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 12:4
5d 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
6d 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
1w 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
1w 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 →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:1-9, The Training of a King
2w ago00:04:33Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick Proverbs 31:1-9 was technically recorded by the unknown King Lemuel, but it is explicitly identified as an oracle, or "inspired message," taught to him by his mother. Therefore, the content and wisdom within these verses are traditionally believed by many scholars to be Bathsheba teaching her son, Solomon. We catch a glimpse into the heart of this mother who had prayed for her son and devoted him to the Lord. Let's look closer at 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. 2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! 3 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. 6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! 7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:1-9 NIV). The Queen Mother's words are instructions about the kind of king he should be. Like any good mother, she warned him about the dangers of immoral women and over-indulgence in alcohol. But her cautions appear to have had more to do with his calling as king rather than just mere morality. She challenges her son to use his power to help the broken, "speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves," and "defending the rights of the poor and needy" (Proverbs 31:3, 5, 8, 9). If King Lemuel's mother prayed for this son before he was born and during his lifetime, surely, she also prayed for his wife. So, the description of the Woman of Valor in Proverbs 31:10-31 could easily reflect her heart's desire for her son's future wife. And isn't this the prayer for every mother of sons? I'd like to think these verses also represent a mother's specific hopes and dreams for the kind of Woman of Valor that her daughters would one day become.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 31:2, A Queen Mother's Words for Her Son
2w ago00:04:58Tap to summarizeby Marilynn Chadwick "Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!" Proverbs 31:2 NIV For centuries, people have been fascinated by royalty. The Bible is filled with stories of men and women of noble birth whose lives had eternal impact. While we are exploring the world of kings and queens, let's go back and take another look at Proverbs 31. We have been discussing the characteristics of the Proverbs 31 woman, also known as the "Woman of Valor." To learn more about this incredible woman, read Proverbs 31:10-31, or check out our previous blog series by clicking here. In the first portion of Proverbs 31, verses 1-9, we find a set of instructions from an unnamed Queen Mother to her son who would be king. These words are the teaching of his mother to King Lemuel. Bible scholars are divided about the identity of King Lemuel. Many think Lemuel, which means "devoted to God," was another name for Solomon. Others believe it was a name for King Hezekiah. Some have concluded that King Lemuel is the fictitious representation of the ideal king. Whoever it was, he had a wise mother. Her words are regarded as prophetic words of Scripture, "an inspired utterance his mother taught him" (Proverbs 31:1 NIV). The Hebrew word massa, has a variety of translations in English Bibles. The word is rendered "prophecy" in the King James and Revised Geneva Translations. Massa is translated "vision" in the Wycliffe Bible, the first English translation hand printed in the 14th century. This same Hebrew word, massa, is translated "declaration" in Young's Literal Translation in the 19th century. Proverbs 31:1-9 is one of the few Bible passages that clearly attributes its content to a woman's teaching and explicitly records it as Scripture. The word in this verse translated as "taught" implies much more than mere verbal instruction. It can mean "to chasten, reprove, discipline, correct, or instruct." This kind of training implies continual reinforcement. It doesn't happen quickly and best occurs within the context of a close relationship, such as a mother with her children. King Lemuel's mother begins her prophecy by referring to her son as the "answer to my prayers" (verse 2). In the verses that follow, she teaches him important life lessons about how to behave in a kingly manner. The passage serves as a sober admonition to parents to guard our children against the very same vices the Queen Mother knew would destroy a leader's character and reign. It's also a reminder for moms and dads to take seriously our responsibility to not only train, but to pray for our child and grandchildren, as well as the generations to come! 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 11:30
2w ago00:04:48Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise." Proverbs 11:30 Do you know what the word "righteous" means? It is defined as "someone acting in accordance with divine or moral law, free from guilt or sin; being morally justified, upright, or virtuous." When a righteous person lives righteously, the fruit of that person is a tree of life. Not only for themselves, but also for all those around them. Others will want to be righteous as well. And like the tree of life in the garden of Eden, the fruit of the righteous man or woman gives life forever. A righteous life multiples righteousness for generations to come. Our God is a righteous God (Psalm 11:7, Psalm 119:137, Ezra 9:15). His character is perfect righteousness. In fact, Psalm 145:7 says that God is righteous in ALL of his ways. As you may have heard me say, "I looked up 'ALL' in the dictionary. Guess what it means? ALL!" Hebrews 12:28 says, "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." When those of us who are righteous in Christ live righteously, we are advancing an unshakeable, eternal kingdom that never fails. What is the most righteous act that people who follow Jesus can do? The capturing of eternal souls! After all, there is nothing we can take with us into eternity except our eternal souls. And when we arrive in heaven, we will spend eternity with those who we helped come to know Jesus. Those whose eternal souls have been redeemed forever. And they will forever thank us for helping them get to heaven. Make sure you keep first things first: the salvation of people's eternal souls. Pray today for the harvest. Luke 10:2 says that the harvest is plentiful - the souls are many - but the laborers are few. May we pray EARNESTLY for the Lord to send out laborers into his harvest!
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:24-25
2w ago00:04:31Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." Proverbs 11:24-25 Our verses from Proverbs today perfectly describe the spiritual law of reciprocity: whatever you give out, you get back. Much like the physical law of gravity, this law is immutably woven into the universe. If you jump off a building, you will fall to the ground. Nothing in the universe, except God sovereignly intervening on your behalf, can keep this from happening. This universal principle applies to money as well as other possessions (verse 24). When you practice generosity, you will experience generosity in return. None of us should give in order to get something in return, but inevitably, when you give generously just because you love Jesus, God will end up giving back to you. But it also includes giving out time, talents, love, grace, mercy, and compassion. This truth can also apply to relationships. As my mom used to say, "If you want to have friends, be a friend!" It really is true. Whatever you give out relationally, monetarily, or emotionally will be returned to you as well. In Luke 6:38, Jesus himself said to "give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." I love it when the principles of the Old Testament are reinforced by Jesus in the New Testament, showing us that all of Scripture is woven together to lead us and guide us in all truth. Today, give this principle a try. Freely give a blessing to another person. Give a moment of hope. Then watch as your life becomes more enriched because of your obedience.
Transcribe →Our Favorite Proverbs: Proverbs 11:22
3w ago00:04:35Tap to summarizeby David Chadwick "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion." Proverbs 11:22 For a moment, can you picture a gold ring in a pig's snout? It's a sight that looks and sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Well, that's because it is! In Proverbs 11:22, Solomon says, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion." What a dramatic illustration! But it's true. Solomon makes the comparison of a beautiful woman without discretion and without personal character to a pig with a nose ring. Do you know what discretion is? It's wisdom, shrewdness, care, and prudence. It's a woman who has caution and tact, who thinks before she acts. Someone who considers the impact of decisions and brings thoughtful contributions to the table. It's a woman who is modest and doesn't flaunt herself in vain to the world. But in the world's eyes and especially in American culture, what is the main emphasis for women? Outward beauty. Our society focuses on image. Physical appearance. Success. Fame. Money. There is not a high value for integrity, honesty, and inward character. My dad used to always tell me, "Marry a beautiful person more than a beautiful woman." Fortunately, in my humble opinion, I got both. But the inner beauty is of far greater value in the kingdom than external beauty. No matter how much plastic surgery or how many collagen injections a woman may receive, outward beauty will always fade. Only the inward, godly, Jesus-filled character of a woman is what lasts forever. To further this point, another proverb in Proverbs 31:30 says, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." With each passing day, the inward attributes of this kind of woman become more and more beautiful. If you are a man, pursue a woman of discretion. And for you women out there, seek to be a woman of discretion. Instead of trying to find the right person, become the right person!
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