, when your kids are grown, they won't remember if you were at that meeting or not. But they will remember if you were present at their game or their dance recital or their special school assembly. Use your time wisely and invest your best energy into your family! You only get them once.

"You are not what has happened to you." Another lesson my dad taught me. This lesson is so important, especially in today's culture. We live in a world where people love to be the victim. In fact, it's much easier to focus on being wronged and live under that identity than to pursue healing and strength after experiencing pain and opposition. The Bible says that through Jesus, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Dad would never allow me to play the victim card. He knew that it was dangerous and fruitless for success in life. The blame game is a surefire way to destruction. It allows us to deflect responsibility and wallow in our pain. Instead of living as a victim, Dad taught me that my identity is found in Jesus and Jesus alone. It is NOT what has happened to me. It is neither my successes or my failures. A life focused on successes can create pride and a life focused on failures can trigger despair. Over time, as I have become increasingly sure of my new identity in Christ, I am not crippled by the people who want to hurt me or the bad circumstances that have happened to me. After all, they happen to us all, don't they? I have been adopted as a child of the King of kings. I have royal blood flowing through my veins. THAT is my true identity. I am in Christ. A new creation. The old has passed away. The new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Can you say the same? If not, I pray you will encounter the love of Jesus and be changed forever. Your identity is not in what has happened to you, but who Jesus says you are.

Here is another lesson from my dad: The most important shot is the next one. I have a very tender heart and tend to beat myself up when I make a mistake. Any time I would miss a shot while playing basketball, Dad would see me get down on myself. After each game, Dad would sit me down and remind me that the shots I missed were gone. Done. Could not be recovered. Then he would urge me to collect myself and focus on the next shot. That is the only shot that I could control. Dad knew how much I loved to play basketball and would find ways to give me wisdom that connected practical life wisdom to my passion for basketball. This adage he shared with me was true whether playing golf, basketball, tennis, or any sport. But it was also true of life in general. What a great life lesson. Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." You can't live life looking in the rearview mirror. Not only is it a distraction, it's dangerous. Do you remember yesterday's lesson discussing the importance of arriving at your destination? A life focused on what is behind you can keep you from reaching your desired arrival point. If you have missed a shot, the most important shot is the next one. Forget what is behind. Press on toward what is ahead. For God desires you to believe there is still much you can accomplish for him and his glory.

I have so many lessons from my dad that have marked my life. Today's lesson: It's not how you drive, but how you arrive. Dad loved to play golf. I did not inherit his passion, but grew to appreciate the many life lessons in golf. One lesson he taught me is key. You can hit a bad shot off the tee, but quickly recover the lost shot by putting well. We all want to finish the journey well. Dad's principle is great advice on how to end well in life. Jesus, too, reminds us of the importance of ending well in Matthew 25:14-30, the Parable of the Talents. He exhorts his followers to desire to live in a way that invites the response, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." We live in a broken world. The road and the journey are hard. As we "drive" through life, we will inevitably hit potholes, breakdown, experience roadblocks, and fight traffic. But we want to "arrive" and reach the destination with grace and strength, fortitude and conviction. Grace always allows you to start anew. Don't let past mistakes cripple you. Always focus on ending well. As I have heard someone say recently, "The kingdom clock is ticking." We do not know the hour or the day when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). But we must stay vigilant, hopeful, aware, sober-minded and live as intentionally as possible. Please end well! After all, like my dad always said, "It's not how you drive, but how you arrive."

Lessons from my dad changed my life. He gave me so many insights into life, marriage, fatherhood, leadership, and character. I want to share several of these lessons with you. If you were never fathered by a loving father, I pray these lessons fill the voids you may have felt. Here is the lesson for today: Don't look at what you've lost, but what you still have. Dad knew that life meant loss. Life is "a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). We come into this world with nothing. We accumulate. Then lose either through theft or death. Then we leave one day with nothing, with others spending what we earned! But dad reminded me to always look at what I had left instead of what I had lost. So often, you can't recover what you've lost. But you can start anew. And build on what you have right in front of you. His wise counsel has kept me going day after day, month after month, year after year. If you have never learned this lesson before, life knocks you down. But you can get back up again and persevere. "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3-5). When you choose to tap into unexplainable joy in the midst of suffering, you take away the enemy's power. You remove the stronghold he wants you to live in to keep you in a place of despair and hopelessness. Dear friend, don't look at what you have lost. Look at what you still have and be thankful for it. Gratitude changes your perspective.

I learned so much from my dad. He was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and perspective for me throughout his life. I collected so many lessons from him and used them to guide and lead me. I believe now, more than ever, our world needs sound wisdom from fathers who are deeply connected to the Father in heaven. We are living in days where people everywhere are perishing for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Over the next two weeks, I am going to share 10 lessons with you that I learned from my dad. These principles have been so ingrained in me and I pray they continue to bless others until Jesus returns. The first lesson is this: "Love their mom." The night before I got married to Marilynn, I asked my dad for his best advice on raising kids well, if God should be so kind as to give them to us. He did not hesitate. He said, "Son, the best gift you can ever give your kids is to love their mom." Such a simple, profound truth. "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a). Love creates stability, grace, mercy, and kindness in the home. When kids know dad loves moms and vice versa, they feel safe and secure. This environment allows them to reach their full potential in Jesus. It may be my dad's best counsel to me ever. "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25).

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick I'm always watching for signs of God at work. Looking for insights from His Word. Watching closely for His "fingerprints." I often ask God to open my eyes so I may see Him more clearly. I am convinced that abiding in Christ's Presence holds the answer to life's problems. So why do I sometimes race around looking everywhere else for solutions? My commitment to abide in Christ has been made stronger by recent conversations with friends. Each confided they were overwhelmed by the same problem. Anxiety. They were consumed with worry about frightening events in the news. Admittedly, the world can be a scary place right now. Wars and rumors of wars abound. Random acts of violence hit close to home. Persecution of Christians is at an all-time high. Some say it's the most dangerous time in history to believe in Jesus. It has always been dangerous to follow God. The Bible is full of examples of believers facing persecution. John the Baptist met a gruesome death at the hands of the evil ruler Herod. John had confronted Herod on his adulterous relationship with Herodias, his brother's wife. Herod wanted to kill John but feared the crowd. Look at what happened next: "But at Herod's birthday celebration, he got his chance. Herodias's daughter provided the entertainment, dancing for the guests. She swept Herod away. In his drunken enthusiasm, he promised her on oath anything she wanted. Already coached by her mother, she was ready: "Give me, served up on a platter, the head of John the Baptizer." That sobered the king up fast. Unwilling to lose face with his guests, he did it—ordered John's head cut off and presented to the girl on a platter. She in turn gave it to her mother." (Matthew 14:6-12 MSG). Notice the reaction of Jesus to the death of His dearly loved cousin. The Bible tells us He went away by Himself to be alone with God. Though He was God Incarnate, Jesus was fully human. We must assume He needed time to process the tragedy, to pour out His heart, to be healed and strengthened by His heavenly Father. But while on the way, He is intercepted by a crowd of needy and hurting people. Moved with compassion, He heals their sick and even performs a miracle of feeding the 5000. I'm sure Jesus was exhilarated. But notice: He still needed time alone with God. As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night. (Matthew 14:22-23 MSG). Jesus withdrew to pray, to heal, to grieve, to seek renewed strength. To abide. If Jesus needed to be alone with His heavenly Father when walking through a valley, how much more do we?

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Consider the miracle of speech. Our voice sets us apart from the animals. It allows us to communicate with each other. It connects us to God. A voice is a powerful tool. I believe our most important task is to train ourselves to hear God's voice. Jesus gives us a beautiful description of His role as the "good shepherd." He proves His love by "laying down His life for His sheep" (John 10:11). What a stark contrast with the "hired hand." This false shepherd cares only for himself—when he sees a wolf coming, he cuts and runs to save himself leaving the sheep defenseless. Whose voice is most familiar to you? I can easily recognize my husband David's voice. When he calls, he doesn't have to identify himself. My sensitivity to his voice comes from our relationship. So it is with Jesus. If we are one of His followers, we recognize His voice. "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27). Listening to the right voice can be the difference between life and death. Ponder God's sober warning to the children of Israel: "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings, and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). So many voices compete for our attention. We can tune our hearts to hear God's voice by spending time in His Word (Romans 10:17). Here are a few tips on how I sharpen my hearing: I carve out time in the morning for God's Word and prayer. It's my priority. I call this my "morning launch." I also have a favorite spot for my quiet time. I often use a Bible reading plan along with my Study Bible, journal, and prayer list. I try to pray "without ceasing," sometimes while folding clothes, driving across town, or on an afternoon walk. Praying throughout the day keeps my connection with God flowing and sharpens my hearing. It also helps me keep watch for answers! I hope you, too, will learn to sharpen your hearing of God's voice. Learn about his nature and character. Train yourself to get close enough to him to understand how he would lead you.

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Have you discovered that every voice in your head is not from God? The enemy of our soul often tries to sneak in his lies, sometimes disguised as our own voice. So how do we recognize when it's really God speaking to us? Jesus tells us, "My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me" (John 10:27). Your most important job is to train your heart to hear God's voice. Get to know him. Spend time with him. When David calls, I easily recognize his voice—because I spend a lot of time with him. God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us discern truth from lies. Among other descriptions of the Holy Spirit, he is called the "Spirit of truth." It's worth repeating. Not all voices are from God and not all spirits are the Holy Spirit. That's why we need a "Spiritual Spam filter." God has provided us with several guardrails to bring clarity to our hearing: The Word of God; the inner witness of the Holy Spirit; the character of God as revealed in Scripture; the testimonies of other believers, both now and throughout the ages. Before Jesus went to the cross, he encouraged his disciples to eagerly anticipate the "Spirit of truth" that would soon come their way (John 16:13). "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7). This same Helper, Jesus promised, was "the Spirit of truth" who would guide them (and us) into "all truth" (John 16:13). "The Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you" (John 14:26 AMP). Did you catch that? Jesus said the Holy Spirit will even help us remember what He has spoken to us. Good news as we are learning to discern the voice of God!

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick "What do I do when God seems silent?" The question came from a good friend and a sincere follower of Jesus. We were on a weekend retreat where I had just delivered a message about learning to hear God's voice. Her question hit a chord. How do we handle those times when we have prayed and prayed? Perhaps we have even sensed God's promise to fulfill a hope or dream. But the answer is so slow in coming. I thought back to my own time of what I call "wait training." In our early years of marriage, David and I had looked forward to the day we'd have children. Imagine our dismay when hopes for a baby stretched into six months, a year, two years, and eventually four years—forty-eight straight months—of drugs, surgeries, tests, and more tests. And still no baby. We eventually had our daughter and two sons. But the years of waiting proved to be a good time to seek God and to wait on Him. Strength came as I rested in the Lord, studied His Word, held fast to His promises...day after day after day. I learned what Jesus meant when He encouraged believers to "abide" in Him (John 15:5). I also found surprising comfort as I stepped out of my own pain to serve others. I discovered that if I would give my life away to help someone who was hurting worse than I was, a mysterious joy would spring forth. By seeking God and serving Him wholeheartedly, I learned that times of waiting can give birth to a larger purpose. Turns out not getting what we want when we want it may be one of the best tools to sharpen our hearing of God's voice. We may also discover that our seasons of waiting—those times we thought were barren—can become our most fruitful.

Our "Hearing God's Voice" series is adapted from "Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars" by Marilynn Chadwick. To request a copy of this book please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick God is always speaking. The question is, "Will you listen?" It's a question I ask myself every day. Will I take the time to listen in our busy, noisy world? I have discovered that if you truly commit to listening to God, amazing things can happen. David and I have shared over four decades of marriage and ministry (I once vowed that I'd never become a Christian, and most definitely, I would never marry a minister. Funny how things turn out, isn't it?). Along the way, we have discovered that listening to God is not just about hearing His voice. It's also about doing His will. My life, I realized one day, was either a "so what?" or a "so that!" If listening to God took me no further than my own little world, then so what? The point of hearing His voice is so that I'll do His will. So, I told God that I would give my whole heart to listening to Him. And I committed to pray, starting with my own family right at home, but with an eye for the needs of God's larger world. What happens when you begin to take seriously the call to listen to God's voice? That's when the adventure begins! You could end up traveling to genocide torn regions in Africa as David and I did. Or you might come face to face with the needs of your neighbor next door. You just might meet people and go to places you never knew existed—starting within your own community. Everyone's journey will look different. You can read more about my experiences in Sometimes He Whispers, Sometimes He Roars: Learning to Hear the Voice of God. The book started out as simply a memoir of my own adventures in prayer. But friends kept urging me to add some practical content to this journey—some footsteps— so others could follow along. I firmly believe that if you will listen to God daily and watch for Him at work right where you are, your ordinary days will no longer feel ordinary.

Forgiveness is "the act of pardoning an offender and letting them go." It is not a feeling, but a command by God. While forgiveness is required by God for anyone who is a follower of Jesus, reconciliation may or may not always take place. Remember that forgiveness and reconciliation are different. Forgiveness is not reconciliation. Forgiveness takes one person. You and you alone. As a Christ follower, you MUST forgive anyone who offends and hurts you. As we have been learning this week, the principle of forgiveness is not optional. But reconciliation takes two people. You and the person who hurt you. The one who did the offense must own it. Must take responsibility for the offense. Must confess the sin and own the truth of what happened. Truth must be present and humility is required. Then and only then can there be reconciliation and this is not always a possibility. Romans 12:18 says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Notice the key words in this verse: if possible. This infers that it is not always possible. We live in a broken world where there are many factors that can hinder and inhibit reconciliation from taking place. But this does not remove the burden of proof for followers of Jesus to forgive. Completely. Fully. Entirely. Is reconciliation God's best? Yes! It is always the heart of God to see reconciliation when someone hurts you. It is most certainly the best scenario. Is reconciliation always possible? Maybe – but remember, only if the one who did the offense confesses it and owns what actually happened. Then overall healing can occur. Forgiveness and reconciliation are such beautiful representations of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in action. While we were still sinners, Jesus forgave us and reconciled us back to the Father (Romans 5:8). Now, we get to reflect that by forgiving others and, at times, reconciling back to them. Pray for reconciliation and believe it can and will happen. But in the meantime, forgive and then put the situation back in God's hands and live your life free of bitterness and offense!

The Bible says we are to forgive "70 times 7." What does this mean? In Jesus's day, to forgive seven times was seen as the ultimate victory in forgiveness. So, Peter asks Jesus if that is sufficient, forgiving seven times in Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus says no. We must forgive "70 times 7." And that does not mean that on the 491st time we get to seek revenge. No. Revenge solely belongs to God (Romans 12:19). That is his job. I think God designed it this way because we don't do revenge very well as broken humans. We tend to retaliate a bit more than our offender has hurt us. Forgiving "70 times 7" simply means that every time the hurt comes into our mind from our offender, we must forgive. Repeatedly. Daily. Consistently. By the moment. The hurt gets easier and lighter each time we forgive. Turn your offender over to God. Let him carry out justice in his way and in his timing. We see David's heart for the righteous and just side of God in Psalm 7:8-10. David cries out, "The Lord judges the peoples; judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to the integrity that is in me. Oh let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous – you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God! My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart." Our hurt can last a while, which is why we need the reminder to forgive each day. Over time, the hurt will lessen. Trust the God of the universe is just. Trust that he will act when he sees fit. Trust that no one gets away with anything in eternity. One day – either here or in heaven – there will be justice. In God's way. One day.

Forgiveness is so important to the heart of God. This week we are exploring this topic more in depth and hopefully growing in practicing forgiveness in our everyday lives. Why forgive? Is it really that important? Does it even matter? Our forgiveness seems to be directly connected to God's grace being poured out to us. In the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:12, Jesus says that part of how we should pray is to say, "and forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." Jesus goes on to repeat himself in Matthew 6:14, saying, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Clearly forgiveness is an important practice for any follower of Jesus. And forgiveness appears to be connected to the power of prayer. Look at Mark 11:22-25. In verses 22-24, Jesus suggests that prayers of faith can move mountains. We should never doubt when praying, believing we've received, speaking to the mountain through prayer into the heart of the sea whose deep waters can cover the highest mountain on earth. Then Jesus adds verse 25. He seems to suggest that a major force that can prevent mountain-moving, faith-filled prayers is unforgiveness. Bitterness. To have our prayers answered should be a strong motivator to get rid of unforgiveness and bitterness, doesn't it? We all daily need God's grace to survive. Unforgiveness seems to stop that flow of grace to our hearts. Our need for that daily grace should be motivation enough to forgive others fully, freely, and completely. Somehow when we obey God and forgive others, it attracts God's miracle-working power. As we release offense and bitterness, it makes way for God to fight our battles for us. And let me tell you from experience. He does a much better job fighting for us than we ever could!

One of the biblical definitions for forgiveness is "the act of pardoning an offender and letting them go." For followers of Jesus, forgiveness is not a feeling, but a command. When we have been hurt, we often do not feel like forgiving the person who hurt us. But we must. It is not for his or her benefit, but much more for us. It sets us free. But choosing to forgive someone might also end up setting them free from their own sense of wrongdoing and guilt and leading them to a deeper understanding of Jesus. We are commanded to release bitterness, which is so destructive for us internally. It ruins and corrodes our insides. Hebrews 12:15 says, "See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." It appears forgiveness not only hurts us but those around us—especially those we love the most! Forgiveness is rooted in God's forgiveness of us. Of an eternal billion dollar debt that we could never pay off on our own. After understanding his mercy and grace, Jesus then asks us to extend the same forgiveness to others, knowing that a ten-dollar debt is comparatively nothing compared to the eternal billion dollar debt from which we have been set free. "Bearing with one another," we are to forgive freely. As God has forgiven us in Jesus, so we are to forgive those who have hurt us. Forgiveness means canceling the desire for someone else to be hurt as badly as he or she has hurt you. It is a declarative decision to say that that individual does not have to pay you back for the way he or she has hurt you. And, again, it's NOT a feeling, but a command by Jesus for those who follow him. As he himself died on the cross, he cried out, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Then we are set free from the prison of hatred and bitterness. Free to enjoy life as Jesus intended, to the full!

by David Chadwick Today is Memorial Day. It started as a way to commemorate Civil War soldiers and the countless ways they sacrificed for our country. We want to make sure that we stop to acknowledge and remember all soldiers who have fought for the tremendous gift of freedom we all enjoy. This is a very special day to remember. Remember all of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Remember those who potentially have died, yet came home. Remember those who continue to protect us today. Our Constitutional Republic guides us. Our Bill of Rights guarantees special freedoms. And all of these were formed by our Declaration of Independence – which was birthed from a desire for our nation to be one guided for the people and by the people. Today is a reminder that our government should work for us. We are the government leaders' bosses and they were historically put in place to represent and carry the hearts of the people. May we never forget the necessity of practical freedoms. The sacrifices made to live as free people; not under the bondage of oppression and the will of a godless government. In the midst of our appreciation for America's freedom, let's also remember the message of eternal freedom that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A freedom that can never be taken away. Jesus came to set us free spiritually from the yoke of the Law. "For freedom Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1). Our new identity and eternal salvation are now found in what Jesus has done for us and not in our performance. This is such good news, and a life yielded to Jesus and his ways releases us from the curse of sin! What a beautiful gift! Remember. Reflect. And remind yourself throughout this day of the precious gift of freedom we have as a nation. And as followers of Jesus!

by David Chadwick This is Memorial Day weekend. A time to enjoy family, fun, food, and friends. But don't forget the true meaning of this upcoming Monday: freedom. May we never forget the price so many have paid for us to be free. Freedom has a cost. Throughout the years, countless people have actually given or have been willing to risk their lives for our freedom. Freedom to worship. To speak freely. To assemble freely. And many other rights that many in other parts of the world don't have. God constantly admonished Israel to "remember." Mostly, he wanted them to remember that they were once slaves and God, by his might and grace, freed them from Egyptian slavery (Deuteronomy 6:12). This memory is now deeply engraved in the Jewish culture through Shabbat practices, feasts, and festivals – especially Passover. They make a habit of going back and remembering the provision and power of God in their lives throughout generations. Though flawed, America is still the brightest display of freedom in the world. Many still want to come here to find freedom. As you celebrate this American holiday, may you remember the sacrifice made for you and for your freedom. May you also remember the sacrifice Jesus made for your eternal freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." May you learn to cultivate a life that is close to the Holy Spirit. That leans on him and allows him to work in and through you. It is there that true freedom is found regardless of external circumstances!

by Marilynn Chadwick After I made the leap from unbeliever to believer in college, I began to catch glimpses of God's work all around me. The Bible calls these "signs." The word literally means "evidence, working, or even fingerprints." Signs reassure us that God has our life—including our problems—in His hands. This is especially comforting when we're fearful or anxious. Nowadays, smartphones make it easy to capture a photo when we notice a sign of God at work. A printed photo can easily become a reminder, or an "Ebenezer stone." A few special photos have made their way into my Ebenezer Box. One reminds me of a time years ago when I was feeling particularly worried about our youngest child. Michael had gotten his driver's license—that makes most moms worry. He was moving up to an elite division of his swim team to train with the older, more experienced swimmers. He had to drive across town every afternoon on our city's busiest interstate to a local university for team practice. He was young and an inexperienced driver. The afternoon traffic hour in our city was busy, and he would have to make the half-hour drive there from school each day, with an even longer drive home during rush-hour traffic. I prayed for the Lord to keep Michael safe. To keep him alert on the drive home each evening—especially when he was exhausted after a tough practice. I had let my imagination run wild with "what if'" scenarios. What if he had a wreck, or ran out of gas, or got lost? I worried all that day and must have carried my anxieties to bed with me because I had a fitful night sleep—still wrestling. An audible voice interrupted my sleep with these words: "I can be trusted." First person, singular. Who was that? I wondered, now half-awake. I drifted back to sleep but the next morning, I distinctly remembered the voice. During my morning Bible study, I happened to be reading in John's gospel. I was struck by Jesus' words to His disciples: "Trust in God. Trust also in Me" (John 14:1). There it was again. Trust in Me—first person singular. Suddenly, an inner voice interrupted my anxiety: "When are you going to trust Me?" It was a gentle, but stern, rebuke—the same tone of voice I've used with my kids. That evening, I went out for a grocery store run. I was still having the ongoing conversation. Lord, I need to know that I can really trust you with our son. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, like a beacon of light, a brightly lit sign flashed in front of a small chapel. I had to smile. The sign simply said: Trust Me - God. I stopped to snap a photo as a reminder. God must have a sense of humor. But His message was clear. It's very important to the Lord that I learn to trust Him with every aspect of my life—especially our kids. Such reminders help me hold onto my faith when answers to prayer are slow in coming. They remind me that nothing is impossible with God. You see, it's not enough to simply witness God's miracles. We also have to remember them. No wonder the word remember occurs about 400 times in the Bible! Maybe an Ebenezer Box will help you remember God's work in your life, too.

Today's Daily Moment of Hope is adapted from Sometimes He Whispers Sometimes He Roars by Marilynn Chadwick. To receive a copy of this book, please go here. An ordinary penny taped to a greeting card in my Ebenezer Box reminds me of the time God answered my prayer in a way that left me in awe. For months I had been noticing pennies in the strangest places. Sometimes I would discover one at my feet—just as I was praying about something. Funny, I thought. It's as if God wants to let me know that He hears my prayers. I was going through a spiritually dry season in my life. I can't remember the details. What I do remember is that I desperately wanted to believe God was still at work and that He cared about me. Could these pennies be little messages of encouragement from God? Perhaps it was wishful thinking. Still, I hoped. And there it was. Another penny. Found in the heel of my shoe. The last penny had been under a glass on the kitchen shelf. The one before that, right in the middle of my bed! I began saving these little reminders—pennies from heaven—I called them. I dropped each one in a jar in my kitchen. One day, I shared my "penny story" with my friend Kenna. I told her how these crazy pennies kept showing up. Pretty soon, she began finding her own pennies. A few days later, I happened to be reading in John's Gospel about the man we know as "Doubting Thomas." Jesus' disciples suffered terribly after the death of their beloved savior. But miracle of miracles—He appeared to them—alive! All the disciples saw Him. Except for Thomas, that is. Thomas had wandered away and missed the first showing. I could imagine how his face fell as the disciples excitedly told him, "We have seen the Lord!" Discouraged, Thomas vowed, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were…I will not believe." Jesus appeared again eight days later. This time, He singled Thomas out. "Put your finger here," He told Thomas. "See my hands." "Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas gasped and cried out, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:24-29). Could it be that God cares enough to encourage sincere doubters like Thomas, or even like me? If so, maybe all those pennies I'd been finding were truly God's way of speaking to me. Lord, I prayed silently, I do believe you're sending those pennies to strengthen my faith. Then, as an afterthought, I added, Lord, you showed your nail-scarred hands to Thomas. I want to see your nail marks, too! How could God answer such an impossible request? A few days later, I received a card in the mail from Kenna. "Dear Marilynn," she wrote, "I found this penny in my dryer. Perhaps the Lord sent this penny as an encouragement to us both." I caught my breath. Taped to her card was an ordinary penny. But as I looked closer, I saw that right through the center of the penny was a nail hole! And suddenly I knew. God had sent me my own nail mark, just as I'd prayed. As I touched that penny, I felt like Thomas touching the nail hole in Jesus' hand. It all became clear. God is powerful enough to rule the universe. But He's also personal enough to send a nail-pierced penny to another "Doubting Thomas" like me, in need of encouragement. Maybe you feel like a "Doubting Thomas" today. If you start paying attention, you might be surprised like I was when I started to find all those pennies! Start to watch for signs of God at work. They're everywhere. You just have to look for them.

by Marilynn Chadwick I don't know about you, but my faith grows when I hear stories of God's power. And when I personally experience a miracle, my faith seems to soar! Over the years, I've collected spiritual mementos to remind me of my victories—I call them my "Ebenezer Stones." Photos, small artifacts, scraps of paper, pages of my journal, little bits of "this and that" point me back to times when God showed himself strong or interrupted the ordinary flow of daily life with a miracle. When that happened, it seemed important to pause and thank God. Then, to preserve the evidence. These little reminders help me hold onto my faith when answers to my prayers are slow in coming or when life gets really messy. My "Ebenezer Stones" remind me that nothing is impossible with God. You see, it's not enough to simply witness God's miracles. We also have to remember them. No wonder the word remember occurs about 400 times in the Bible! Here are just a few examples. "Remember the Lord your God" (Deuteronomy 8:1). "So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God" (Numbers 15:40). "Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations" (1 Chronicles 16:15). Clearly, remembering is important in God's eyes! I wanted to find a practical way to remember the amazing things God has done in my life. So I began to save my spiritual souvenirs in a special box I call my "Ebenezer Box." Not much bigger than a shoebox, it looks like one of my grandmother's old hat boxes. My Ebenezer Box holds treasured reminders that God is still in the miracle business. Some of my spiritual victories have been dramatic, such as the medically validated miracle that allowed us to have our three children. Those moments were like a roar. God was using His outside voice! Miracles like that get our attention. But God's wonders are often much quieter—more like a whisper—especially when He's working in the everyday details of daily life. And if I'm not watching, I just might miss Him! Why not start your own Ebenezer Box to help you remember God's work in your life?

by Marilynn Chadwick The Bible tells the story of how the children of Israel came back to God after many years of wandering away from Him (1 Samuel 7). They began to copy the evil behavior of the pagan people around them and even started to worship the demon gods of their enemies — sometimes even sacrificing their own babies! Finally, they'd had enough. They were sick and tired of the consequences of their rebellion. Sick and tired of fear and failure. Sick and tired of feeling like they were under a curse. Desperate, they had forgotten how to pray, so they asked their leader Samuel to pray for them. First, Samuel called them together to confess their sins. Then, he challenged them to commit, once and for all, to following God with their whole heart. Above all, he warned, they must stop their wicked worship of pagan idols. While Samuel was still praying, their mortal enemy, the Philistines, launched a surprise attack. But instead of fighting back, the people pleaded with Samuel to keep praying. I can imagine how they all began to cry out with the prayer that gets God's attention. "Help!" The Lord rushed to their rescue and brought fierce thunder and lightning from heaven that day. The entire Philistine army was terrified and thrown into such confusion that the Israelites defeated them and won a thrilling victory. Samuel took a large stone and placed it as a monument in their town. He named it Ebenezer (which means "the stone of help"). "This marks the place where the Lord has helped us!" He wanted them to always remember how God gave them victory and never drift from Him again (1 Samuel 7:12 MSG). The word Ebenezer comes from two Hebrew words. Eben, which means "stone or rock" and ezer, which means "help or support." That's why an Ebenezer is a "stone of help." Even to this day, people sometimes use the word Ebenezer as the reminder of an important victory. What are some practical ways you can create your own "Ebenezer stones," or reminders of the spiritual victories you have experienced in your life? I believe as you collect your own Ebenezer stones, your faith will increase!

A marriage vow is made on a foundation of covenantal love. An unchanging, unbreaking, unconditional promise to remain faithful. "In plenty and in want." "In joy and in sorrow." "In sickness and in health." The final part of traditional, covenant vows is this: "As long as we both shall live." Jesus's covenant vow with us is forever. Nothing can separate us from his covenant love (Romans 8:38-39). A Christian marriage love should carry this same DNA. An unconditional love that defies emotions and circumstances. It is a forever kind of love that allows kids to feel secure in a home with a mom and a dad who are committed to one another. It is what allows a love to grow deep beyond words, where two very different people, a man and a woman, become "one flesh" (Genesis 2:24) – a verse Jesus himself quoted in Matthew 19:4-6 when defining God's original intent for marriage. It allows collective memories to build up over a lifetime, memories that ignite laughter and joy over the years. It creates a foundation for memories shared with kids and grandkids, memories that sadly and suddenly vanish when divorce occurs. If divorce was a part of your story, I pray Jesus will minister to your heart and heal the wounds you have experienced. And still allow many happy memories to be embedded in your soul. If you're married, restate your vows! Regularly. To yourself and with your spouse. I know a couple that does it annually with their kids present to say to them, "Don't worry, mom and dad aren't going anywhere. We are committed to staying together forever." Marriages that take these vows seriously make stronger families. Stronger nations. And a stronger reflection of the kingdom of God!

Traditional marriage vows are full of covenantal vows. A Christian marriage union, while not perfect, is a beautiful display of the love between Jesus and the church. A marriage is rooted in a binding promise and agreement between two people, much like Jesus has with us. "In plenty and in want." "In joy and in sorrow." "In sickness and in health." Yes, every marriage has both: times when your beloved is in great health and times when he/she is sick. No matter what your health condition may be, you honor your covenant vow. You stick by your beloved. For over a decade, I watched my Dad care for my Mom as her mind slipped into the darkness of dementia. At times, I would ask him if he was ever discouraged, frustrated, or angry. He would always say, "No, and I made a vow to her." As he cared for Mom, his love for her only increased. And he gave glory to the one who created mom and marriage for him. If you find yourself caring for your spouse in vulnerable times, your love will increase, too. Remember the Gospel of Jesus. He loved us first (1 John 4:10). While we were still sinners, he died for us (Romans 5:8). He chased down the one lost sheep to save it, as he does us as well (Luke 15:3-7). The only way you can truly love others is by encountering the radical love of Jesus. It changes you and gives you the grace and strength needed to love others in spite of changing feelings and circumstances. As you allow covenant vows to define your marriage, you'll understand the love of Jesus like never before.

David and Marilynn Chadwick join Jenn Houston in a discussion about today's blog.

Marriage vows are rooted in the word covenant. It means a vow that cannot be broken. The significance of covenant is seen in the Old Testament through the covenant God made with Israel. In the New Testament, it is seen in the covenant Jesus makes with his church and followers. Whether you are married or not, the expression of covenant love and covenant vows through marriage is a real life depiction of Jesus's love for you, his Bride. It means no one can ever snatch you out of his hand (John 10:28). It means he will never leave nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). This is especially true in our wedding vows. Many of us start off saying, "I ____________, take you _____________ to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife…" Do you remember the next line? "And I do promise and COVENANT before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful husband/wife in plenty and in want…" "In plenty and in want." This means whether you have a little or a lot, you stay married to your beloved. Notice that LOVE here has nothing to do with circumstances. Circumstances are termites that eat away at successful marriages…especially in America. Many people, especially in our western culture, are overly focused on selfish ambition, greed, and things that build up personal dynasties of comfort. It is easy to love "in plenty." But the true mark of covenantal, unconditional love is to continue to love when you aren't getting everything you want from the relationship. When you live your life from a place of conviction based on covenant and not conditional love, you work through difficult circumstances together. And you will find that your love will grow as you do. Remember, let your yes be yes and your no be no. And always choose to love both in plenty and in want.

God takes vows very seriously. Biblically, a vow is a pledge, promise, or commitment. When made, God expects them to be honored. Jesus, in speaking of vows, said not to swear a vow by heaven, or earth, or on the name of Jerusalem (the holy city). He said, "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil" (Matthew 5:37). Jesus did not want people to emphasize the veracity of their vow. In fact, we fall prey to this when we say things like, "I swear to God," or even, "I swear on my mother's tomb." Jesus said to make our vows simple. Let our yes be yes and our no be no. Simply do what we say we will do. Doing so helps maintain a steadfast, unemotional, convicted lifestyle that does not need to embellish or overemphasize what you are trying to say. Apart from the covenantal relationship with Jesus that takes place in salvation, the most sacred vow that we make this side of eternity is in marriage. It is called a covenant vow for a reason. The word "covenant" means a binding contract, agreement and promise. It cannot be broken. However, in this broken world, sometimes marriage doesn't work out. People walk down the aisle fully expecting their marriage vows to last forever. But the marriage still breaks apart. Please know that God still loves you. There's still hope for your life and heart. God is able to bring redemption in Jesus to your pain and meet the deepest longings of your heart. But why is "covenant" so important to God? Because a covenant is intricately connected to God's covenant love that he displayed for Israel. Through Jesus, this covenant love was extended beyond Jews, to Gentiles as well. All believers in Jesus have access to an unbreakable, unending, unconditional love. Think of the Communion celebration. A grace gift that can never be broken. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). This week, we will look at marriage vows. Why are they so important to God? Why does he take them so seriously? Why should we, too, take them seriously? Marriage is the greatest display we have in this natural world of the love between Jesus and the bride of Christ, the church. Whether you are married or not, I pray that these principles and truths draw you closer to the heart of God. He loves you so very much.

This blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. 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 is the conclusion to our two week series on eight great ways to raise strong kids. I pray these have been a blessing to you as you continue to lead the little ones around you.

This blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. 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). 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 blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27). 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 blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. 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). 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 blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. 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 eight great ways to raise strong kids 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 blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for man. 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 blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. 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 blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 AMPC). Education should be a delight, not drudgery. It's the same with spiritual training. Every child learns differently. Research has shown that some of what were previously thought to be learning disabilities are often just different ways of processing information. The God of the Universe seems never to tire of creating unique humans. At birth, every person is "wired" differently from the nearly eight billion people on the planet—and from every other person who has ever lived! Astounding, isn't it? So as parents, it makes sense that in addition to discovering our child's unique beauty, we should experiment to see how they best learn. What makes them tick? The kindest way to raise our children is "in keeping with their gift or bent." Our best clues come simply from watching what they naturally love to do. Our three now grown children were all very different. Bethany was multitalented and loved to learn. She played volleyball and basketball, but she was also passionate about languages. In third grade, she chose to attend a French Immersion Magnet School where English wasn't even spoken. She learned everything from grammar to long division in French. It's easy to see why she now loves educating her children at home. David, our older son, was shooting wads of trash through lampshades at age two. It's no surprise basketball grabbed his heart at an early age. Basketball scholarships completely paid for both his undergraduate and master's degrees in college. We've watched basketball, along with his good math mind and strategic business acumen, open up doors to his career path in the sports world. Our youngest, Michael, was talented in a variety of sports, but gravitated to swimming. He carved his own unique trail as a standout collegiate swimmer and eventually, a professional swimmer and world record holder. Our determined Michael used to say, "Swimming found me!" His athletic gifts and work ethic, combined with his high "EQ," or emotional intelligence, have made him an effective leader who now expresses his gifts through a ministry calling. David and I tried to "grow" our three children "with their grain." By God's grace, as they've gotten older, they've not left the foundation of that training. More importantly, they've held tightly to their faith in Jesus. I pray each person reading this will discover your natural bent and help others do the same.

This blog series is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict (Hebrews 11:23). Seeing our child's beauty takes spiritual insight. The Bible tells us Moses' parents saw he was a "beautiful child." The word translated as "beautiful" in Hebrews 11:23 is used only one time in the entire New Testament. It means: "urbane, refined, and a city dweller." His mother and father risked their lives to hide Moses from the king's genocidal plot for three months. In that short time, they observed his unique design. Perhaps they sensed that he would be well-suited to be educated in the sophistication of Pharaoh's courts. It wasn't by accident that Moses's mother—a courageous woman of faith—placed him in a basket on the riverbank where she knew Pharaoh's daughter would find him. Moses would go on to lead God's people out of captivity in Egypt. God's dreams for your children often unfold as you learn to see their beauty. This reminds us of the importance of studying our children. And of the need to pray for insight into their talents, gifts, and character. God gives parents that special gift to serve as advocates for their children. I chose to be home with our children when they were young. Not because I was afraid they couldn't make it without me, but because my goal was to raise world changers. Discovering the beauty in our children was, for me, the most intriguing aspect of parenting. But it took time and energy… and lots of watching. I wanted to be the one to help launch their dreams. A well-known Christian psychologist once emphasized the importance of helping our children develop a gift or a talent. We should also help our children look attractive, he said. Sound superficial? Think again. Reasonably stylish haircuts and clothing are not a waste, he argued. Having a talent along with an attractive appearance strengthens our children's self-esteem. They may be rejected for their Christian faith, he acknowledged, but not because they're simply out of step with the world. I enjoyed looking for the potential in each of our children. God has given mothers and fathers special insight into their children's character and calling so that we can help them find their way in the world.

Our blog series for the next two weeks is adapted from "Woman of Valor" written by Marilynn Chadwick. To download the full book, please go here. by Marilynn Chadwick Over the next two weeks, I want to share eight great ways to raise strong kids. It's being written from the perspective of a mom, but has truths for dads as well. And if you're not a parent at all, keep reading. There are truths here that can apply to anyone who is leading, influencing, and discipling the next generation. You may be someone who is called to stand in the gap for someone who did not have strong parents. I pray these truths strengthen you and inspire you no matter where you are in life. Growing up, our children used to have a running joke. When watching a lousy performer on American Idol—the ones eliminated in the first round—they would say, "Where was his mother?" Their point being that any good mom should never let a child go out into the world without a grasp of who they are and who they're not. What they're good at—and what they're not. It's the job of mothers and fathers to teach, nurture, and correct our kids. To tell them the truth about themselves and the world around them. I've said raising our children was my master passion, and it's true. Nothing has ever given me as much joy, as many tears, or greater triumphs than the development of these three young people. Nothing I've accomplished compares with the exhilaration that came from pouring life into my kids and watching them flourish. But being a mother has also been challenging. Even gut-wrenching at times. I once commented to an older, wiser friend who had raised five great kids that I wished I was a little more relaxed as a mom. She shot back, "Are you kidding? Motherhood is not a relaxing job!" And she's right. But with creativity, patience, a supportive community, and persistent prayer, it can work. I often say prayer is vital to a good marriage. And praying for my children has been my "go to" method of mothering. Pure and simple. This is more than just lip service, coming from a mom who knows she has plenty of flaws. I have often pored over God's Word to see what He had to say. So, when the Bible promised, "Your children will be mighty in the land" (Psalm 112:2), I figured I was on solid ground in praying they would have an impact on the world. Surrender them to Christ, I learned early on. Fight for them. Develop their gifts and talents. Over the next several days, we'll explore eight great ways to help our children reach their dreams. But at the heart of it all is prayer.

by David Chadwick As we wrap up this week's focus on how to keep revival fires burning in our personal lives, remember the importance of the "daily" decisions. In a society that idolizes the big, the glamorous, the tantalizing moments, many of God's treasures lie in secret and hidden places. Think about the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45-46). Or the parable of the hidden treasure (Matthew 13:44). Proverbs 25:2 says, "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out." Learn to seek out the daily, small, quiet disciplines that allow revival to burn continually. Daily desire to hear, "Well done." At the end of our lives, we will all face Jesus. What will he say to us? Jesus promised to those who have loved and served him faithfully, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21). We all desire affirmation from superiors (coaches, bosses, parents, etc) for a job well done. Is this your greatest desire? To hear the Lord Jesus say this to you when you meet him one day face to face? We don't know when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). But when he does, we should desire to have him find us DOING what he has commanded us to do. Sharing our faith. Serving the needy. Caring for our families. The dictionary defines "revival" as "coming back to life" or "the restoration of force, validity, or effect to something." Dear friend, may I be frank with you for a moment? If you will make the daily decisions to keep the fire alive, you won't always have to search for ways to make it come back to life. If you don't let something completely lose its force, validity, or effect, you won't always have to restore it. I believe with all of my heart that God longs to see the church, the bride of Christ, not only experience revival but come out of this season with tools to maintain revival. A church who walks in conviction, power, purity, and who knows how to remain daily connected to Jesus. If the "Well done" from Jesus is your master passion, it will keep your revival fires daily glowing in your heart as you wait for his imminent return.

by David Chadwick Yesterday, we talked about how in order to keep revival fires burning, you must daily choose to hate sin. You must kill it. Crucify it. Suffocate it. But there is another important step to this process. You must daily cultivate a deep love for God. With ALL your heart, soul, mind, and might (Deuteronomy 6:5). With every ounce of your being, LOVE Jesus. Desire him and his kingdom above all else. Any desire to crucify bad behaviors must accompany a deep desire to love God or it will not last. John Wesley was right when he said, "Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen; such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of heaven on Earth." A deep love and desire for God changes everything. We love Jesus because he first loved us (1 John 4:10). He took the first step toward us. In the incarnation, he became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). To know we are loved and forgiven of our sins prompts us to worship. Here is a great daily exercise. Sit down somewhere and contemplate the cross. Imagine yourself at the foot of Jesus's cross. Acknowledge that your sin put him there. You hate sin. But it didn't keep him there. His love for you and for me sent him on a rescue mission to bring back access to the eternal Father. What a great and wondrous love he has for us! Now, go spend a few moments thinking about the empty tomb. It's forever empty! And you are forever forgiven! These daily reminders of the meaning of the cross and the resurrection keep revival fires burning! Then you walk in the Spirit, a military term of daily, disciplined promenade in God's grace. And the fruit of the Spirit is produced within you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Crucify your sin, yes. But love God. Love him with every fiber of your being. Watch as revival fires burn brighter and brighter in the hearts of God's people, creating a unity that allows us to grow up and be a healthy and whole body, built up in love (Ephesians 4:13-16). This is the kind of revival that will change the world for Jesus.

by David Chadwick In the midst of so many recent conversations about revival, my heart is to see people maintain revival. How? I believe there are daily rhythms that can help keep revival fires burning in each one of our lives. Here is another way to keep revival burning within you: Daily hate sin. This is one area where Jesus gives those who follow him permission to hate. We are to love what he loves and hate what he hates. And he hates sin. Sin is what nailed him to the cross. How do we hate sin? By crucifying the flesh. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the lusts of the flesh: "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." Do you find yourself in any of these? We all see something in this list that applies to us. Choose to confess your sin regularly and nail it on the cross. When prisoners in Jesus's day were nailed to the cross, they would die from asphyxiation. Daily choose to suffocate the lusts of your flesh. Refuse to let them control you. How? Hate sin. Hate what it has done to you. When you find yourself even thinking about it, feel your stomach churn in disgust. Let it make you sick. Then you won't desire it any longer. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) teaches people how to be sober for one day. And then the next day. And the next day. And so forth. Over time, people find themselves free. But first they must hate alcohol. What it's done to them. Their family. Friendships. Then, day by day, comes freedom. Daily crucify sin in your life. Hate it. Kill it. Over time, it will lose its power over you. You will become free. Revival fires will burn daily within you. And can live in the flow of the Spirit. In the love of Jesus – which is tomorrow's "daily."

Lately, many have been discussing revival after the events that took place at Asbury University. Corporate revival experiences can be great, but I believe the heart of God longs to see his children maintaining revival day after day after day. I have found many of the ways to maintain revival come through daily decisions to obey and follow Jesus. How do we keep revival? Daily abide. Jesus says, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me" (John 15:4). The word abide means "to rest or to remain in a fixed position." It implies always being connected to the power source, Jesus himself. If you want to keep revival fires burning, choose to make decisions throughout your day to abide in Christ. Remain connected to him. Stay close to the Holy Spirit. Jesus tells us that if we are his sheep, we will hear his voice (John 10:27). We will know him and follow him. Obeying what he tells us to do. Speaking words of encouragement to others when prompted to do so. Loving and serving those he tells us to love and serve. Imagine your heart being a plug and Jesus as an outlet. If the light in your lamp at home is not working, it may not be connected to the power source. Daily check the connection between you as the plug and Jesus as the outlet. Throughout your day, make sure you are always connected to him. This allows you to abide. Remaining in him. Every single second of every single day. Then watch as revival power and energy will flow in and through you each and every day to others. You will be ever ready to display to the world the reviving salvation that Jesus has placed in your heart.

by David Chadwick With all the recent talk about revival, here is one question we all must ask. How do we keep revival fires burning? Over the next week, I want to help you answer this question. I find the key to maintaining revival is in this one, simple word… "daily." A daily pursuit of habits can result in lifelong change. No one notices the significance of taking vitamins each day. In fact, it is quite a mundane task. But, over time, this simple, daily habit creates an arsenal of resistance against deficiency in the human body. And think about physical exercise and the health benefits when done daily. Think about the number of times the Bible talks about the importance of trusting God daily. For example, the manna in the wilderness for the Israelites was a daily provision that God gave his people. He supplied their needs for food daily. Jesus taught us to pray, "Give us this day, our daily bread" (Luke 11:3). There were no refrigerators in his day. People had to gather and cook enough food for just that day. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough worries of its own (Matthew 6:34). By inference, we are to seek first the kingdom daily and everything else will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). Jesus also said to take up our cross daily and follow him (Luke 9:23). He is stating our need to face our problems, issues, and difficulties "daily" and to depend on him each day and in every way. To crucify the lusts of the flesh daily and they will have no power over us. It is a daily discipline to keep revival fires burning. A daily endeavor. There is no substitute for the daily, disciplined pursuit of following Jesus. Quite frankly, I have seen too many people who become overly consumed with the exciting moments after a dramatic spiritual encounter, but do very little to sustain the spiritual encounter. The truth is, Jesus wants us to live each day in a constant state of revival; being daily revived, washed, and renewed by his words and reality of his eternal presence. Throughout the rest of this week, I am going to show you four ways to daily stoke revival fires. Ways to know and experience Jesus every single second of every single day! Stay tuned!