Podcast
A Moment of Hope
Hosted by David and Marilynn Chadwick with Jenn Houston · EN
Begin your day with a "Moment of Hope." This podcast is a compliment to David and Marilynn's weekday devotional - providing deeper insights and encouragement. Featuring Jenn Houston.
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Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 3:5,6 - God's Wisdom Brings Peace
Yesterday00:05:27Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6 Trusting God's wisdom influences how we work and how we rest. Yesterday, we saw how taking a day off, a Sabbath, is a tangible way of relying on God's provision rather than on our own continuous labor. Plus, it's simply good for us as humans. I've recently noticed both men and women who are increasingly overwhelmed by their workload, as they balance jobs, caring for families, housework, exercise, and even church. Work hours and stress are up, and sleep and family time are down for all classes of employed Americans, according to recent studies. The book of Proverbs speaks about the work/rest rhythm ordained by God. As we trust the Lord with every area of life, he promises to make our "paths straight." How does Sabbath keeping, this once-a-week rest, bring much needed peace to those who embrace it? I've been drawn to Jesus's promise of rest after observing some very "exhausted souls" lately. Exhaustion can manifest itself as anxiety, depression, illness, or addiction. You may be working harder, running faster, accomplishing more, but who's watching out for your soul? Let's take a moment to reflect on these words from Jesus himself: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30). Since the time of ancient Israel, Sabbath-keeping has been life-giving for God's people. I wonder if Sabbath-keeping—in whatever ways we choose to practice it—might help set us free from the weight of unhealthy expectations and lessen the anxieties of fast-paced living? Sabbath is more than just a ritual or regulation. For Christians, Sabbath is designed by God to be a way of life. "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience" (Hebrews 4:9-11). Sabbath makes space for nurturing our families, our church, and our communities. Sabbath-keeping also helps us care for our souls in an age when many are thirsty for inner peace. And just maybe it could help us reconnect with God and with one another.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 9:10, God's Wisdom Gives Rest
2d ago00:05:34Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:10 NIV The "fear of the Lord" brings wisdom that far exceeds our understanding. After all, God knows humans better than anyone. From the very beginning, he ordained a Sabbath. So, it would make sense that living according to God's wisdom and taking one day off every week would strengthen every area of life—our work, our rest, and our relationships. I'm reminded of the time David and I were invited to teach a marriage seminar to a gathering of young couples. We each made a separate list of our "Top Ten Marriage Tips." However, we decided not to reveal the results of our lists to one another until the moment we actually presented the message. It was fun to compare the different habits and insights we each felt had strengthened our marriage. When it came time for "the reveal," turns out David and I had chosen exactly the same "Number One Marriage Tip." It was simply this: Take one day off together every week. In other words, "Keep your Sabbath." Ironically, this was the very same advice our first ministry-couple mentors had shared with us way back when we were newlyweds. We took their advice to heart and many years later, we still take our day off together each week. If you factor it over our 48 years of marriage and ministry, together, that's well over 2000 Sabbaths! We have landed on some practices which make this day special, fun, even holy. We look forward to our weekly ritual of enjoying our favorite coffee in a quiet setting surrounded by nature. Often, we journal our specific prayer needs and give thanks for answers to prayer. Sometimes we enjoy a great movie and special treats. But it's more about the regularity of our Sabbath than any specific ritual. God seems so very present on those sacred, sanctified, set apart days. Our weekly Day Off has become more than simply time away from work— it is a "want to," not a "have to." A gift of grace. God knew what he was doing when he created Sabbath rest. Over the years, as we have followed his wisdom and not our own, these weekly Sabbaths provided life-giving boundaries and created space for our marriage and children to flourish. What are some practical ways you can begin to practice God's "rhythm of rest?" For more inspiration and insight on how to cultivate a flourishing marriage click here to download a free copy of 8 Great Ways to Honor your Wife by David Chadwick and 8 Great Ways to Honor your Husband by Marilynn Chadwick.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10,30
5d ago00:04:56Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels." Proverbs 31:10 "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30 Let's wrap up our week by looking at two verses from Proverbs 31 that describe a godly wife. As you may know, Proverbs 31 is an entire chapter dedicated to describing a godly woman, or as the Jewish culture describes, "a woman of valor." What makes an excellent wife? She is a true woman of valor. Her heart is for you, and her life's allegiance is to Jesus. She loves Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind, and might. She desires a biblical, Christ-centered marriage–one that lasts forever with the back door locked from the outside. For you men, this kind of wife is FAR more precious than jewels. She chooses to love all the days of her life. This is a woman who is far more valuable than your financial portfolio. Yes, even if you have millions of dollars in it! Again, yes, an excellent wife IS hard to find. But don't give up. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Keep searching for her. Keep praying for her. And when she is found, don't ever let her go! As you watch and wait, also realize that a woman may possess great charm, winsomeness, and beauty, but this is NOT the foundation upon which you build a long-term, Christlike marriage. Outward beauty fails and eventually fades away. As my dad once told me, "Son, marry a woman with beautiful insides more than beautiful outsides." He knew that outward beauty, outward "stuff," fades. But inward beauty will never fade. Indeed, it will only grow and grow! I'm fortunate to have married a beautiful woman inside and out. But it's her inward beauty that I value most. And that beauty has only grown and grown through the years. This is what all men who follow Jesus should find most attractive. Picture yourself still holding hands with your spouse and with Jesus after decades of Jesus's grace and love filling your hearts. It's an eternal legacy every follower of Jesus should desire!
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 19:14
6d ago00:05:18Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord." Proverbs 19:14 Today's proverb makes it very clear that prudence is a characteristic of a godly wife. The word "prudent" means "to act with or show care, wisdom, and thought for the future, particularly in managing practical affairs or avoiding risks." The verse starts off acknowledging that a home and financial wealth can come through family inheritance. While fathers, especially, most often work incredibly hard to create a generational blessing and legacy for their children and grandchildren, it is the Lord who gives a prudent wife. A prudent wife is a gift from the Lord. She is wise, careful, self-restrained, and diligent. A woman like this is a "grace gift" from God. Whereas fathers may leave house and wealth, this verse implies the Lord gives a man a prudent wife to know how to increase the family's assets because of her prudence. While not fearful or anxious, a prudent wife calculates decision-making with purpose and precision. She brings wisdom to home management, investments, and financial oversight. She offers good perspectives on decision-making. She is able to process alongside her husband in regard to how to make the best decisions for their family and their future. In our home, my Marilynn has overseen a lot of family management, which has been a special blessing to me. Her wise and prudent oversight has not only brought about family and financial favor, but her prudence in this area has freed me to do the ministry God has called me to do. Without her, I'd be nothing. For you men, while a home and wealth are wonderful gifts to leave to your children and your children's children, the best gift you can leave to the world is a prudent wife, someone who pours into and blesses your home in intangible ways.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 18:22
1w ago00:05:00Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22 Today's proverb is found in Proverbs 18:22. It says finding a good wife finds favor from the Lord. First, take note how God calls marriage "a good thing" in his Word! As the Creator of the universe, God has intentionally woven his goodness throughout all of creation, marriage being one of those things. Secondly, in today's verse, notice that it's one man who finds "a wife." One wife. It does not say multiple wives. Do you think Solomon may have learned his lesson on how hard it was to have multiple wives? This verse certainly makes you wonder. The emphasis on "one wife" refers back to the beauty of Genesis 2:24 and God's original intent. "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Since the beginning of time, God's design for marriage has been two people in a long-term, committed, forever, heterosexual union. Not only is this God's will, but when marriage is done his way, it becomes something over which God rejoices. And is beautiful beyond words. This kind of lasting marriage brings God's favor. It brings his blessing. It invokes miracles. It is a union in which God's power and presence reside. Now, after almost 50 years of faithful marriage to one woman, I see this truth more than ever. I can look back over my life with Marilynn and see God's presence and providence in so many different areas. I see where his guiding hand blessed us in so many different ways because of our faithfulness to him and to one another. We chose to forgive when we were angry. We kept moving forward in our callings when we wanted to give up. We have seen his divine power flow to and through us as we have sought to reach a broken world with the gospel of Jesus. Our marriage truly is a "good thing." If you are married, I pray that your marriage experiences the goodness of God and shows his goodness to others for generations to come.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 12:4
1w ago00:04:52Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones." Proverbs 12:4 Excellent is defined as "something possessing outstanding quality, superior merit, or being remarkably good." Shame, on the other hand, is "a painful emotion driven by the belief that you are fundamentally flawed or unworthy." In this verse, God lays out two options of the kind of wife someone can find. Almost like a fork in the road, this verse clearly shows what happens if you go one direction versus another. One direction leads to honor. The other leads to death. If he chooses poorly, a shameful wife brings rot to a man's bones. This woman is not just shameful with her words, but also her actions. She does not think before she speaks or acts. She lives solely for herself and makes decisions for her own benefit. A shameful wife makes decisions through the lens of selfishness and sin. On the other hand, however, think about what a crown represents. Royalty. Glory. Honor. Prestige. Influence. So a man who marries an excellent wife will be marked by her excellence. A wife of good character will make her husband feel like a king. She will not only lift him up and make him feel important both to her and the home, but she also has good character herself, which means she will represent him and the family well in the public eye. All of this brings tremendous honor to his name. An excellent wife doesn't bring shame to her husband in any way, especially with her words. She also knows how her words can bring him down and deeply hurt their relationship and therefore uses words of affirmation to build up her husband. The same principle holds true for a husband's words to his wife! Words themselves either encourage excellence or shame. This is what the Bible calls an "excellent wife." She is beyond reproach. The kind of wife a husband is so proud to be married to. I have such a wife and am indeed a very blessed man.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 5:18
1w ago00:05:08Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth." Proverbs 5:18 This week, as we continue to look at some of the many proverbs that teach us how to live a righteous, godly, and successful life, we are going to focus specifically on some of the qualities of a godly wife. Proverbs 5:18 says, "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth." There seem to be two major directives here. Let's take a look at them together. First, "Let your fountain be blessed." This implies that the love that a husband has for his wife is worthy of blessing. There is an overwhelming, almost intoxicating love that a husband is to have for a godly wife. It can also imply the fountain of love that produces children is a large blessing as well. There is nothing better than a home where deep love exists between husband and wife, one that increases year to year. This kind of love produces an environment of grace, which allows kids to grow up in a healthy home and be raised as Christ followers. If a man's life is a fountain, finding a Godly wife makes that fountain blessed and fruitful in every possible way. Secondly, this verse seems to imply that husbands should regularly rejoice in the wife of their youth. This immediately speaks to the gift of a long-term marriage! One that lasts for decades. Where in old age, a man can reflect and rejoice in the wife of his youth. Where memories are shared and make each other laugh. Where love only grows with each passing year. I most certainly have such a wife. I have such a marriage. And I celebrate with her an almost half-decade-long marriage, with a "fountain" of three kids and 12 grandkids; I am truly a blessed man. I am so thankful to be married to this kind of woman! For you women out there, seek to be this kind of wife. And for you men out there, seek to be the kind of man who finds a wife in whom you can rejoice. Study God's Word and follow along with me this week as we learn about five attributes of a godly wife found in the book of Proverbs.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:10, Mighty Men and Women of Valor
2w ago00:04:58Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick "Who can find a woman of valor..." Proverbs 31:10 OJB "The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor." Judges 6:12 ESV In this series, we caught a glimpse into the heart of the Queen Mother (Proverbs 31:1-9) as she fervently prayed for her son who would one day be king. We saw this same heart displayed by Queen Margaret of Scotland as she prayed for and trained her own children, some who also became kings during the 11th century. But here's a startling truth: If we believe in Jesus, we are sons and daughters who are a royal priesthood. Royalty is no longer reserved for priests and kings or those born into royal lineage. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are part of God's royal family. "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). Yes, we are God's royal priesthood. Citizens of a kingdom not of this world—a kingdom that dwells in our heart. As we live in that newness of life, our good works bring glory to God. "Dear friends, I urge you… Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God..." (1 Peter 2:11,12). God sees within each of us the courage and strength he put there. Let's look at how the Bible portrays a man named Gideon. The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said to him, "The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12 ESV). God called Gideon to save all of Israel during one of the darkest times in their history. And yet, Gideon felt afraid and utterly without strength. His own family was a mess. "How can I save Israel?" he cried out to God. "My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family." God replied, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?" (Judges 6:14,15 NIV). Maybe you struggle with inadequacy and fear like Gideon did. Perhaps God is whispering to you right at this moment as he whispered to Gideon: "The Lord is with you mighty warrior, man or woman of valor. And because I am with you, you will have strength to prevail!" God's words to us are the same words he spoke to Gideon. "Because I am with you, you will defeat your enemies." Let's dare to learn what it means to trust God and become strong warriors for his kingdom. Now, more than ever, our world needs courageous men and women of valor who are willing to boldly carry God's love into a broken world. There is a place—a household and a community somewhere—that desperately needs your love. There is a cause that has your name on it. Our greatest mission is to reach the world for Christ. Let us become men and women of valor who dare to do something courageous for God. Perhaps we'll discover unexpected courage as we step out in faith to give life to others. Today's Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. Click here to order your copy today!
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:8,9 - The Real Princess Diaries, Part 2
2w ago00:05:07Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9 NIV Continued from yesterday… Just as the Queen Mother in Proverbs 31 diligently instructed and prayed for her son that would be king, Queen Margaret of Scotland taught her own sons in 11th century Scotland. So respected was Margaret for her wisdom that King Malcolm placed her in charge of all Scotland's domestic affairs. She was often consulted on other state matters as well. Malcolm could neither read nor write, so Margaret read him stories from the Bible. Her example had an impact on Malcolm's entire reign, helping him become 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 with King Malcom. Margaret worked to strengthen the church in Scotland and helped change areas that needed reform. She also encouraged ordinary Scottish people to live as faithful Christians, emphasizing prayer and a holy lifestyle. Margaret helped bring a more refined culture to the somewhat barbaric Scotland of the 11th century. She promoted the arts and education and encouraged traders from other lands to bring beautiful articles of clothing and furniture to the people. She even introduced the tartan plaids, the distinctive costume for which the Scots are known. Biographers depict Queen Margaret as a strong, pure, noble character, who had great influence over her husband, and through him over Scottish history, especially in the area of reforming the church. Some called her "The Pearl of Scotland." In 1250, Pope Innocent IV canonized Margaret as a Saint, acknowledging her life of holiness and extraordinary virtue. When we consider Queen Margaret's vast service to Scotland, we should also notice the impact she had on her eight children. Besides educating them, 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 did with King Malcolm, she is said to have influenced her sons to become just and holy rulers. Queen 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. Strong in faith, kind to the poor, wise in matters of culture and trade, devoted to her family, Queen Margaret of Scotland gives us an example of true nobility. Her life of daily abiding in Christ and giving her life away to others influenced her husband and children, as well as all of Scotland. Who can measure the impact on all of Christendom, because of the life of this one Woman of Valor? Today's Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. Click here to order your copy today!
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:4,5 - The Real Princess Diaries, Part 1
2w ago00:04:15Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick In Proverbs 31, we catch a glimpse into the heart of the Queen Mother who had prayed for her son and devoted him to the Lord. Clearly the Queen Mother saw the potential dangers of royalty even more clearly than her son. She also knew she was raising a world changer. Let's continue our look into the teachings that were foremost in her mind as she trained the son who would be king: "The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him. 'It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights'." Proverbs 31:4,5 NIV 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. It was easy to be mesmerized by the land of castles, kings, kilts, and battlefields. Years later, while writing the Woman of Valor, memories of Queen Margaret came flooding back to my mind. Perhaps you'll agree with me that Margaret embodies much of what we have seen in the Proverbs 31 Woman of Valor. Her story takes us back to the Middle Ages. Margaret of Wessex was an English princess born in Hungary to Princess Agatha of Hungary and English Prince Edward the Exile around 1045. Her parents fled as exiles 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. Several years later, Margaret and her mother, along with her two siblings, were forced to flee, once again, for their lives 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. We've been learning about the strong influence a Woman of Valor can have on her own family. We see such an example in Margaret, a deeply committed Christian whose faith influenced the rather uncouth Malcolm. He turned his heart to God, largely because of his wife. The couple had six sons and two daughters and raised all to become strong followers of Christ who transformed 11th Century Scotland. To be continued tomorrow… Today's Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. Click here to order your copy today!
Transcribe →