A Moment of Hope

by David Chadwick The book of Judges is a story of the rise and fall of Israel. Over and over again, they would disobey God, worship false idols, then fall into the hands of a foreign, oppressive enemy. They would then cry out to God for help and he would raise up a judge to deliver them and establish order once again. People like Gideon, Samson and Deborah took their place in God's story to recalibrate the nation after chaos, delivering God's people from evil. Judges 11 tells the story of Jephthah, another judge over Israel and our next man of valor. In this chapter, the Israelites were becoming overwhelmed by the Ammonites, a very strong nation. Jephthah is described in Judges 11:1 as "a mighty man of valor." He became Israel's leader and rallied the Israelites to fight against the Ammonites. Through his leadership, they ultimately became free! My favorite part about Jephthah's story is that he was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute, which should remind all of us that we serve a God who can take anyone's background and turn things around. The book of Deuteronomy talks about the impact that sin can have on generations to come. But Jephthah shows us that even if our parents made grave errors, we can reverse the curse. We do not have to live in their mistakes or under their bondage. Our God is a chain-breaking, miracle-working God. He specializes in redeeming hopeless situations, restoring broken moments, and reestablishing order out of chaos. Today, choose to be a Jephthah! Change what has been done to you and chart a different course for your life. Don't be a victim. You don't have to remain the same. And, who knows? Maybe God has called you not just to be a mighty warrior within your personal story, but to change the lives of those around you!

by David Chadwick King David was described as "a man of valor and a man of war" in 1 Samuel 16:18. Take note that David is referred to as a man of valor even when was still a young boy, much like we saw yesterday with Zadok. It's no wonder he went on to take on a bear and a lion when he was a mere shepherd boy. He developed valor as a young man in the pastures so he could lead in valor in the palace. Think for just a moment. Where is God developing you right now? What are the "pastures" in your life where you are training and developing yourself for future battles? Places that seem hidden from the public eye, but places you need to govern before God gives you more influence. God is always giving us opportunities to build character and to strengthen ourselves. Like any good father, he disciplines those he loves (Hebrews 12:6). Was David's valor what led him to fight the nine foot giant named Goliath? David didn't think twice about running straight TOWARD the giant in battle. David had no fear! I would certainly think his patterns of valor encouraged his courage in battle. David is described in the Bible as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). But I would argue he was also a warrior after God's own heart as well. He spent the majority of his life fighting and battling for righteousness, purity, holiness, and victory, even in spite of his many challenges, sins, iniquities, and setbacks. Think about this for a moment. Even after committing adultery with Bathsheba, having her husband killed, and then lying to cover it up, he entered into deep and remorseful repentance, showing his deep love for God. Let this be an example that summons all young men, especially, wherever you may be, to seek to become men of valor. You are never too young to be used by God and to cultivate a life of valor. You, too, can run toward the giants and slay Goliaths in your own spheres of influence.

by David Chadwick Zadok is today's man of valor. 1 Chronicles 12:28 describes him as "a young man mighty in valor," who had 22 commanders under him that were from his father's house. Just from this verse alone, we can see that Zadok was esteemed within his family and given leadership on a greater scale because of his faithfulness. He clearly must have been a very well respected and highly skilled warrior. Two particular things strike me about the story of Zadok. First, he was a man of great courage, but also skilled. You can have all the courage in the world, but lack discipline and practical skills and you will be highly ineffective. I can think of many examples of people who are willing to run into battle, but have not become skillfully trained in using their sword. In their lack of skill, they become highly dangerous in battle! A skilled warrior must know when to fight, when to be still, when to strategize, and when to take action. It is imperative that you learn how to be skilled in your valor. Be discerning. Be wise. Learn the art of discretion. It could be a matter of life or death. Secondly, Zadok was a "young man." Yet he commanded others, perhaps as many as 22 other soldiers. I would suppose that many of these soldiers may have been older, even stronger than Zadok. I immediately think of Paul telling Timothy not to be despised because of his youth. Just because someone might be younger does not mean that he can't be given positions of leadership in battle. As God told David, man looks at the outward appearance, but God is always looking at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This lesser-known, yet valorous warrior named Zadok was a crucial part of conquering the Promised Land for God's people. That land was needed later for the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus. Valor is a theme for all believers. Young and old. Men and women. All races. All nations. Anyone can choose to learn to be a person of valor. God can and will use you mightily! Stand firm! Be strong and courageous! Jesus needs you in his army.

by David Chadwick In a culture where men are being emasculated and torn down, God desires to raise up a generation of men who reflect his heart of strength, love and courage. Joshua's mighty men of valor are today's men of valor. You will find their story in Joshua 10. They were a whole team of courageous men! The Gibeonites, a tough group of grizzled soldiers, stood in the way of God's people acquiring the land that God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Joshua 10:7, Joshua went up from Gilgal with "all the mighty men of valor." These were some of Israel's most courageous men going up against the evil Gibeonites. God instructed Joshua's mighty men not to give their opponents a second thought in verses 7-10. He said, "Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you" (Joshua 10:8). Not only did God send them into battle, he sent them with the assurance of victory! God certainly expected them to fight, but gave them the strategy for how to win. Joshua and his mighty men went out and began to fight and God sent the Gibeonites into a state of panic and confusion. As Israel pressed forward courageously, the Gibeonites were chased away. The Lord even pitched huge stones from heaven on them and they died (Joshua 10:11). God had given his word that his people would inherit the Promised Land. But they still had to fight to attain it. Their valor and courage were needed to win the victory. The same principle holds true for our lives as believers. We have the victory over Satan and all his demonic hordes, but we still must daily engage in spiritual warfare on this side of eternity. We are fighting a battle Jesus has already won, but we still must fight it. So, dear friends, rise up and take your place in God's story!

by David Chadwick Some years ago, my wife, Marilynn, wrote a book called "Woman of Valor." The concept of becoming women of valor has become a theme very near and dear to her heart. Her book has recently been revised and she and I both feel it has very much been written for these days in which we are living! Valor is a character trait that God's people must develop. I want to continue to build on last week's women of valor theme and look at several men of valor. We are going to start by looking at the story of Gideon, a man who God called a mighty man of valor. You will find Gideon's story in Judges 6. The Midianites overtook Israel and placed them in bondage. One of the things the Midianites would often do is swoop down on Israel during the harvest season and steal all of the food they had harvested. Aware of the Midianites' evil tendencies, Gideon hid as he sought to harvest his food. Suddenly, as Gideon was hiding, an angel of the Lord came to him. Some wonder if this appearance was a theophany - an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. The angel of the Lord looked at him and said, "The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor." The word valor means courageous. Strong. Gideon was acting in the opposite of valor when the Lord referred to him as a mighty man of valor. Yet that's the beauty of this story. God does not look at who someone is, but who they can become. God did not see a coward. He saw a mighty warrior inside of Gideon. He prophesied and Gideon rose up to be exactly that: a mighty man of valor. Ultimately, Gideon ended up being the one to mobilize the Israelites' army of 300 (against the Midianite army of 32,000!) and defeat them. Gideon became a renowned judge of Israel, tore down the primary altar of the godless Baal, and is looked at today as a man of valor. I pray that each of you will learn to see yourself as God sees you. Not the world. Not others. Inside of you there just may be locked up a mighty warrior! ____________ To order a copy of Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick, please click here.

by Marilynn Chadwick I agree with Indiana Jones: "I hate snakes!" Maybe some of you share my distaste for these slithery reptiles. A while back, when cleaning our garage, our son found a small copperhead hiding behind a box. My first response was, "Yikes! Go hide!" My next thought was, "Go get 'em!" I grabbed the nearest gardening tool and went after that snake with a warrior-like vengeance, sending him into the grave! Why? Because he was in my garage…near my kitchen door…a threat to my home and family! Though I'm scared of snakes, my love for my family made me brave. Maybe you can relate. Is there a time when you did something that scared you in order to protect someone you loved? If so, you were showing courage, or what the Bible often refers to as valor. As you have learned by now, I'm captivated by the Hebrew word for valor, chayil. In the Orthodox Jewish Bible translation, chayil is used to describe the famed Proverbs 31 woman. "Who can find a woman of valor?" (Proverbs 31:10). Clearly, she was part nurturer and part warrior. Chayil is used to describe David's mighty men of valor. It is also used to describe a reluctant hero named Gideon. Simply put, "valor," or chayil, is personal bravery in the face of danger—especially courage in battle. In its nearly 100 uses in the Old Testament, chayil most often depicts warriors. I believe we need to become courageous men and women of valor as we face today's battles: addiction, divorce, poverty, injustice, domestic violence, child abuse, abortion, poverty, unemployment, pornography, human trafficking, joblessness, homelessness, racism, persecution, terrorism. I'm sure you could add to this list. As I listen to conversations with men and women of all ages, stages, and walks of life, I'm hearing a recurring theme —their heart's desire to be strong for their families and communities. In short, they long to be courageous so God can use them to change the world. Is God calling you to have more courage? Remember, it's love that makes you brave. I pray that God's daughters reclaim what it looks like to walk biblically as women of valor! ___________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please click here.

by Marilynn Chadwick I still marvel when I remember the beautiful young mother I once met in a tiny country in a forgotten corner of the world. She was a survivor of the horrific genocide in Burundi that had exploded alongside Rwanda's frenzy of killings. I'd been invited to teach on the subject of prayer to a group of church leaders and pastors' wives. All were survivors of the war and no strangers to prayer. So I asked if any had personal stories to tell. One by one, the women stood and shared stirring accounts of God's miraculous power during times of great danger. Finally, this young mother rose to her feet and began her story. She had eight children, she told us, and lived in the countryside. One day she left her children in the care of a neighbor so she could gather vegetables. Later that day, her neighbor rushed out to tell her that her two-year-old son had suddenly fallen ill and died. She paused—then haltingly resumed her story. "Desperate and afraid, I suddenly remembered how Elijah prayed for the widow's little boy who died," she said. "The boy finally came back to life." So I cried out to God, "You did it for Elijah—do it for me!" She prayed and prayed and prayed. "Finally," she said quietly, "I could not look at my son any longer, so I went outside." She faltered for words. By this point, I'm thinking of what to say to her. How do I comfort this woman who had obviously lost her child? And how do we respond when our prayers are not answered the way we want? However, I was not prepared for what happened next. "I went back inside," she continued slowly. "But this time, when I put my hands on my little boy's lifeless body and began to pray, he suddenly coughed and sputtered and sat up—he was alive!" A hush fell over the room. I was face-to-face with an ordinary mother who lived oceans away from me. But I knew I was in the presence of a woman of great faith. A true warrior. A hero. Now, you may be thinking, Her little boy wasn't really dead. Or Why didn't God heal my sick child? A story like this raises many questions for which I don't have answers. But I do know this: In a place like Burundi, where they have tasted death up close and where doctors are nearly nonexistent, believers sometimes experience a dimension of God's grace I seldom see in my safe, suburban world. I've heard similar stories firsthand from war refugees in the Middle East and slum dwellers in India. Such women remind me that faith is a fierce fight. I walked away from that encounter in awe, but also challenged. I realize God doesn't always heal or deliver or raise someone from the dead. But I was inspired by the way this young mother fought for the life of her child. She was courageous. Persistent. And she encouraged me to keep on fighting the fight of faith, even when things may look hopeless—and to never be too quick to give up on God. _________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please click here.

by Marilynn Chadwick Have you ever faced a trial so painful you couldn't endure the weight of it? A trial so dark that the enemy taunts you with lies whispered in the dark: God is not listening to your prayers. Why else would He seem so silent? When all seems hopeless, I find encouragement from believers who have passed through the furnace and come forth with faith shining. Their stories inspire me to hold onto my hope. I want to share one such story with you. I met Ange during one of my first missions trips to Rwanda. Most everyone I met was a genocide survivor with a hard story to tell. But it was Ange's journey of agony-turned-into-hope that gripped my soul. Ange was in high school when genocide broke out in Rwanda in 1994. She and fiancé, Emanuel, fled on foot to the neighboring Congo. They married and had baby Edna. The brutal war spilled over into the Congo. Soldiers attacked their refugee camp and Emanuel and Ange, with eighteen-month-old Edna on her back, ran terrified into the forest. They became separated as they fled for their lives. A few days later while Ange was gathering firewood, soldiers kidnapped little Edna. Ange ran frantically through the forest searching for the soldiers. She discovered the baby had become sick and died. Ange's heart and her hope were shattered. She hid in the forest for weeks with no clean water, food, fire, or shelter. As she describes it, "It was like we were dead, but still living." Ange made her way to Kenya with the help of a relief organization, still searching for her husband Emanuel. She cried out, "Oh God, You know my beloved first born was taken away. And you know how I could be happy if I could find my beloved husband! Please Lord, I hope you have not forgotten me." Ange continued to seek God's purpose for her own life while she waited for her dream to be fulfilled. Sensing a call to ministry, she began attending Bible college in Kenya. God gave Ange hope, encouraging her with these words: We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5). Ange continues her story, "One day, I received the amazing news that my husband was alive! It was like a dream! I stayed up all night praising and thanking God!" After eight long years, Ange and Emanuel were finally reunited on November 14, 2004. God soon blessed them with a baby boy they called Cherubim. When I first met Ange and heard her story in 2008, she had just given birth to twins Joshua and Geoffrey. Ange loves to encourage others to hold onto their faith when times look darkest. I hope you will be strengthened by her story and this prayer from her heart to yours: "May God bless you and help you to be patient in every situation you may pass through. Glory be to the Lord JESUS. Amen!" ____________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please click here.

by Marilynn Chadwick Jesus is kind to all people—especially women. Just ask my friend Anya. Raised as a member of the "untouchable" caste in India, Anya knows what it means to be treated as "less than." For centuries in India's cruel caste system, untouchables were regarded as less than human. Women were treated even worse. People of higher castes would cross the street to avoid walking on the sidewalk with an untouchable, not even wanting to be touched by their shadow. But Anya heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. She realized only Jesus could pay the penalty for her sins—not endless sacrifices to the 300 million gods in India. She believed the good news that all people were created equal—to be known and loved by God. Through a series of miracles, Anya went on to attend college and graduate school, finally earning her PhD! She is married, has a family of her own, and now works with an organization that gives hope to other women caught in poverty and oppression. The life-changing message of Jesus liberates their hearts. Then education opens the door to worthwhile work and reasonable wages—transforming entire families and villages throughout India. It's the same story wherever we go. Jesus can set people free, whether in India with its harsh conditions, or surrounded by the comforts of America. My friend Heather experienced the freedom only Christ can bring when she stepped out of her comfort zone to obey God. "I used to struggle with anxiety and times of depression," confessed Heather. "At times, fear paralyzed me and held me captive. I remember crying out to God, begging him to heal me and rescue me from this mental prison." But it wasn't until Heather put her faith into action that she started to be free of the anxiety and fear. Heather's story happened years ago when she was teaching the little kids one Sunday morning. She was talking to them about Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." "I was really passionate and encouraged the children to have no fear, because God was always with them. As the words were coming out of my mouth, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, 'Heather! Do you believe what you are telling them? You have these irrational fears about so many things.'" One fear in particular, she shared, was going on a mission trip. "Don't you believe that I will be with you wherever you go!?" "I was floored," she exclaimed. "I immediately sensed God was calling me to go on a mission trip. I knew I had to go!" Heather trusted God would be bigger than her fears. She tells of her very first mission trip to the Dominican Republic. "God gave me a peace beyond all understanding. While on the trip, I experienced such joy because I was in the will of God! Now I go on a mission trip almost every year. Choosing to trust God when he calls you to do something crazy and scary allows you to experience blessings you could never dream up on your own!" True freedom comes as we step out and obey. Another heroic character trait of a woman of valor! ____________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please click here.

by Marilynn Chadwick The dictionary defines valor as "courage and bravery in the face of danger." But the Hebrew word for valor, as I have been sharing with you, is chayil. Chayil is a much more vibrant definition, depicting "a warrior, army, strength, honor, even wealth." Chayil is actually a military term. So I was surprised to discover that the famed Proverbs 31 woman is called eishet chayil, or "woman of valor." Woman of valor. What a beautiful description. All over the world, on Friday evening before Shabbat, the Jewish husband will recite or sing "Woman of Valor" as a way to honor his wife—to reflect upon all she has done for him, his family, and for the community (Proverbs 31:10-31). But again, why a military term? Let's remember that the life of the Proverbs 31 woman would not have been easy. She likely faced marauding thieves, extreme heat and cold, and a myriad of pestilences. She needed to be strong, brave, and always prepared, because in one way or another, she was always at war. On a spiritual level, it makes sense that every woman, every home, every community–in every part of the world–is also at war. The Bible warns all believers to be alert, watchful, armed, and ready for battle against the enemy of our souls (1 Peter 5:8-9). It makes me wonder why we lost sight of the woman of valor in the first place. From the beginning of time, the devil has been intent upon robbing the woman of her true purpose and worth. God created her part nurturer and part warrior. Let's face it. If you defeat the woman, you can attack marriages, families, and communities. My friend Barbara, who ministered for many years in the inner-city, once said it this way, "If you take down the mamas, you will take down the babies." This week we will continue to look at real life women—ordinary heroes who live out the biblical definition of being a woman of valor. It's time to reclaim the woman of valor. Our world needs women who are full of strength and gentleness. Both tough and tender. __________________________ This Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You, by Marilynn Chadwick. For more inspiration or to order the newly Revised Edition of this book, please click here.

by Marilynn Chadwick One of the most inspiring "real life" women of valor I have ever known was Barbara Brewton Cameron. This vibrant and joyful woman with an easy laugh and a giant heart was a powerful leader in her community. She became a dear friend, mentor, and role model. During our fifteen-year friendship, Barbara opened my eyes to the powerful impact that one ordinary woman can have on her family, her community, and an entire city. Years before I met Barbara, her husband had been gunned down in a drive-by shooting while walking home from work, leaving her with three small children to raise on her own. "He was a wonderful man—a good husband and father—and I was devastated," she said. "I didn't even want to go on living." The community in Charlotte where Barbara lived was described by The New York Times as one of the most violent neighborhoods in America. An "an open-air drug market of heroin and cocaine," gunfire was common around the small, graffiti-marked houses. It had one of the highest murder rates in the country. After her husband's murder, Barbara fled to a safer neighborhood to raise her three children. But God began to pursue her, and several years later, she accepted Christ into her life. "I began to hear his voice," she said. "I knew there was a far greater plan that God had for me." "God told me to go back to the old neighborhood and rescue the children. And so, I did." Barbara said the Lord spoke to her through Matthew 25:35-36: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me" (ESV). She sensed God's unmistakable call through the words of Scripture: "If you've done it to the least of these, you've done it to me" (v. 41). Barbara was affectionately known throughout her community as "Pastor Cameron." She understood firsthand the hopeless despair faced by her community. "I thought of the single moms who were being used and abused by drug dealers...and I thought about the babies." To Barbara, all children were "babies." It was those children that Barbara was going back to rescue. She found a small, dilapidated house to rent in the neighborhood and turned it into a mission home to care for children each afternoon. "I gave the little ones baths and helped the older ones with homework. I fed them, too, since they were always hungry. In time, Barbara's ministry grew, and she became known as the woman who defied drugs and gangs. The drug dealers who controlled the neighborhood began issuing threats. Years later, a former hit man told Barbara that he had been hired by a drug dealer to kill her because she was hurting business. He would sit outside the open window listening to her preach the gospel. He told her that something inside would not let him carry out the hit. Later, the man accepted Jesus. Barbara opened Community Outreach, a church that continued to expand the impact of the gospel. She received national acclaim for the work she did fighting crime. City officials renamed the area Genesis Park, symbolic of its new beginning. When Barbara died in 2008, the church was filled to overflowing. Pastor Cameron is remembered as the Mother Teresa of Genesis Park. The once forgotten community is an example of how God can do mighty things through one ordinary woman of valor.

by Marilynn Chadwick Men, women, and children of all ages squeezed into the patchwork tent that was both home and church for Pastor Raju and his family. David and I were traveling through this remote slum village in India to see the work of church planters like Raju. Raju was a ragpicker by trade. Daily, he sifted through the nearby garbage dump to find rags, plastic, bits of this-and-that to sell. It looked as if Raju had used some of "this-and-that" to construct his tent which, though humble, was very clean and well organized inside. Raju was also a Dalit, a member of the "untouchable" caste, as were most of his neighbors. Courageous pastors like Raju were why the gospel was spreading rapidly in this region that was hostile to Christians. Raju was small and wiry with a firm grip and a wide grin. He was fiery and passionate that morning as he reminded his people that they were the "head and not the tail" in God's eyes. No longer did they have to be terrified of displeasing the cruel gods or being rejected by higher castes. For now, their identity was secure as dearly loved children of their heavenly Father, adopted into Christ's church. Warmth and singing filled the tent. Traditional orange marigold leis had been draped over our shoulders. Plastic chairs were brought in for the "honored guests." David was asked to preach the message to Raju's church of about fifty congregants. Raju had endured much persecution. But this gaunt little warrior deeply loved his people and continued to boldly preach the gospel. Once, he went on a hunger strike until village authorities finally brought electricity into his slum neighborhood. I noticed the haphazard electrical rigging outside his tent. But it was Raju's wife who captured my heart. Somehow, she had worked her magic and turned the patchwork tent into an inviting home. Her kitchen was just one shelf, a few staples, and a one-burner hot plate in a corner of the room that was also bedroom, living room, and church. After the service, she prepared tea along with a single roll of Ritz crackers, served to us by their children. Raju beamed as he introduced his family. A handful of boys and girls, from around eight to sixteen years of age, greeted us with shining faces and firm handshakes. They had been well-nurtured there in that little one-room tent beside the garbage dump. How was this possible? I noticed Raju's wife, though lovely in her colorful sari, looked very thin and worn. I was told that Indian mothers and fathers sometimes go without food to make sure their children have enough to eat. This tiny woman had found a way to nurture these smiling children who were adored by their dad. She and her husband had given them physical, emotional, and spiritual nourishment. Looking into their faces, I sensed they would somehow find their way in this harsh and difficult environment. Raju's wife was both nurturer and warrior for her little family. She's living proof that a woman of valor doesn't just live in a palace, but could just as well be found in a tent. Her children were a testimony that it doesn't take money or education to nurture a child—just love, self-sacrifice and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the legacy of the ragpicker's wife. This was her kingdom. Her husband and children were her crown.

by Marilynn Chadwick I believe every woman has a little bit of princess in her. And deep down inside, she believes she can change the world. A long time ago there lived a real princess who actually did change the world. Her name was Margaret. She married a Scottish King and thus became Queen Margaret, one of the most beloved nobles in the history of Scotland. I became captivated by her story years ago when traveling with our family through the Scottish Highlands. I was mesmerized by the land of castles, kings, kilts, and battlefields. Margaret embodied much of what we have been learning about the biblical woman of valor. Her story takes us back to the Middle Ages. Margaret was an English princess born in 1045. Her parents fled to Hungary after the Danes took over England. When Margaret was ten years old, she and her family returned to England, where her father suddenly died before he could assume the throne. A few years later, Margaret and her mother, along with her two siblings, were forced to flee for their lives, once again, when William the Conqueror stormed his way through England. While sailing north, Margaret and her family were caught in a storm and shipwrecked on the coast of Scotland. They were aided by King Malcolm and put under his protection. Before long, Malcolm fell deeply in love with the beautiful and kind princess. Margaret and Malcolm married in 1070 at the castle in Edinburgh. Margaret was a deeply committed Christian whose faith influenced the rather uncouth Malcolm. He turned his heart to God, largely because of his wife. They couple had six sons and two daughters and raised all to become strong followers of Christ. So respected was Margaret for her wisdom that Malcolm placed her in charge of all of Scotland's domestic affairs. She was often consulted on other state matters as well. Malcolm couldn't read or write, so Margaret often read him stories from the Bible. Her example also had an impact on the quality of Malcolm's reign, helping him become what was known as the "just ruler." Together they prayed, fed the hungry, and served the needy. Margaret had a heart for Scotland's poor, showing special kindness to orphans. She fed the hungry every morning in the castle, even before she had her own breakfast. She was also known for her deep life of prayer, rising early for prayer and reading the Bible. She even encouraged the ordinary Scottish people to live as faithful Christians, emphasizing prayer and a holy lifestyle. When learning about Margaret's vast areas of service to Scotland, I couldn't help but notice the quieter, but even more important impact she had on her eight children. Besides educating them at home, she instilled a strength of faith and character that set the foundation for three of her six sons to become Scottish kings during what was known as Scotland's "Golden Era." As she had done with King Malcolm, she is said to have influenced her sons to become just and holy rulers. Margaret was born into royalty—not what you would call an ordinary woman. But she shows what can happen when a woman of great influence chooses to use her position to accomplish God's purposes. No wonder she has been called, "The Pearl of Scotland." Who can measure the full impact, not just on Scottish history, but on the history of Christendom, because of this one life?

by Marilynn Chadwick There are many heroines found in the pages of the Bible. The Hebrew term used in Proverbs 31:10 for the famed "virtuous woman," eshet chayil, can be better translated as "woman of valor" (Proverbs 31:10 JPS Tanakh 1917). I've come to believe women are at our best when engaged in a courageous fight for someone outside ourselves. While I love biblical heroines, I equally love stories of ordinary women who changed their world. This week and next week we will look at real life women—ordinary heroes who live out the biblical definition of being a woman of valor. I've been privileged throughout my life to be influenced by many strong and courageous women. From my own mother and grandmothers to teachers and coaches, church and community leaders, and extended family members. Most of us can point to women who shaped our life somewhere along the way. They left their imprint on our character, our hopes, and our dreams. At times, they sacrificed their own dreams so we could reach ours. Africans have a beautiful way of referring to all women as "mothers" whether they have children or not. They believe all women give life to their families and communities. Africans know that mothers can change the world. Thus, they have this saying: "To educate a girl is to educate a nation." By their very nature, women are life-givers. Throughout history, courageous and noble women have discovered a mysterious truth: They found life when they gave their lives away—pouring themselves out in service to their families, to their communities, and to the hurting and broken of this world. Most women I know are both nurturers and warriors. I'm reminded of my friend Jacqui, who waged a long and agonizing fight to gain custody of the daughter she lovingly fostered. Jacqui vowed, "I will not give up. After all, I'm a 'Mama Bear' fighting for her cub." Or our daughter Bethany, a young mother of five who educates her children at home and juggles the busy and often unpredictable life of a pastor's wife, along with her own writing and teaching. Most women know what I'm talking about when I speak of their fierce, fighter side. God designed women to be both nurturers and warriors. The great evangelist D. L. Moody is said to have issued this powerful challenge to his sons from his deathbed: "If God be your partner, make your plans large." Courageous men and women say to God, "Use me. Send me to the broken of this world!" Mother Teresa dared to leave her comfortable and affluent life to serve the destitute in India. Her work has been celebrated the world over. Some have wondered about what were reported to be her "dark nights of the soul." She was not a depressed woman, and those who knew her best said she would simply see those dry spells as nudges from God, telling her that it was time to go back out among the poor. She would see Jesus, once again, in the faces of those she served, and the joy of the Lord would always return. Mother Teresa's life of service was so compelling that the hard-boiled atheistic journalist, Malcolm Muggeridge, turned to Christ after extensive interviews with her. These interviews resulted in him writing a biography of her life, Something Beautiful for God. The apostle Paul similarly encouraged women to adorn themselves with good deeds, which would make them—like Mother Teresa—beautiful. Or as the Message paraphrases it: We should be "doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it" (1 Timothy 2:8-10 MSG).

by Marilynn Chadwick Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies Proverbs 31:10 KJV I have come to love the biblical phrase "woman of valor." I think you will, too, as you journey with me over the next two weeks. Deep down, I believe most women long to be world-changers. To use their powerful influence for good and give life to those around them. The Bible presents us with many examples of women who changed their world. Some were wives and mothers. Others were prophets, judges, and leaders. Some were old and wise. Others were youthful and passionate for God. All were warriors who discovered the secret that when they gave their lives away to others, they got back far more in return. The Hebrew term used in Proverbs 31:10, eshet chayil, is more accurately translated "woman of valor." "A woman of valor who can find? For her price is far above rubies" (JPS Tanakh 1917). Did you know valor is actually a military term? It was used for warriors like King David and his mighty men of valor. A woman of valor is a nurturer but also a warrior. I believe God knew women would have to be warriors for their families and communities. The concept of a woman of valor is quite common among Jews, even today. A long-standing custom the evening before Shabbat is for the husband to recite or even sing what is actually an acrostic poem in Proverbs 31, "The Woman of Valor," as a way to honor his wife. Valor means showing courage in the face of danger. So naturally, it requires a measure of mental toughness. But the Proverbs 31 woman also had to be physically strong: She "works with eager hands…gets up while it is still night; provides food for her family…plants a vineyard" and "sets about her work vigorously" (Proverbs 31:13, 14 NIV). Her arms are described as "strong for her tasks" (Proverbs 31:17). I have to smile when I think about her "strong arms" because it reminds me of my friend Beth. We've both loved being mothers and now grandmothers. But we agree—when raising our own children, we were used to the constant physical demands that come with lifting, dressing, and bathing little ones. Our arms grew strong. But lifting grandchildren is a little harder. So, Beth started doing 100 pushups a day. "I want to be able to lift all those grandbabies," she laughed. She does her first set during her normal exercise time—then she drops to the floor for a few more throughout the day. "It's amazing how they add up," she said. Beth—and her 100 daily pushups—give us a good mental picture of what it looks like to make our arms strong. The Amplified Bible describes the Proverbs 31 woman's strength in more detail: "She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong" (Proverbs 31:17 AMP). Why not begin now to reflect on how you can strengthen yourself—spiritually, mentally, and physically. Who knows? Maybe you'll even want to try Beth's 100 pushups challenge!

by David Chadwick Pharaoh's daughter is the last woman of valor we are going to look at this week. You can find her story in Exodus 2:5. An unnamed Egyptian princess was used by God to save the nation of Israel by saving Moses. After the nursing time from Jochebed that you learned about earlier this week, Pharaoh's daughter was the one who raised Moses in Pharaoh's court. Apparently, Moses's name was given to him by Pharaoh's daughter. I find that so interesting! Moses is an Egyptian name that means "out of the water." Scripture is full of treasures and whispers of God's intricate plan. Sometimes, we have to look to see all of the incredibly brilliant connections of our Creator! For instance, I see so many parallels to Moses coming out of the water of the Nile River and the Red Sea to save a nation. And Jesus coming out of the water from his baptism to inaugurate his earthly mission and begin the kingdom of God here on earth, and eventually to save the world! Jesus was the better Moses, but Moses gave us a glimpse of what was to come! Being raised in Pharaoh's court for 40 years was a part of God's plan as well. Think about Moses learning about the sun, moon, and the stars. Their movement. Their ability to guide long journeys (like 40 years in the wilderness). Surely Moses learned leadership, oversight, and many other necessary lessons that would end up helping him later on lead God's people to the Promised Land. Without Pharaoh's daughter, we would have never had Moses. The man he became was an intricate part of God's plan. God used her in his story even though she was not a follower of the one true God of the Hebrews. Yet, without her, the story of Moses doesn't exist! God is able to use anything and everything to accomplish his purposes. Remember Romans 8:28. God works ALL things together for good. For his providence. For his glory. For our good. Moses is one of those stories! He was needed to lead God's people to a Promised Land where the Savior of the world, Jesus, would be born. And Pharaoh's daughter was essential to this part of God's story becoming a reality! This week, we have learned about five women of valor, used by God for his glory! May all people, especially women, follow these examples in becoming people of great faith, courage, deep trust in God, and a heart to do whatever it takes to advance the kingdom of God!

by David Chadwick Miriam was first mentioned in Exodus 2:4, but not named until later in the story. After Moses's mom, Jochebed, who we learned about yesterday, hid Moses in the Nile's bulrushes, Miriam watched over the "cradle" in the water. I wonder what was going on in her young mind. Maybe she was making sure no animal attacked him. Or to keep an eye out for other enemies. I can't help but wonder if she sensed the special calling God had on her brother. We don't know all the nuances of Miriam's personality, but I would have to imagine that she had a strong prayer life and used that time hiding in the bushes to intercede for her baby brother. When Miriam saw Pharaoh's daughter take him, she initiated a conversation. Surely that took great courage for a young Hebrew woman to speak to a princess of Pharaoh's court! But she did and brilliantly offered to have her mother come and nurse the child. Isn't God good? Isn't he faithful? Not only did Moses get protected and "adopted" by the princess, but God also allowed his mom to nurse him for some time. Some children, even now, will nurse up to the 3 or 4 year mark, so it could be that God used Miriam's courage to give Jochebed an open door to being involved in the very important, early years of Moses's life. Do you think Pharoah ever knew this lad named Moses was a Hebrew? Maybe or maybe not. I have to believe having the name Moses helped protect his identity. Miriam later wrote worship songs and helped lead Israel in worship after having gone through the Red Sea. Though not flawless (she even rebelled once against Moses!), she apparently had great faith. And her faith helped give Israel one of its greatest leaders, setting them up to enter into the Promised Land, which would ultimately usher in the Savior of the world! Miriam was flawed and fabulous. Yet what we remember most about her is her love for her brother, Moses, and her great song she helped write and sing in Exodus 15. She is a woman of valor. May her great faith and praise always guide our own!

by David Chadwick First mentioned in Exodus 6:20, Jochebed is our next woman of valor. Jochebed was the mom of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. As the story unfolds in Exodus 2:1-10, she gave birth to Moses knowing the Pharaoh had issued an edict for all Hebrew male babies to be killed. With a heart of wisdom, she decided to hide Moses in the bulrush. One day, Pharaoh's daughter, who we will learn more about in a couple of days, discovers Moses while bathing in the Nile River. Miriam, Moses's sister, watched as everything unfolded. The daughter approached the Pharaoh's daughter and asked if she would like for her to find a Hebrew nursemaid to nurse the baby. Amazingly, by God's providence, the Pharaoh's daughter agreed to the proposition. Miriam fetched her mother, Jochebed, to nurse baby Moses in safety! Have you noticed how shortsighted we can be in believing in the greatness of God? In spite of the fact that Moses had to be hidden in the face of possible death, God figured out a way to return him back into the hands of his mother for nourishment and comfort. What a mighty God we serve! His overarching providence of his world is perfect. I have to believe Jochebed knew that the baby Moses was special. Hebrews 11:23 says that Moses was a "beautiful child," meaning urbane, gifted, and most likely already carrying characteristics of a leader. Like many moms do, I would imagine Jochebed discerned these qualities in her son even as a baby! God has a sovereign, providential plan for his world. Moses was a part of that plan and so God protected him, using people like Jochebed to carry out his story. Jochebed was an essential part of that plan! God is not looking for ability, but availability. May we all remain available to whatever God asks of us in whatever way he wants to use us in accomplishing his plan for the earth!

by David Chadwick I love the special women God has put in my life. I have seen biblical strengths of women of valor in my own mom, my wife, my daughter, my daughters-in-law, my granddaughters, and many others. I believe strong, Godly women play such an important role in God's story. Women are made uniquely in the image of God, just like men, but carry unique parts of his heart that men don't have. We are looking at some of the women of valor in the Bible, particularly in the book of Exodus. Yesterday, I told you about a woman named Shiphrah. And if you were reading her story in Exodus 1, you probably noticed that I waited to mention the other midwife of this story. I feel like both midwives were so significant that they each deserved their own day. In Mark 6:7, when Jesus called the twelve disciples, he began to send them out two by two. There is something significant about two people standing together in strength and courage. Shiphrah was strong, but probably stronger because she stood next to Puah. And vice versa. Alongside Shiphrah, Puah protected and oversaw the birth of male babies in spite of Pharaoh's edict to have all Hebrew baby boys murdered. Puah is another true heroine of the faith and a woman of valor. Along with her probable friend and fellow midwife, Shiphrah, she stood against a dark and evil force. Because of her great faith, male babies lived, the nation of Israel grew and grew. Over time, these people entered the Promised Land and eventually ushered Jesus into the world. This Jesus is the one who crushed the head of the serpent in the Garden of Eden who stimulated sin into the world. No wonder the enemy motivated Pharoah to kill the male babies in Egypt. The enemy was trying to thwart the birth of Jesus later on. Note as well that like Shiphrah, Puah, too, was blessed by God with her own family! You really do reap what you sow. Because Puah sowed seeds of life, protection, birth of babies and children to families, God gave her a great family. Puah's great faith is rewarded. Her great faith helped form a nation. And through this nation God brought in Jesus, the Savior of all of the world. Shiphrah and Puah: two midwives purposefully appointed by God to show us all the importance of faithful obedience to God and his sovereign plan for the world.

by David Chadwick My wife, Marilynn, wrote a book called Woman of Valor where she explains that more than a virtuous or excellent woman, the Proverbs 31 woman in Hebrew culture is actually referred to as a woman of valor. A strong, mighty courageous presence in the life of her family and community. This week, I want to look at five women of valor from the Bible who played a significant role in saving humanity. Shiphrah is today's woman of valor. You'll find her story in Exodus 1:15. She was a Hebrew midwife during the tumultuous times when the Israelites were under Pharaoh's captivity. Pharaoh issued a decree to have every single Israelite baby boy killed. This was all a part of Satan's demonic attempt to kill the seed of the women of Israel who would become the Messiah of the world and one day crush the head of the serpent, Satan. But Shiphrah refused to obey Pharaoh's orders. Exodus 1:17 says that she feared God and did not do as was commanded. After letting the baby boys live, Pharaoh called Shiphrah in and asked her what was going on. Shiphrah told him that by the time she would get to the moms, the boy babies had already been born. Was she lying? We aren't totally sure, but she clearly felt some prompting to protect and guard those precious Hebrew baby boys. And as we see in verse 20, "God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and grew very strong. And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families." Shiphrah's protection seems to have received God's approval. And because of her obedience, the birth of these boy babies allowed the Israelites to grow and grow. Shiphrah is a true heroine of the faith. Why did she do this? She "feared the Lord." Isn't that the key for all our faith? We must fear the Lord more than anything else. It's the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Fear of the Lord leads to faith! And, as a result of their faith, God gave these women children of their own. God truly is the rewarder of those who have faith (Hebrews 11:6). The nation of Israel continued to grow because of Shiphrah's faith. And through that nation, Jesus was born—the one who would destroy the evil one's works and life. This midwife's courage to save those young boys paved the way for the Savior of the world!

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, goodness, faithfulness 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."

by David Chadwick Over the last couple of years, many have been discussing revival after the events that took place at Asbury University in February of 2023. 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 our current series on revival in mind, 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!

by Marilynn Chadwick A revival known as the "Children's Prayer Revival" was ignited around December 28, 1707. The location was near the border of Poland and Czechia in an area where evangelical worship had been outlawed. Boys and girls, ages 4-14, assembled in the open fields outside the town to pray. They would sing hymns, read Psalms, and close with a blessing. Church leaders were furious that prayer was taking place outside the church building, yet it was as if nothing could stop these children from assembling to pray. One father, concerned about his children defying the church and governmental authorities, tried to lock his son and daughter in their rooms. Yet when he heard that they intended to leap out their window to assemble for prayer, he conceded and permitted them to go (as recounted by various revival historians). The Children's Prayer Revival spread and before long the adults joined with the children. When adults witnessed the children singing and praying, it "melted them to tears." The children's gatherings often numbered between 300 to 1,000. A city guard was sent with a whip to disperse the children. But when he saw them praying, he was so moved by what he witnessed that he could not do it. David and I have witnessed firsthand this same boldness among children during our travels to India. Just as the Children's Prayer Revival became the catalyst for more revival, children in India today are bringing entire families to Christ and leading the way for the explosive expansion of the Gospel. As you reflect on the powerful role of children in revival, watch this short 5-minute video (scroll to "Monika's Story"): https://missionindia.org/videos/category/childrens-bible-clubs/. Mission India is one of our Moments Of Hope Church global partners. Pray for the work of Children's Bible Clubs as they spread the Gospel throughout India. Children are a vital part of our church's prayer, worship, and ministry. Let's ask God to give us the bold courage of those with childlike faith!

by Marilynn Chadwick True revival awakens a heart for the least and the lost. Historically, revivals have occurred during times of cultural darkness. England, at the beginning of the eighteenth century, had plunged into moral decadence. Drunkenness was rampant and gambling so pervasive that historians described the nation as "one vast casino." Tickets were sold to public executions as entertainment. Many children died in workhouses. Conditions were dismal all around. Amid this degradation, increasing numbers of British grew rich on the African slave trade, causing one Anglican bishop to remark that morality and religion in Britain had collapsed "to a degree that was never known in any Christian country." It was into this dark culture that John Wesley's life and ministry helped spark the Methodist movement in Great Britain, which gave rise to the Eighteenth-Century Evangelical Revival. This same movement helped ignite the Great Awakening in the thirteen colonies in the 1730s. Methodists and Baptists took the lead in using revivals to expand the spread of Christianity into the frontiers of America. Wesley's revival methods gave birth to a small group discipleship movement. These small groups of five to ten people never exceeded one percent of the total population of Great Britain. Yet their influence swelled among the masses, eventually spilling over to the upper-crust English society. It's no surprise that this Revival had a powerful effect on social conditions in England, including child labor, prison reform, and later the abolition of slavery. Some even say the Wesley Revival movement helped England avoid the type of violent revolution which swept through France. One thing is clear. Throughout history, true revival brought societal reform wherever it spread. If God could use a small group of revived people to transform culture in one of the darkest times in history, just think of what he can do in and through you in these days.

by Marilynn Chadwick The First Great Awakening in America was ignited around 1730 by a scholarly New England minister named Jonathan Edwards. From there, a series of revivals rapidly spread, bringing about the most significant social upheaval to occur prior to the Revolutionary War. The dramatic, impassioned preaching of England's George Whitfield fueled these revival fires as he passed through the colonies. The strategic discipleship methods of John Wesley, also from England, extended the revival's power and impact in early America. The widespread salvation of unbelievers (that extended beyond the church) marked these Great Awakenings, along with renewed emphasis on holiness by believers. The "pattern" of revival often points to a period of spiritual decline and darkness in the culture. Collin Hansen and John D. Woodbridge speak to these patterns in their book A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir. In the midst of despair and hopelessness, someone steps forward to confess their sins and others follow their example. God often answers these humble, heartfelt, corporate cries with a sweeping move of revival. Confession of sin was also the very backbone of John Wesley's small discipleship groups and initially the vehicle for the spread of the English Evangelical Revival. This same "method" was the foundation for early Methodism in America—contributing to the spread of revival fires throughout the colonies. Wesley's foundational verse was James 5:16a emphasizing the healing that comes through confession: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." The Second Great Awakening in America occurred in the mid 1800s following a great spiritual decline after the Revolutionary War. Results were staggering. Revival historian Edwin Orr states that in the U.S., "a million nominal church members were reinvigorated, and more than a million converts were added to the membership of major Protestant denominations—out of a population of less than 30 million." If we want to partner with the heart of God to move in our midst, repentance is key. Take simple steps to introduce rhythms of repentance in your life. You never know. It might create revival in your personal life.

by Marilynn Chadwick Fervent, persistent prayer always precedes revival. Revival historians consistently point to what is sometimes called extraordinary prayer. This is united, persistent, and frequent prayer…often for extended periods of time. The Moravian Revival of 1727 started as a 24/7 prayer meeting that lasted for over 100 years. A group of humble, simple servants who were hungry to see God move. This same Revival gave birth to the most wide-reaching global missionary movement in history. The Moravians' fervent prayer deeply affected the personal faith of John Wesley, who said his heart was "strangely warmed" while attending a Moravian Prayer Meeting in London in 1738. It was there he came to understand the true nature of salvation by grace alone and moved from what he called the "faith of a slave" to the "faith of a son." Historically, revivals were always sparked by prayer. A British pamphlet on Revival, dated 1859, states, "True revival breathed life into every sphere of society. The Church, the family, personal devotion, witnessed its intense ardor. Fervent, persevering, believing prayer marked these movements." Prayer meetings were reported as springing up everywhere from ships at sea to warehouses, marketplaces to workplaces. What is now being called a revival on the campus of Asbury University in February of 2023 bears some characteristics of historic revivals. Sparked by the reported confession of sin by one student, the prayer gathering eventually lasted over two weeks. News of the revival largely spread on social media, attended by about 15,000 people each day. By its end, the revival brought 50,000-70,000 visitors to Wilmore, Kentucky, representing more than 200 academic institutions and multiple countries. As with any revival movement, only time will tell the full story of Asbury. One thing is for sure. Revival always begins with prayer.

by Marilynn Chadwick The dictionary defines "revival" as "coming back to life" or "increasing in strength or intensity." An Emergency Room doctor might revive a patient whose heart has stopped. While the word "revival" doesn't appear in Scripture, "revive" does. Psalm 85:6 says, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Isaiah 57:15b says, "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite." Clearly there are moments where God's people find themselves in need of restored hope, new life, fresh perspective. Episodes in the Bible and throughout church history, where Christians are revived, reveal a pattern. These movements were characterized by fervent prayer, repentance of sin, a commitment to holiness, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Unbelievers were saved in vast numbers and entire communities experienced the impact of God's grace. This often led to dramatic societal changes. Taverns emptied, crime decreased, and marriages were restored. Children were often found at the forefront of historical revival movements. These same marks of revival are present in the Gospel movements sweeping throughout the world today, especially in the Global South. Over the next several days, we'll explore these and other characteristics of revival – a timely discussion in light of what has now come to be known as the "Asbury Revival" on the campus of Asbury University in Wilmore, KY in February of 2023. Other college campuses across the nation have since experienced their own revival movements as well. We will be asking this question: If revival is real, then what does it mean for me?

by David Chadwick Jesus's final words came on the heels of two very important days that we in the Christian faith know as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. What made Friday so good? Because the cross secured our eternal life forever! Thursday and Friday paved the way for Jesus's last words to be released in power, precision, and purity…paving the way for a future and a hope for all who put their trust in him. Jesus was arrested at midnight in the Garden of Gethsemane. Note that in that moment, he could have called down a legion of angels (600 to be exact!) to help him. But he didn't. He had already submitted his life to the will of the Father: death on the cross. He knew he had to drink the cup of God's anger so we wouldn't have to do so. Jesus became the atonement for our sins. Isaiah 53:5 says that the chastisement that brought us peace was upon him! Think about the next hours of Jesus's life. Arrested and then graciously saved the ear of Malthus – performing miracles and healing in the midst of betrayal and rejection. Brought before Annas and Caiaphas and falsely and unjustly charged. He was beaten and mocked. Imprisoned for several hours. Brought before Pilate. Lashed 39 times by the Romans, which was often referred to as "intermediate death." A crown of thorns crushed down on his skull, mocking him as the king of the Jews. Abused by the crowds as he carried his cross to Golgotha. Nails piercing through his hands. A spear stabbed through his side. Six brutally long hours suffering on the cross. After bearing the punishment and chastisement, Jesus was taken down and placed in a dark and dank tomb! My dear friends, it should have been our tomb! All of Jesus's experiences should have been ours! And on top of all of the suffering and punishment for our sins, we also deserve an eternity in hell! We don't deserve the glory of the Lord apart from Jesus. But he did it all for us out of love. His love for us is SO great! Pause for a moment and think to yourself…I am in that tomb with Jesus. There is no hope for me apart from his resurrection power. Might it happen? In the darkness of this moment, do I realize the price he paid for me? Is there a power that can open the prison door and set me free? Might it come soon---in a day, or two, or three? Can I possibly live in hope that my sins are forever forgiven and God truly has a plan and destiny for my life? Now? Forever? The answer is "YES! Sunday's coming…!"

by David Chadwick Over the past couple weeks, we have been looking at some of the significant final words that Jesus spoke on the cross. But for the next two days, I want to go back a few days and look at the last hours in Jesus's life before he went to the cross and died. In church history we refer to today as Maundy Thursday. This was the day that Jesus celebrated his last supper with his disciples from probably around 6-10pm. They shared a long meal together, a Seder/Passover meal. Jesus's patience, long-suffering endurance, and compassion is seen as he washed the disciples' feet after they started arguing as to which one was the greatest (John 13:1-13). In John chapters 14-17, Jesus goes on to offer the high priestly prayer for his disciples. These same words would go on to encourage and champion disciples of Christ for all of time. After their meal, Jesus walked to Gethsemane. He went into the garden and brought Peter, James, and John with him. He wanted company, as we all need in times of trial. He went to pray for one hour. The disciples couldn't stay awake even for one hour of prayer! Their spirits were willing, but their flesh was weak. During this time, Jesus asked the Father if there was any way other than the cross. He simply couldn't imagine being separated from the Father for even a second. For all of eternity, since before the beginning of time, they had always been together. But the Father said "no." So, Jesus fully submitted to him. Think about this for a moment. We were all lost in a Garden called Eden, in Adam's rebellion in his sin, but we were saved in a Garden called Gethsemane. When Jesus submitted to the Father's will to go to the cross, the victory was won. Satan's last attempt to keep him from the cross failed. Make no mistake about it. Satan was in that garden, tempting Jesus not to drink of the cup of God's wrath. But Satan failed. Jesus won. And our victory was forever secure!

by David Chadwick When someone is about to die or is approaching the end of life, he or she usually shares words that are full of perspective, insight and purpose. There is something about nearing the end of the road that provokes people to say what they wished they had always said and to communicate things they may have missed the opportunity to communicate. Jesus's final words held the most significant meanings in all of history. We are looking at some of his final words. Here is what he said in Luke 23:46, "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit." Notice that Jesus acknowledged in that moment that he had a spirit. Yes, he walked in a human body with flesh and blood, but Jesus is a spirit! Jesus's identity is fully God and he lived with a soul and personality (mind, will and emotions) that were fully aligned with the Father's original intent. As he was nailed to the cross, breathing his final breath, he yielded fully into the Father's plan. He surrendered his life into God's hands and committed himself completely to the plan that had been established before the beginning of time. Therefore, when Jesus's body died, his spirit remained and still lives on today! That's why the Bible teaches that all people have eternity in their hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11). We have all been stamped by the image of God and have a spirit that will either be awakened to the reality of Christ or will remain asleep. Whenever someone dies, they will live forever – either in heaven or in hell. Because of Jesus's death on the cross, the Temple veil was torn. As a side note, there are some who believe it could have been several feet wide! Jesus's commitment to the Father's plan has now given full access to the Father to anyone who chooses to put trust in Jesus. Whatever need we have, we can now bring straight to the Father in heaven because of Jesus's death on the cross. If we follow Jesus, we can also be assured that our spirits will live forever. After this flesh and blood body dies, we are assured to have a new, perfect resurrection body that will live forever without pain, suffering, disease, or sin! Hallelujah for the Lord our God lives forever!

by David Chadwick Final words. Defined as "the final things said in an argument or a discussion." I love to think about all of the final words that Jesus spoke as he put an end to the argument of who would end up having the victory between him and Satan. Jesus's life, death, and resurrection settled the discussion once and for all when he took back the keys that Adam relinquished in the Garden of Eden. And now, because of the victory on the cross, he holds those keys forever (Revelation 1:18)! The finality of Jesus's victory is shown in these final words in John 19:30, "It is finished." What is the "it" that Jesus is referencing? It is his 33-year mission on earth, fully God and fully man, and sent purposefully by the Father to accomplish the work of salvation for mankind. The "it" is the assignment that the Father asked him to take on when he left the splendor of heaven to enter the squalor of this world. "It" is the battle that Jesus set out to win! "Is" is significant because Jesus knew of the present tense reality of the future hope. He did not say, "It will be finished," he said, "It IS finished." He lived out Hebrews 11:1, being sure of what was hoped for and confident of what was not yet seen. The present tense use of "is" was a display of his confidence and assurance. And then "finished." Completed. Accomplished. Finalized. Brought to fruition. The work was done. The battle had been won! Jesus met the righteous requirements of the law in every way (Romans 8:4). He lived in perfect obedience to everything the Father demanded and asked him to do. Where the first Adam failed in disobedience, the second Adam, Jesus, succeeded in perfect obedience to the Father's will. Our sin debt was paid in full. Jesus paid it all! All to him we owe. Our sins are forever forgiven. We need never fear death. All the Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in perfection. To be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:7) to the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 bearing our sins for his glory, now finished! On the cross, the Father's love manifested to us all.

by David Chadwick Have you ever spent the day at the beach on an especially hot summer day? Splashing through the waves for hours? After so much time in the salt, sand and sun, it is very common to feel very thirsty. Did you know that some of Jesus's final words in John 19:28 were, "I thirst"? I love the depth of this phrase. Jesus was most likely physically dehydrated. He probably had not had anything to drink for more than 18 hours. His last liquid was most likely at the Last Supper the night before. But he was probably also spiritually thirsty for all God was about to do! Think about the timeline of events he walked through. After going through an hour of prayer in the Garden, he faced arrest. He was beaten, imprisoned, and had a crown of thorns placed on his head. He endured intense mocking and was then forced to carry his cross to Golgotha. He was nailed to the cross. For six hours, from 9 am to 3 pm on the cross, he was pinned to the cross in a scorching sun with no option other than to await death. In his physical state, of course he would say, "I thirst." He was thirsty! But I think it goes beyond physical thirst. Why does this phrase make it into the council of Scripture? Why point out his thirst from the cross? First, I think these words emphasized that Jesus was totally divine. He perfectly hungered and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6) and lived the life that none of us could live. The divinity of Jesus is an essential piece of the Gospel as that is the only way that he could forgive us of our sin. Secondly, these words emphasized that Jesus was totally human. He experienced real human sensations, emotions, and temptations. While totally divine, he did not consider "equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself" and took on a servant's form. He completely understood what it felt like to be thirsty. Yet, remained perfect as he walked out his life. Only a perfect human life could be the substitute for us in our sin and pay the price for our sins. If Jesus walked this earth as a perfect human, then there is nothing we go through that he and God himself do not empathize with us and fully understand (Hebrews 4:15-16). From the cross, Jesus wants us to understand his divinity and total humanity. He understands the things we feel in every way…even our thirst!

by David Chadwick Jesus is the Word. Made flesh. Who dwelled among humanity (John 1:14). His words will go down for all of time as the most significant words ever spoken. They perfectly reflect the divine heart of God for the world. Here is another example of some of Jesus's final words on the cross. In Matthew 27:46, he said, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" Jesus was quoting from Psalm 22, a Messianic psalm. Many scholars believe that as a rabbi, Jesus may very well have quoted, at least under his breath, the entire psalm. Much of what happened to him on the cross was prophesied in Psalm 22. While we don't know for certainty if the entire psalm was quoted, we do know that the first verse was stated, making a clear claim that he was the long awaited Messiah. If we are to use the Word of God as a sword (Ephesians 6:17), how profound for Jesus to live by example and to quote the Word as he carried out his mission on earth. There was another even more significant meaning to these final words on the cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before he went to the cross, Jesus asked God if there was any other way to avoid having the drink of the Father's cup. In the Old Testament, drinking from the cup was always a reference to God's judgment being poured out on his enemies. Jesus knew that when he drank from the cup of God's judgment, he would absorb all sin upon himself, something too terrifying to comprehend. From eternity past up until that moment, the Son always had a perfect relationship with the Father. But when all the world's sin came upon him, he knew the Father would have to abandon his Son, if even for a moment. This is the reason Jesus stated this sentence of feeling forsaken. At that moment, all the world's sins came upon him and the Father could no longer have union life and perfect fellowship with his Son. But that was the price both the Father and the Son were willing to pay for our sins to be forgiven! What a glorious grace! It cost Jesus everything to perform this act of forgiveness and love. Because Jesus was forsaken, we are now forgiven! Hallelujah! What a Savior! What great love and grace Jesus displayed for us on the cross!

by David Chadwick Over the next two weeks, we are looking at some of the final phrases Jesus spoke while on the cross. Final words are very important. When someone is nearing the end of life, the words they release are usually incredibly purposeful and poignant. Anyone in the presence of someone who is approaching the end of life should pause and take note of what is being said as their words tend to be pretty significant. The most important final words ever spoken were spoken by Jesus. In John 19:26-27, Jesus said, "Woman, behold, your son!…Behold, your mother!" He was speaking to John, his beloved disciple. The word behold is powerful. It means "to gaze upon" or "to observe." In these words, Jesus was taking in all of the details of the needs around him, even in the midst of his excruciating death. Jesus wanted to make sure that his mom was cared for after he died. With profound love for his mom, at the point of death, Jesus honored one of the 10 Commandments to honor his mother. At that point, Joseph had already died and I suppose Jesus knew that she would need someone to care for her as she aged. John was not only Jesus's beloved disciple, but he was most certainly the youngest of all the disciples. Some think he could have been as young as 14 when he first decided to follow Jesus. Jesus's commission to John and Mary therefore pointed out the incredibly important gift of the biblical family. Over time, we learn that John did care for Mary. He took her to Ephesus where he pastored. Evidently, she became a pillar of that community of faith and the Ephesian church helped care for her, perhaps and especially when John was exiled on Patmos. Dear friends, family is so important. It should be fought for and cherished whenever possible. There is no greater gift than a family who is unified and yielded to Jesus and his principles. Even from the cross, Jesus was magnifying the importance of family, which is the microcosm of the greater family of God called the church. He highlighted the gift of caring for parents.

by David Chadwick "Today you will be with me in paradise." Some of Jesus's famous last words found in Luke 23:43. Did you know that when Jesus was crucified, he was placed on the cross in between two thieves? These two criminals were undeniably guilty of their crimes. According to Roman law, they were justifiably receiving their deserved death sentence. Their punishments fit their crimes. Yet their responses to Jesus were entirely different. In the presence of the Savior of the world, they had two very different responses. One thief, in his human pride, never acknowledged the Lord of love and his forgiving grace. He remained obstinate and impertinent to Jesus. He died and headed straight toward hell. The other thief, however, encountered the saving grace of Jesus in his dying breaths. He recognized who was in his midst and accepted the free gift of eternal life. His heart was softened, and he was repentant. This story has a profound impact on the gospel of Jesus. The repentant criminal proved that anyone can receive Jesus's gift of eternal life. Yes, even in his or her last breath. Grace means grace! Nothing can be added to it and nothing can be taken away from it. It's not based on works, so that no man can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, it is a free gift that Jesus gives because he is the Lord of love. While crucified on the cross next to Jesus, the repentant thief humbly received the gift of grace. Jesus responded to him with these final words, "Today you will be with me in paradise." When the thief died, he would immediately be with Jesus in paradise, where he would experience the restoration and perfection of heaven that will one day come to earth to restore everything back to its original intent. May all of us realize that Jesus's life, death, and resurrection is what allows us to be in his presence immediately after we die. There's no purgatory. No intermediary state. No holding place. Simply to be absent from the body is to be present with Jesus, as Paul clearly stated in 2 Corinthians 5:7. What good news from some of Jesus's final words on the cross!

by David Chadwick Jesus is the Word (John 1:14). Because of this, any words he spoke in Scripture are profoundly important. However, as we learned yesterday, the words leading up to someone's death are often very rich, purposeful and profound. I have found seven of Jesus's "last words" in Scripture. Let's look at the first one today. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). If you were following along with us, we just completed a series in March on the madness of unforgiveness. We learned so many truths about how bitterness and resentment that take root in our hearts can actually perpetuate madness in our hearts! I find it absolutely fascinating that Jesus's first sentence from the cross dealt with forgiveness. As he hung naked on a cross in front of his enemies, after experiencing painstaking betrayal, and in the midst of the most excruciating physical pain, he chose to speak to the importance of forgiveness. Jesus knew that the only ones truly hurt in unforgiveness are us. Jesus's plea to his Father to forgive those who put him on the cross was a statement of love, from the lips of the Lord of love, to remind us all that only love conquers hate. Only love opens the prison door of bitterness. Dear friends, remember what I shared with you from R.T. Kendall's teaching on forgiveness. He said that most people who have hurt us don't even know how badly they have hurt us! In fact, some research estimates that only about 20% truly understand what they have done, thus implying that 80% are clueless of the pain they've induced. Forgive them. Set them free. Let God do vengeance. He alone knows everything. He alone does perfect justice…and one day, justice will prevail! And what about 20% who clearly knew what they were doing when they hurt you and chose to do it anyway? Yes, forgive them too. Remember, it's primarily for your benefit that you forgive. And it's the heart of Jesus's message to us all from the cross!

by David Chadwick Over the next two weeks, I want to take you on an adventure to the cross. I want to look at the details, big and small, and help you understand the full meaning of Jesus's journey from the cradle to the cross. How are we going to do this? Each day, we will look at seven of Jesus's "last word" phrases that he spoke on the cross. Every word he spoke was rich in meaning, intentional, and purposeful. Words, in general, are powerful. But when you realize that John 1:14 says that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," and that Jesus IS the Word, the power of his words bear more weight than any human expression ever could. Often, when someone is about to die, they will speak their most important words to those loved ones standing around them. It's like the old joke says, "No one who is dying ever says, "I wish I would have spent more time in the office." Instead, someone nearing the end of life usually talks about his or her love for Jesus. And their spouse and kids. Their grandkids and sometimes even great grandkids. In Marilynn's 97 year old dad's case, if you were to spend even five minutes with him, he would gladly point out how proud he is of his kids, grandkids and GREAT grandkids! Then, they may talk about what they want you to remember. They may share last pieces of advice, last memories, last insights. The same thing was true of Jesus. His last words on the cross sought to give his followers great insights into his heart and to share the most important things with all of us before his death. We will spend the next seven days looking at these seven truths that he left us in his final words on the cross. Then, after hearing his final words on the cross, we will go back and relive his last words on the night before his death and then in the final hours on Friday leading up to his crucifixion and see what these hours may mean to us. Join us on this journey for the next two weeks!

by David Chadwick God can use it for good. No matter what has happened to you. No matter what pain you have experienced. No matter what pain has come your way. God can use it for good. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 is a remarkable verse that says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." In these verses, Paul is stating that when something bad happens to us, not only will we become more than an overcomer through Jesus (Romans 8:37), but we are also presented with a wonderful opportunity before us. What is that opportunity? We are now able to use what happened to us to help someone else who might be going through a similar experience. Nothing is new under the sun. Most difficulties that someone experiences has been experienced by someone else before – especially when it comes to rejection and/or people hurting one another. I am certain that there is someone somewhere who is going through something very similar to what you have gone through. Can I make a suggestion to you? Find those people who are experiencing the same pain you once experienced. Seek them out. Offer someone else your greatest gift: your time. And when you get together, listen. Be a friend who has empathy. Be someone who gives understanding.Then, give them some ideas on what helped you get through the mess that they are now experiencing. Tell them how God walked you through the fire. More than anything, share how you came out on the other side unburned, still intact, still alive and well (Isaiah 43:2)! This is one of the best ways to laugh in the devil's face when someone else hurts you. This is how to use what you have learned to breathe life into someone else. God can take anything that happens to us and use it to help someone else. Remember, Satan means it for evil, but God will always use it for good!

by David Chadwick As we continue to explore the madness of unforgiveness, there are many questions that pop up. Here is a really important one. What about the imprecatory prayers in the Psalms? For those who may not know, many of the Psalms have what are called "imprecatory Psalms", ones where David cried out to God because he didn't understand why his enemy had been able to wreak so much havoc on him. One example is Psalm 69:24. David cried out to God, "Pour out your indignation on them, and let your burning anger overtake them." If you want to explore more of the Psalms that fall in this category, go read any of the following chapters in the book of Psalms – 7, 35, 55, 58, 59, 69, 79, 83, 109, or 137. As you can see, there are quite a few! These imprecatory Psalms leave a lot of questions with regard to forgiveness! The seemingly violent pleas of David's heart are shocking. He leaves no stone unturned with regard to his true feelings toward those who had hurt him. So, as followers of Jesus, who are seeking to live as he called us to live, what do we do with this? Does this suggest that we should be angry with our enemies and seek God for revenge? Not at all. The imprecatory Psalms do two things. First, they show the honest pain of the person who has been hurt. And secondly, they show us how the offended person gives the situation to God and lets him resolve the situation. God does promise to do vengeance, both in the Old and New Testaments. But once again, what's the key here? It's HIS job to do it. Not ours. He alone knows all the facts. He alone knows the best remedy. Our job is to submit to his wisdom, knowledge, and plan for our lives. There is repayment to the wicked at the judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:6). Everyone will eventually get what he or she deserves unless he or she receives Jesus's forgiveness, grace, and mercy. Because of Jesus, we receive what we don't deserve – all the eternal blessings and benefits of believing in Jesus!

by David Chadwick Do you know what one of the ways is that you can be set free from the madness of unforgiveness? One of the ways you know you've truly forgiven? You don't feel pain when you see your offender! After you've been hurt by someone, there's a very good chance that you will still hear about them from others. You might even hear that they are doing well or prospering in one way or another. Or you might even run into them in public or at some event. It's inevitable. Here's a way you'll know you've forgiven that person. When you hear their name, or hear of some blessing or success they may have, or you do run into them at some occasion, your heart won't hurt any more. When this happens, you will know that their life has no more power or control over you. And at that point, you will know that you are truly free. This truth is at the heart of Jesus's command to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-44). While we were still Jesus's enemies (Romans 5:8), in rebellion against him, he still came to die for us. He didn't wait for us to become perfect before he went to the cross on our behalf. Forgiving those who have hurt us or forgiving our enemies is truly hard – especially when the pain is deep and profound. Maybe you had a spouse leave you. Or a boss fired you. Maybe you had a family member speak words of death over you. Maybe someone cursed you publicly. Maybe you even lost a loved one to a heinous crime. There are many offenses that take place in this broken world, some greater than others. But all require Jesus's supernatural love in us, flowing through us, to the offender. We can't do it in our own human strength. But Jesus can! As we allow his grace that forgave all our sins to live in us and move through us, we will become more set free. The more we know Christ's love for us, the more we will be able to give that love away to others, yes, even our enemies! You'll know it's real when you don't feel any more pain when someone's name is mentioned in your presence or even when they are in your presence. True forgiveness is experienced when the pain no longer holds you captive! You remember the situation, but are now stronger because of it!

by David Chadwick There are so many layers to forgiveness. It takes practice, patience, and a deep pursuit of abiding in the presence of God. While forgiveness is radical, it's not careless. God's heart in teaching us forgiveness is for our good. It's not to make us a doormat to other people's poor treatment of us. It's to set our hearts free from the prison that unforgiveness wants to hold us in and to keep us from the madness it creates! With that said, forgiveness does not equal forgetting. Sometimes we wrongly think that in order to forgive, we must forget. That only if we have completely forgotten something could there possibly be evidence of true forgiveness. But that's just not realistic! Not only is that the antithesis of how humans are hardwired to think and feel, I don't believe it's biblical. The Bible talks repeatedly about remembering and the power of memory. Psalm 103:2 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." God gave us a memory for a reason. In fact, he encourages us to recount and remember things God has done for us. To remember all of his past victories. If God did it once, he can do it again! So, why would he give us a memory if he expects us to completely forget our pain in order to forgive? I think there's another reason God gave us the gift of painful memories: so we don't get hurt again! He wants us to learn from our past situations and to grow in wisdom. If you have ever had a child touch something hot, he or she will usually never touch it again. Our memory often helps protect us from future pain. Remember, we are commanded to forgive. That's not optional. But God keeps the memory of the past alive within us for many different reasons, I think. First, to constantly remind us of God's grace, which takes us back over and over again to the cross. But secondly, to keep us from going back to the source of the pain. He wants to keep us out of toxic relationships. He wants to remind us of the kinds of people we should not trust. He wants to show us the kind of people we want and need in our lives. Forgive, but never forget! By forgiving, you are set free. But by remembering, you will learn a lot of valuable truths that you would never know without God's gracious gift of memory.

by David Chadwick 70 times 7. Jesus says that this is the number of times we must offer forgiveness to others. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Much of the entire chapter in Matthew 18 has to do with forgiveness. In Jesus's day, within Hebrew culture, the number of 7 represented the number of completion. Therefore, when Peter asked Jesus how often to forgive someone else, he inquired if God's idea of completion would be encapsulated in this question from Peter: "Are we supposed to forgive someone who has hurt us 7 times?" Jesus's response to Peter is compelling. He said, "I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times." Or, as we see in other translations, Jesus told Peter it wasn't just 70 times, but 70 times 7! What was Jesus saying? Was he teaching that on the 491st time we are now allowed to retaliate and respond with revenge? No! Jesus was teaching that 7 (the number of completion) extrapolated outward (to 70 times) means that we are to forgive repeatedly. Over and over again. In that moment, Jesus took Peter's understanding of completion within Hebrew culture and brought him up to a higher perspective of the culture of the Kingdom of heaven. He wants to do the same with us! When the offense and your offender come to mind, or someone reminds you of your pain or trauma, or you run into the offender at the grocery store and the pain returns, stop and pause. Remind yourself to forgive that person again. And again. And again. Jesus knew that most likely painful memories would recur. The good news is, over time, the pain will lessen. I think Jesus knew the reality of the human heart. He knew the quicker we respond with forgiveness, the less chance we have for bitterness to remain in our hearts, causing a root of resentment to reestablish itself. At some point, as we faithfully obey Jesus's teachings, the grace of forgiveness from Jesus to you will overwhelm the bitter feelings of what happened to you. The next time you hear something, see someone, or are triggered to be reminded of what happened to you. Pause. Remember. 70 times 7. Forgive once again. And eventually, the pain will go away.

by David Chadwick You might be thinking after reading this title, "Wait a second, David. You mean Jesus's teaching on forgiveness applies even to my enemies?" Yes! Now, take a moment and read Matthew 5:43-48. Jesus clearly taught his disciples to forgive their enemies. And he wants us to do the same! He knew that the natural instinct when people get hurt would be to retaliate with a bit more venom toward the offender. Retaliation always calls for just a bit more intensity, which makes the offended person's retaliation a little bit worse. And then the offender would feel even more anger. And on and on the cycle goes. Jesus wants us to learn how to break this cycle. To nip it in the bud. To not allow our anger to escalate. But how do we do this? Forgive! Forgiveness breaks the back of our offenders. Yes, even our enemies. You may think, "But David, I can't do this! This one is too hard." I understand your pain and can actually relate as I too have had a hard time forgiving my enemies. But do you remember Romans 5 that we discussed yesterday? While we were still God's enemies, he came and died for us. Pause again and think about that! We were God's ENEMIES! And yet he still offered us his forgiveness and grace. Let me state clearly here that this is not something we can do in our own strength. It's not natural. You can't muster up forgiveness toward an enemy without Jesus. Our natural inclination is to get even. To take revenge. To retaliate. But when we receive Jesus's love, it's a supernatural love. Where we can't, Jesus can! Because of Jesus, we can love our enemies by his love that is in us and flowing through us. Jesus's supernatural love is what allowed him to forgive us as his enemies. And that same love can give us the ability to forgive our enemies too! This is why the world desperately needs Jesus. His love, grace, mercy, and kindness can change even the hardest of hearts. Jesus wants to conform all of us to his image (Romans 8:29), from the inside out. That way, we can live as he lived. And love as he loved. Yes, even when it's our enemies. As he forgave us when we were his enemies.

by David Chadwick Today, let's walk through another good exercise that should help us understand more about forgiveness. Read Romans 5. Whenever I read the first part of Romans 5, I am immediately struck by the insurmountable grace of God. It truly is amazing. There is nothing like it in the entire world. We have peace and access to a hope in God that we never would have otherwise experienced (Romans 5:1-2). While we were still walking in sin and bound by folly, Jesus chose to die for us (Romans 5:8). Look at some of the words used by Paul to describe us in our pre-Christ condition in Titus 3:3. Foolish. Disobedient. Easily led astray. So unlike God in every way. Now look at how Romans 5 describes us before Christ. Ungodly. Sinners. Enemies. Rebels. Without Jesus, we are truly weak! We were ungodly. John 8:44 says this of humanity before meeting Jesus, "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires." Our innate desires before Jesus are to quest after Satan's ways, not God's. We were sinners. Do you know what the word sinner means? It means "missing the mark." When an archer would shoot an arrow at a target and miss it completely, the onlookers would call, "Sin!" God did have an original intent for all of us, a desired bullseye he wanted all of humanity to have. But we are the ones who have completely missed the mark. Way off course! We were enemies. Think on this one for a while. A synonym for enemies is rebels. We have led a revolt against the one who gave us everything. God gave us our lives. He gave us provision, possessions, fun, laughter, and vision for productive and fulfilling lives. But we rejected his rule. We wanted life on our own terms. But God. While we were ungodly, sinners, rebels, and enemies of God, he STILL pursued us. He STILL left heaven to come to us and die on the cross. He pursued us in the ultimate rescue mission that has marked mankind forever! God didn't wait for perfection before he expressed grace. Think about this. Now think about the person who has hurt you. Can you give to others the same kind of grace that you've received from Jesus? That's the essence of Romans 5. That's the heart of Jesus's gospel of grace.

by David Chadwick As Christians, can we judge people? We learned yesterday that the answer is, "Yes." However, there is a biblical way to do this. It must be done in humility and with the awareness that you, too, have sin that must be confessed. So, how do you go to someone who has hurt you? Let's take a look at Matthew 18:15. A real life example may look something like this. You have been offended. Someone hurt you in a very intentional way. Start off by asking yourself if you should step over this offense. One good question is this, "If I were to share this situation with a trusted, seasoned mentor, leader or pastor, would they confirm that this situation is too big to step over?" Sometimes, we make mountains out of molehills. Our minds can inflame problems that aren't actually that big. However, if after processing you recognize that the situation was so big, so hurtful, and so painful that it warrants a conversation, what should you do next? First, remember you don't want to judge someone with vitriol and anger. You may need to take some intentional time to remove the plank out of your own eye (Luke 6:31, Matthew 7:3-5). Settle your own heart and pray for humility, recognizing your own imperfections. Side note, this is a regular discipline that everyone should do. It is almost like an internal house cleansing that keeps all of us in touch with God's grace. As you remember how you, too, have hurt people before, ask Jesus for grace anew. Ok, now what? Jesus tells us to then go to the person who has hurt you. Not by text. Not by email. Not through a phone call. Not by a letter. Go to the person. Face to face. And have a loving sit down where you can share your heart. Ask to hear the other person's heart as well. And have mutual understanding, forgiveness, and even reconciliation. If the person blows you off or will not listen? Take another person. A trusted, mutual friend of you both would be best. Someone who can hear both sides and offer a path toward renewed friendship. And if the person still blows you off and won't meet with you and the mutual friend? Go to the elders of your church. See if greater measures of protection and discipline are necessary. Ultimately though, regardless of how things work out, you need to let this person go. Forgive them even if you don't feel like it. Release them to the Lord. Let God deal with them over time. If there is wickedness in his or her life, the Lord will deal with him or her. But you will be free! Free to love, free to move on knowing you have done all that you can do. Go live your life without regret and bitterness – the way our Lord desires all of us to live.

by David Chadwick When it comes to forgiveness, there are so many steps to carry it through to completion. There is a fine line between discerning clearly what is good from what is evil, and being able to fully release someone of the debt they owe to you. On one hand, you must maintain a measure of conviction when something bad happens to you because it allows you to rightly judge truth from error, which is a crucial skill to have while living in a broken world. But on the other hand, you don't want your rumination on the reality of your correct diagnosis of evil to take you deeper into the pit of unforgiveness. A question that often comes my way is, "Can I judge others?" Jesus talks about this in depth in Matthew 7:1-6. Some people, when hurt, are unable to step over the offense. As followers of Jesus, they don't know what to do with their pain, for they think they can't judge others. After all, in Matthew 7, Jesus said to judge not, lest we be judged. People often read this and think they should swallow all hurt and never confront any evil done to them. But this wasn't what Jesus was saying at all. Think about this for a moment. We judge people all the time. To protect ourselves. To rightly determine whether we can entrust ourselves to someone. To determine if we can trust what they are saying to us. So, what Jesus meant was this, BEFORE we judge someone, we must realize that how we judge others is how God will judge us. We set the standard and if it's hard, harsh, and unrealistic, then that's how God will treat us. Jesus also said that we must take the log out of our own eye before we try to take the speck out of someone else's eye. We must recognize how we have hurt others before we determine how they have hurt us. In prayer, ask the Lord to reveal these things to you. Read Galatians 6:1. It hints at this same idea, suggesting that you remain vigilant to watch over your own heart whenever you seek to restore a fallen brother or sister in the faith. After all, we are all susceptible to falling into sin. So, the answer to today's question is, "Yes!" You can judge other people, but it must be done with the utmost humility and awareness of your own sin. Tomorrow, we will look in greater detail as to how the Bible calls us to go to someone else who has hurt us.

by David Chadwick Forgiveness. It's one of the most powerful forces in God's creation. On the contrary, unforgiveness can easily hold people captive and destroy their lives. Let's keep looking at the madness of unforgiveness. What is the best way to stop unforgiveness? If possible, step over the offense. Proverbs 19:11 says, "Good sense makes one slow to anger and it is his glory to overlook an offense." Here is a pithy way that I like to remember this biblical truth. Offenses happen to us all. But good sense would say to step over offense! Some people will purposely offend us. Some do so unintentionally, without evil intent. But here's the bottom line: offenses do happen! People offend us. And we offend them. It's not a matter of if this will happen to us, but when. I truly believe the best way to handle most offenses, if possible, is to step over them. Notice I did say, "If possible…" I do recognize that sometimes the offense is so big, so damaging, and so hurtful that it needs to be confronted. There are certainly times where the only way to move on is to deal with the offender so that he or she can't do any further harm. However, if the offense is deemed to be manageable, if it is something that won't really hurt the friendship, if it's a silly conflict with your husband or wife, or if it's not something that would greatly harm the family or organization, it's always best to step over it. When you step over the offense, remember to give it to God. I like to repeatedly say to myself in these moments, "David, remember that love is not irritable. It isn't touchy. Or rude. Indeed, love really is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:5)." With Jesus's supernatural strength living within us, we truly can step over the offense. And move forward in enjoying life to the fullest!