APRIL 2019

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT

A ministry of TODAY WITH MARK JOBE President of Moody Bible Institute

Have You Been Born Again? John 3:16 is perhaps birth, a spiritual birth. He said that unless the most memorized you are born again you can’t see the verse in the entire kingdom of God. Bible. I’ve seen “3:16” posted at football Jesus challenged the belief that you games, on the back could ever become good enough for of trucks, even on God. Many still today assume that their T-shirts and hats. I first learned it as religious tradition or even their respect a child in Sunday school: “For God so for Jesus or the Bible will guarantee loved the world that he gave his one them entrance to heaven. But Jesus and only Son, that whoever believes told Nicodemus, a respected religious in him shall not perish but have eternal leader, that he was missing something. life” (John 3:16). Without a spiritual rebirth, “no one can enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). This famous verse was first spoken This rebirth is possible only through faith during a private nighttime conversation in the message about the Person and between a very religious individual and work of Jesus (John 3:16). Jesus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, one of the strict religious groups that existed We are all sinners in desperate need of in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. a Savior. Salvation comes only through He was also part of the Sanhedrin, the death and resurrection of Jesus. the highest council in the Jewish Because of who He is and what He has government. Yet this very religious, done for us, anyone who believes in important, and educated man was Jesus Christ will have eternal life. God struggling to understand Jesus’ teaching gave His only Son, His most precious that we must be born again. Certainly possession, so that our sins would be Nicodemus had a valid question. How fully paid before God. can anyone be born a second time? God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, died and As a parent, I remember every single was resurrected so you and I could one of our children’s births. Our experience new life. He came for you. birthdays are listed on every important He came for me. He came so we could document. It is the moment that marked live. If you haven’t done so already, will our entrance to this world. But what you receive this most important gift Jesus referred to here was a second today? n

•800˜ 356™6639 THEOLOGY MATTERS by Dr. John Koessler

The Gifts of Grace he New Testament word for Grace itself is also a gift. The New gift (charisma) has often been Testament concept of grace includes T translated as grace. All God’s the idea of a dynamic power that gifts reflect His grace, and the fact enables those who have been saved that they are gifts means that they to live the Christian life and serve God. are free and cannot be earned. The The apostle Paul saw this power as New Testament’s theology of grace is the explanation for his own successful rooted in the Old Testament idea of ministry. He worked harder than others God’s favor, which is shown to those because the grace of God was “with” who do not deserve it and cannot help him (1 Cor. 15:10). themselves. Our efforts to serve God are like the The psalms often plead for grace or gifts a child might give to a parent God’s favor. This might take the form of using money that the parent has a cry for comfort in a time of affliction, provided for the purchase. The gifts forgiveness for sin, or rescue from we give to God are really a kind of one’s enemies (Ps. 25:16–20). Usually re-gifting. Both the opportunity and a power disparity exists between the the ability to serve Him are matters of one who shows grace and those who grace. Because of this our efforts are experience it. (In human relationships not really our own. They are a result of this is often the action of a superior God working through us (Gal. 2:8; Eph. toward an inferior.) But the theological 3:20). This is God working in us “to will concept describes God’s gracious act and to act in order to fulfill his good of providing for those who look to Him purpose” (Phil. 2:13). The Christian life for help. is a life of grace from beginning to end. We enter it by grace, live it by grace, God’s grace is the foundation of the and receive rewards at the end by Christian’s salvation. We are saved grace. n not because of the righteous things we have done but because God has shown us mercy through Jesus FOR FURTHER STUDY Christ (Titus 3:5). Salvation is by grace To learn more, read All of Grace because it is a gift. by C. H. Spurgeon (Moody Publishers).

TODAYINTHEWORD.COM FROM THE EDITORS by Jamie Janosz

Share the Word! Encourage others with Twitter, or Instagram and share truth Today in the Word from God’s Word with your friends Would you like to share online. Together, we can scroll into Today in the Word with something more hopeful. others? We have free countertop displays of Send God’s Servants Today in the Word, with to a Hurting World 25 sample copies of our Did you know that more than 49,000 devotional in each box. Moody alumni live and serve across These displays are perfect to share at the globe? Moody education is donor your church, business, or maybe even supported. Your gift to Moody helps at your local medical office! You can send students into the mission field or request your displays by contacting a ministry position following graduation. us at (800) DL MOODY. We hope you will join us on April 16 Share the Word on Social Media for Moody’s Launch a Leader Giving Social Media can be overwhelming Day. We are asking God to provide these days. We’d like to add some $300,000 toward students’ tuition. Will biblical encouragement to your timeline. you help Launch a Leader? Send your Find Today in the Word on Facebook, gift today! Visit launchaleader.com.

A Thankful Farewell Please join us in thanking Heather Moffitt who has faithfully served as managing editor of Today in the Word for 20 years. As Heather moves into new endeavors of her life, we want to express our appreciation of her leadership and her work to deliver a high quality monthly devotional that offers theological depth accessible to all. Heather has recruited excellent authors and edited Today in the Word issues of in-depth studies of books of the Bible and Bible characters, as well as some fascinating topical studies such as Take and Eat: Food and Faith in Scripture (February 2015), I Want: Where Desire Belongs in the Life of Faith (September 2014), and Animals in the Bible (May 2011). She has also authored many studies over the years, including God Works in Humorous Ways (March 2010) and Our Identity in Christ (April 2016). Thank you, Heather!

‘800’ 356”6639 VOLUME 32 • ISSUE 4

MANAGING EDITOR Heather Mo’tt SENIOR EDITOR Elena Mafter CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jamie Janosz Every Good and Perfect Gift John Koessler WRITER Jamie Janosz O. Henry was a master of short stories with unexpected ART DIRECTOR endings. The Last Leaf, published in 1907, tells the story Lynn Gabalec of a young woman dying of pneumonia. Her friend, an GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Larry Bohlin, Rachel Hutcheson old artist, painted his “masterpiece”—a leaf on the ivy MARKETING & PRODUCTION plant outside the young woman’s window. This leaf gave Paul B. Currie her a hope, a will to live and to overcome her fatalistic MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE notion that she’ll die when the last leaf is carried away PRESIDENT by the winter wind. Only when the woman recovers Mark Jobe does she find out what a gift of love her friend had given INTERIM PROVOST John Jelinek her. And in a typical O. Henry twist, she also finds out EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT that the artist had caught pneumonia while painting the Mark Wagner leaf in the cold and died. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Greg Thornton CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER This tale, as well as countless others in literature and Ken Heulitt through history, echo the biblical narrative of God’s CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Samuel Choy gift of love and salvation. This month in Today in the Word we’ll read about God’s gifts: His divine wisdom, VICE PRESIDENTS Tim Arens His creation, His hope, and His faithful provision. We’ll Larry Davidhizar thank Him for giving us His Holy Spirit and the gifts of Jim Elliott Bruce Everhart the Spirit that equip us for ministry. And above all, we’ll Doug Hastings Frank W. Leber Jr. praise Him for the gift of eternal life and the ultimate Bryan O’Neal gift of His Son who gave His life on the cross. Paul Santhouse Heather Shalley (Interim) Janet Stiven We pray that God’s gift of sacrificial love will fill you Debbie Zelinski with gratitude and hope this month. Thank you for TRUSTEES using Today in the Word as a Bible study guide. Christopher Denison Orbelina Eguizabal Thank you for supporting this ministry! n T. Randall Fairfax (Chairman) Mark Flannery Thomas S. Fortson —Elena Mafter, Senior Editor Manuel Gutierrez Mark Jobe Paul Johnson (Emeritus) James Meeks Moody Bible Institute is the sole publisher of Today in the Word, copyright David Schipper © 2019 by Moody Bible Institute. All rights reserved. Please direct all Today Julianna Slattery in the Word inquiries to Donor Resource Management, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Richard E. Warren Chicago, IL 60610. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, Richard Yook NIV®, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible®, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Printed in the U.S.A. Today in the Word is published monthly. Printed on 30% recycled paper.

TODAYINTHEWORD.COM READ JAMES 1:1 18

MONDAY Every good and perfect gift is from above, APRIL coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 1 James 1:17

The Giver of Good Gifts Peter and Mary Frey are both graduates his letter by urging his brothers and from Moody Bible Institute whose video sisters to choose joy. blog, The Frey Life, chronicles the ordinary events of their lives, whether This advice may seem surprising and checking into the hospital or running even offensive to someone enduring errands with their service dog. Mary, hardship. How can we react to difficult who has endured a lifelong struggle circumstances with an attitude of with cystic fibrosis, daily chooses joy. joy? The answer lies in our identity as No matter what health issue confronts children of God. Trials test our faith in them that day, both Peter and Mary God and produce perseverance and exhibit faith that shines. Their vlog has maturity (v. 4). Tests of God are different been an encouragement to thousands from temptations. James explains that of viewers facing similar trials. God never tempts or tries to lure us into sinful behavior. He may provide tests or Our study this month is celebrating challenges, but He does not entice us “every good and perfect gift” (v. 17) we to sin. have from God. It may surprise you to find we begin by discussing suffering. We serve a good and faithful God, the James is writing to “the twelve tribes giver of life and the provider of all good scattered among the nations” (v. 1). things. Unlike the variable circumstances Scholars believe God’s people had been of our lives, our God never changes scattered due to persecution and were (v. 17)! And when we walk through the being targeted for their beliefs. James most difficult circumstances of our lives, clearly knows and understands their we can put absolute trust in His faithful difficult circumstances, but he begins provision.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US What better way to begin this study than by Dr. Mark Jobe, Moody’s president, starting a “thankful list”? As we consider God’s welcomes your prayers as Launch gifts to us, let’s list the things God has given to us a Leader, a special fundraising campaign for student tuition personally. Take a moment each day to write one begins today. May God lend or two things for which you are thankful, down to Dr. Jobe wisdom and grace in the tiniest detail. Keep a running list throughout leadership of all Moody Bible this month and cultivate a heart of gratitude. Institute’s ministries.

6 TODAY IN THE WORD READ LUKE 11:113

If you then . . . know how to give good gifts to your TUESDAY children, how much more will your Father in heaven APRIL give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 2

Asking Our Father Ricky Smith’s 14-year-old daughter who He is and His purpose in our lives Nevaeha had found the perfect dress (v. 2). We ask for His provision (v. 3) and for her school dance, but her family express our dependence on Him. And, simply could not afford it. Ricky took on finally, we ask forgiveness for our sins additional hours at his three jobs so he and confess our willingness to forgive could purchase it. He hid the dress in a others (v. 4). garment bag, bringing it to the fast food chain where he was working. When Jesus tells His disciples to ask God, Nevaeha opened the bag, she jumped their heavenly Father, to supply their into her father’s arms, hugging him and needs. As God’s children, we are to ask sobbing in joy. “To see the look on her with boldness and confidence. Consider face was priceless,” said Ricky. the illustration in verses 5 through 8. The owner gives bread because of the If good parents desire to give their “shameless audacity” of the request (v. children good gifts, how much more 8). Jesus assures us, “Ask and it will be does our heavenly Father desire to give given to you” (v. 9). good things to His children? Today’s verse follows a discussion with Jesus’ As our Father, God wants to give us disciples about how to pray to their good gifts that will help and not harm heavenly Father. us. If we ask for an egg, He will not give us a scorpion. Best of all, He has The Lord’s Prayer, often said given us the Holy Spirit (v. 13), not as corporately in churches, provides an a temporary gift that will pass away, order to the way we communicate with but as One who will abide with us to our heavenly Father. We acknowledge preserve and protect us.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Giving gifts is one way we show appreciation Dr. Jonathan Armstrong serves for those we love. Our gifts do not need to be as the director of the Center for expensive; a small thoughtful gift, especially Global Theological Education. Please pray that God will provide when offered at an unexpected time, can be him and his team with many especially meaningful. Consider giving a small gift opportunities to use their gifts, of appreciation to someone today—maybe even training, and resources in His wrapping it up—and surprising that person. service.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 7 READ GENESIS 2:423

WEDNESDAY Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of APRIL the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. 3 Genesis 2:7

The Breath of Life Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation, formed the heavens and the earth “in better known as CPR, dates to 1740 all their vast array” (v. 1). His magnificent when the Paris Academy of Sciences handiwork included the sun, moon, and officially recommended a mouth-to- stars. He had designed a multitude of mouth method of resuscitation for living creatures and abundant foliage. victims of drowning. But it did not gain But the creation of man and woman popularity in the United States until stands out among these creative acts endorsed by the military in 1957. In 1972, as unique. a man named Leonard Cobb began mass training efforts in Seattle, Wash., But the giving does not stop with life; showing more than 100,000 people God gives three additional gifts. First, how to give the breath of life. Adam was given a vocation. He was placed in the Garden of Eden and When God formed man from the very given the task of caring for God’s dust of the ground, He did something creation and naming each animal extraordinary. He breathed into Adam’s (vv. 15, 19). Second, Adam was given nostrils “the breath of life” (v. 7). It was provision (and a warning): while he God’s breath that transformed man into was allowed to eat from any tree a “living being.” What an amazing gift in the garden, there was one from God gave at that moment: the gift of life. which he should not eat (v. 17). And As Acts 17:28 says, “For in him we live third, he was given a companion, and move and have our being.” Eve (v. 18). Adam recognized this extraordinary gift when he said, The creation of human life was the “This is now bone of my bones and finale of God’s creative work. He had flesh of my flesh” (v. 23).

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US How is your thankful list going? As you consider Include Dr. Bryan O’Neal in your the gifts God has given you, be sure to add the gift prayers today. He serves as the of life. Your very existence is dependent on God VP and dean of Moody Bible Institute Distance Learning and Himself. Thank God for the air that you breathe as a professor of theology. May today and the magnificent life blood that runs God provide him with insight and through your body. You are indeed “fearfully strength to handle the work set and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). before him.

8 TODAY IN THE WORD READ PSALM 139:1 16

For you created my inmost being; you knit THURSDAY me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you APRIL because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13–14 4

God Knows You Pregnant mothers are given a That knowledge should both comfort fascinating chart detailing the stages us and provide a reminder that God of growth of their unborn child. For is watching. Nothing we do or say is example, in Month 1, circulation begins hidden from Him! and the tiny heart beats 65 times a minute. The baby is only about a We cannot escape His watch. There quarter-inch long. In Month 2, the is nowhere we can travel or hide that baby’s facial features develop with will shield us from God’s presence little ears, fingers, toes, and eyes. and awareness of our being. He is omniscient, all knowing. That quality Today’s psalm is a gift in itself—one of can be disconcerting if we have great comfort—as it details the intimate something to hide but comforting when relationship we have with God, our longing for His guidance and protection. Creator. As the psalmist says, “you know me” (v. 1). God knows you better Verses 13 through 16 speak directly than anyone else. to our creation. God formed us in the womb (v. 13). Just as He was God knows your actions. He is intimately involved in the creation of intimately acquainted with what you do, Adam and Eve, God was intimately day in and day out. “You know when involved in bringing you to life. You are I sit and when I rise” (v. 2). He knows a magnificent creation—“fearfully and when you leave your house and when wonderfully made” (v. 14)—as wonderful you lie in bed at night asleep (v. 3). He as any of His works. All of our days are knows your behaviors and the words written in God’s book, even before we you speak even before you utter them. were born (v. 16).

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US If you are anxious, today’s psalm should provide Today we ask that you remember incredible comfort. We can trust our future, and our Bible faculty in your prayers. every detail of our life, to the God who formed us Thank God for Andrew Schmutzer, Benjamin Wilson, Eric Redmond, and cares for us. He holds our future in His hands, Ernest Gray, and Gerald Peterman. and our days are written in His book “before one These professors have dedicated of them came to be” (v. 16). You can cast all your their lives to equipping the next cares on Him because He cares for you. generation for ministry!

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 9 READ GENESIS 17:1 8; 15 22

FRIDAY APRIL I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. 5 Genesis 17:6

An Unexpected Gift What will you be doing when you are (v. 2). Abram should continue to walk 99? While the average life expectancy with God and follow Him. At age 99, has increased to 76 for men and 81 his life was not over—God had plans for women, most of us cannot begin to bless him with an extended family. to imagine what happens in today’s passage. God appears to Abram, just God gave Abram a new name, Abraham before his 100th birthday, and tells (v. 5). Sarai became Sarah (v. 15). Their him that he will be the “father of many new names marked this important nations” (v. 4). moment, as God promised the unexpected, to make them the father God precedes that surprising and mother of “nations” (vv. 6, 16). announcement with a few statements. First, He declares that He is “God What an astonishing gift: to learn in Almighty” (v. 1). The name God Almighty their old age that they would receive comes from the Hebrew El-Shaddai, what seemed impossible—the gift of meaning “sufficient” or “enough.” a child. Their dream of one child was Another definition suggests that we multiplied beyond their imagination. serve a “bountiful” or “exuberant” God. Notice the response of the couple to Before God makes this announcement God’s promise. In verse 17, Abraham fell to Abram, He reminds him that He is down and laughed! Certainly this was more than enough to supply Abram’s a shocking and unbelievable promise. needs and to give more than expected. God does not work in ways we expect, but He is able and willing to bless us Second, He instructs Abram to “walk beyond our imagination. before me faithfully and be blameless”

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Do you believe God can do big things, even Again, will you pray for Moody’s beyond what you imagine? Abram and Sarai never Bible faculty? Thank God for John expected that God would bless them with a child Goodrich, Matthew Monkmeier, Michael Wechsler, Ronald Sauer, in their old age. Most of us tend to ask God only and Steven Sanchez. May they for things that seem realistic. Pray to the Lord God continue to faithfully train and Almighty, El Shaddai, asking Him for the deepest equip students in the power of the desires of your heart. He is bountiful and sufficient! Holy Spirit!

10 TODAY IN THE WORD READ ACTS 17:1634

SATURDAY For in him we live and APRIL move and have our being. Acts 17:28 6

The Gift of Knowing God A great number of people today Paul pointed to an altar in their midst consider themselves agnostic, meaning with the inscription: T• A– U–—–•˜– they don’t believe there is enough G•™ (v. 23). To the crowd gathered, evidence to confirm or deny the Paul suggested they should know the existence of God. British philosopher true God they are worshiping. God, said Bertrand Russell explained the Paul, is the Creator (v. 24). He made difference between a Christian, an the world and everything in it. God atheist, and an agnostic: “The Christian does not need us to exist. In fact, the holds that we can know there is a God; opposite is true: He gives us breath the atheist, that we can know there is and life (v. 25). He shapes our lives and not. The Agnostic suspends judgment, gives us purpose. He “marked out their saying that there are not sufficient appointed times” (v. 26). grounds either for affirmation or for denial.” God gives the extraordinary gift of life: “For in him we live and move and The apostle Paul, in today’s passage, have our being” (v. 28). This view of addressed the people of Athens who God as our Creator changes how we considered themselves religious but see and worship Him. Paul said that did not believe in the Christian God. As since God has made Himself known to the text notes: “the city was full of idols” us, we have a responsibility to repent (v. 16). Paul was attracting so much and follow Him. The response to Paul’s attention by talking about Jesus that sermon was mixed. Some “sneered” a group approached him to ask for an while others wanted to learn more explanation (v. 20). (v. 32).

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Each of us probably knows people who consider Pray for Dr. Larry Davidhizar themselves atheists or agnostics. As God brings who serves as vice president those friends or family members to your mind and dean of faculty at Moody. May God provide him with today, pray for them. Ask God to reveal Himself to wisdom and clarity as he them and to open their eyes to see His truth. Ask oversees important academic that He provide a way for you to share with them, decisions and cares for the just as Paul did, that you know who God is. faculty and students of Moody.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 11 READ JOB 5:816; 37:213

SUNDAY APRIL He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside. 7 Job 5:10

The Gift of Abundant Creation According to Charity Water, an on this Earth. How beautiful to consider organization whose mission is to provide that each raindrop is a gift from God clean water to people worldwide, 663 (5:10). The water so many depend on for million people in the world live without life has been given by the Creator. clean water. That means 1 in every 10 people, or twice the population of the Eliphaz also suggests that God’s care United States. Most live in rural areas. extends beyond provision for the natural In Africa, women spend 40 billion hours sustenance of creation. He also protects every year walking to get water. Access His people. Because God is in control, to clean water gives them a more as the creator, giver, and protector of life, abundant life. even “the poor have hope” (5:16).

In today’s passage, Job is wrestling with Near the end of the book of Job, God’s injustice for the turn his life has taken. His nature is described further. Chapter 37 friend Eliphaz counseled him: “If I were says we should “listen to the roar of you, I would appeal to God; I would lay his voice” (v. 2). God is depicted as a my cause before him” (5:8). Why seek mighty force unleashing lightning and counsel with God during these most thunder (vv. 3, 4). He commands the difficult moments of life? Because of the snow and determines the rain that falls. abundant character and nature of God. God’s power, as well as His love and care, are revealed in the natural world God has shown His nature by performing that He created and controls. This miracles and wonders (5:9). He has passage finishes with a reminder that demonstrated that He is the great the very water of the earth shows God’s provider who ensures life is sustained love (v. 13).

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US We often take God’s gifts, His provision for us, for Mollie Bond has filled many vital granted. Today, let’s focus on water. Every time roles at Moody and currently you take a drink of water, turn on the faucet, wash serves on the Foundations and Corporate Relations team. May a dish, or take a shower, thank and praise God. she experience God’s leading We often focus on what we don’t have instead of as she reaches out to Christian on what God has given. Let’s thank Him today for organizations and ministries. water and the way He sustains us.

12 TODAY IN THE WORD READ PSALM 33:115

MONDAY By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, APRIL their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6 8

Filling the Earth with Unfailing Love Astronauts in space are often often awed by the beauty we see awestruck by their first lofty view of the around us in the skies, oceans, and Earth. Neil Armstrong, the first human mountains. And how astounding that to walk on the Moon, said, “It suddenly all of this was spoken into place (v. struck me that tiny pea, pretty and 6)! The knowledge that God could blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb “breathe” the world into being inspires and shut one eye, and my thumb reverence. God is powerful. Whatever blotted out the planet Earth. I didn’t He commands is obeyed (v. 9). feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.” The psalmist also rejoices that we have In today’s psalm, the author is been given an intimate and loving awestruck not by his view of earth relationship with God. He is not only but by his vision of God our Creator. a powerful Creator but He also knows Here we are told to “sing joyfully,” to everything we do (v. 15). Praise, then, “praise,” and “make music” (vv. 1–2). is the only appropriate response. The We are to offer God our very best earth is filled with His goodness. singing and we are to play instruments skillfully. We were created to praise While His nature is evident for all to Him. Verse 4 explains why: “For the see, many choose not to acknowledge word of the L•–— is right and true; he Him. What an encouragement to sing is faithful in all he does.” Our singing is with gusto our praise of God, the the perfect response to God. creator and sustainer of life who has chosen to love and know us! In creation we see the faithfulness of God. Like the astronauts, we are

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Let’s join the psalmist today and “sing joyfully” Would you pray for Mark Wagner, to our Lord and Savior (v. 1). Perhaps you prefer to Moody’s chief operating officer sing alone in the car or in the shower. Maybe you and executive vice president? Moody has operated and can join with others and sing a simple hymn before ministered successfully over the dinner or listen to one of your favorite praise years due to faithful and talented songs and sing along. No matter how or when, servants of God like Mark. give God the honor and glory He deserves!

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 13 READ PSALM 65:913

TUESDAY APRIL The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. 9 Psalm 65:9

God Fills and Feeds Us For centuries, people have celebrated that none of this would exist without the the beginning and the end of harvest care and provision of God Himself. They season by offering thanks to God for had grain because God “ordained it” His provision. Churches would hold a (v. 9). Verse 11 speaks of the bounty and special service titled Lammas, during abundance of God’s provision. The word which farmers brought loaves of bread bounty in Hebrew is also used to denote from their first crop to use during the blessing or benefit. A king’s table is Communion service. Together they described as bountiful—not only lavish offered thanks to God for the harvest. but also blessing those who feast there. The word bounty has the connotation In today’s psalm, the author gives thanks of generosity and is used in Scripture to to God for the land and for everything emphasize the incredible generosity of that grows on it. The nation of Israel was God. We are not given meager portions; an agricultural society. Everything in we are given an abundance of provision their lives rotated around the production because we are children of God. of the land. The author acknowledges that while the people might work the The author compares the provision land, God is the ultimate provider. of God to being clothed. The earth is carefully adorned by God; the hills are Notice the repetition of the word you “clothed,” the meadows are covered by throughout this psalm, referring to God. the “flocks,” and even the valleys are “You care for the land and water it,” “you “mantled” with grain (vv. 12–13). The drench its furrows,” “you soften it with earth is dressed to its finest with God’s showers” (vv. 9, 10). People in the fields, gift to us, the bounty of His blessing. working under the hot sun, were mindful

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Have you ever stopped to thank God in the Today, will you remember grocery store? Maybe we need to offer a moment Moody’s Campus Post Office in of thanksgiving over our shopping carts! We often your prayers? Thank God for its staff—Anthony Harper, Brenda act like the items in our pantry came about by our McLemore, Bryant Rueda, and own effort. We forget that everything we have is Nga Tran—who benefit Moody’s ultimately provided by the Lord of the harvest. whole campus by providing Today, thank God for His abundant gift to you. efficient and timely mail delivery.

14 TODAY IN THE WORD READ EXODUS 16:130

WEDNESDAY Then the LORD said to Moses, APRIL “I will rain down bread from heaven for you.” Exodus 16:4 10

Food from Heaven If you or someone you love served in Moses that He would supply their the military, you may be familiar with needs with quail in the evening and the acronym MRE, “Meal, Ready to Eat.” manna in the morning (v. 12). The In 1963, the Department of Defense manna, a sweet, honey-like grain, began developing a food ration that would carpet the desert floor each would utilize modern food preparation morning and could then be ground technology to create a lighter version into fresh bread. What an amazing of canned goods. The dehydrated gift from God! meals are stored in pouches and accompanied by a flameless heater God also gave a few restrictions. First, that allows meals to be prepared and they were not to hoard the supplies, served no matter the conditions. keeping extra for themselves. Rather they were to believe that God would For the Israelites, finding daily rations be faithful and that He would daily was becoming increasingly difficult. supply their needs—which He did for Having fled Egypt, their supplies were 40 years (v. 35). If they kept extra, it running low. Time spent on the journey would become infested with maggots meant that what was left was probably and rot (v. 20). Of course some did inedible. How could they continue not listen, did not trust God, and hid without nourishment? God took notice supplies. The second rule was that when the Israelites grumbled. they were not to gather manna on the Sabbath. We must understand God’s There is no doubt that God heard faithfulness. He can and does meet His people, for He appeared to the needs of His people. He is reliable them in a cloud. He informed and true.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Yesterday we thanked God over our pantry Again, we lift up to God our or shopping cart; today let’s thank Him while Campus Post Office staff: Richard preparing a meal for His faithful provision. Tatina, Samuel Ramos, and Victor Perez. We are thankful for this Consider the worries you currently face about team’s Christlike attitude, despite tomorrow. The God who supplied the Israelites handling a great deal of mail and with daily meals for 40 years can care for your busy days at the office. concerns. Trust Him with those today.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 15 READ MATTHEW 6:2533

THURSDAY Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow APRIL or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 11 Matthew 6:26

The Gift of Daily Provision Stacey Utecht, a Moody alumna, gave keep an eternal mindset. While we live up her job to follow God’s leading. This and work in this world, we are citizens meant financial risk, but God provided. of heaven. While we share the same “Yesterday, my pastor shared how concerns as our neighbors, we can be God provides for His people. Today, certain of the Lord’s care and I had friends in town visiting. Before a guaranteed eternal future. we parted, they put an envelope in my pocket saying they wanted to bless “Therefore” we should not worry (v. 25). me. When they pulled away, I saw it God, our faithful provider, values us and was $1,000. God saw my need and was will provide for us. Just like the Israelites, extravagant in meeting it. I share this to we tend to forget this truth. We believe encourage you if you are also in need. we are in control and responsible for God is able!” our own destiny. This passage reminds us that God will provide down to the Today’s passage addresses worries we smallest detail. face on a daily basis about our finances and other needs. The word therefore Verse 28 asks: “Why do you worry means you should look at what came about clothes?” God is concerned about before. Earlier in Matthew 6, Jesus what you eat, drink, and wear! God as teaches His disciples the Lord’s Prayer, our Father knows what we need and reminds them to store up treasure in will provide. Rather than let our heart heaven (v. 19), and calls them to serve worry about temporary needs, we are to God rather than money (v. 24). Why does shift our focus to “his kingdom and his Jesus turn our attention from prayer to righteousness” (v. 33). This alone is an worry? The earlier verses remind us to antidote to worry.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Writing down your worries is one way to relieve Ken Heulitt is Moody’s chief stress. Today, take a moment to make a list of financial officer who oversees the worries on your mind, whether small or large. many vital financial decisions that affect the media and education Then, use this list to pray, giving each worry to branches at Moody Bible Institute. God. Not only does He care for you, but He alone May God bless Ken and his team holds your future. Tell your heavenly Father the with wisdom and discernment in concerns weighing down your heart. their work.

16 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 1 TIMOTHY 6:619

Command those who are rich . . . FRIDAY not to be arrogant nor to put their hope APRIL in wealth . . .but to put their hope in God. 1 Timothy 6:17 12

Our Abundant Provider Although the chances of winning the Everything we have belongs to God. lottery are more remote than getting When we are connected to God, we struck by lightning, millions of Americans realize He alone is our provider. God regularly purchase tickets for the chance not only ensures that we have our basic to claim a windfall of cash. Even more necessities of food and clothing but surprising is the number of winners who so “richly” provides for us that we also have discovered that being suddenly experience “enjoyment” (v. 17). We find wealthy does not guarantee happiness. joy in putting the things of God above the things of this world! Today’s passage reminds us that concentrating our efforts on being rich Recognizing this abundance from God in this lifetime is misguided for the motivates us to be generous. Rather believer. In fact, we are to “flee” from than setting our sights on acquiring that way of thinking. We are instructed an enormous bank balance, we share instead to pursue “righteousness, whatever we have been given with godliness, faith, love, endurance and others. Our treasure is really not ours gentleness” (v. 11). Paul is not necessarily at all! We are citizens not on this earth saying that being wealthy is wrong; but of heaven (v. 19). rather, he suggests that the problem lies in the “love of money” (v. 10). We Our pursuit of godliness should be are not to fixate our efforts on wealth. combined with a deep sense of gratitude and contentment for what God The reason Paul rejects a love of money has given. By recognizing our eternal for the believer is that it shifts our purpose, we will have a healthy attitude focus away from who we are in Christ. toward our earthly possessions.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Generosity reflects the heart of God! Paul As you pray today, please include challenges us to be content in what we have and the names of Alice Leighton- to give generously to others. Consider a way you Armah, Annita Smith, Eunice Childress, and Michael Duong in can apply this truth today. Perhaps you can give the Controller’s Office. Thank God money or your time to help someone in need. Why for their diligence, attention to not contact your church or a local ministry to find detail, and financial expertise! out if there is a need you are able to fill?

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 17 READ PSALM 18:129

SATURDAY APRIL You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. 13 Psalm 18:28

God Is Our Faithful Provider If you’ve ever seen the sun rise over as death entangles, overwhelms and the ocean, you know it is breathtaking. confronts him (vv. 4–5). When we face Over the darkness of the horizon, significant trials, it can certainly feel like you see a tiny pinpoint of light. Then, the problems take on a life or character steadily and surely, the light rises of their own. But those problems pale and the point becomes a circle. The in the face of the mighty God, our entire sky is transformed by this redeemer and rescuer. David believes fireball of light. People often burst into God can and will rescue him. When spontaneous applause at the sight of believers pray, God hears and reacts a sunrise. What a magnificent reminder (vv. 6–10). God does not sit passively by of God’s daily provision. and ignore our call. He takes dramatic action against David’s enemies and While today we are focusing only on rescues the one He loves: “he rescued the first portion of Psalm 18, the entire me because he delighted in me” (v. 19). psalm celebrates God’s faithfulness. The first verse sums up the Psalm: “I David’s reference to the Lord as the one love you, L‡ˆ‰, my strength.” David had who keeps his lamp burning has special been delivered from his enemies and significance in that culture. In the days from Saul, whose intent was to take his before electricity, light depended on life. Here David sings praise to God, oil lamps. Without oil, the lamp would who consistently comes to his rescue. not burn, and the owner would be left in complete darkness (see 2 Kings 4). David’s situation was so severe that God is a faithful provider. He is always he teetered on the brink of death. listening, always faithful, and always Note the poetic description he uses, supplying our needs.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US When we are in distress, we often turn to our Please pray again for the family or friends to share our grief or anxiety. Controller’s Office, adding Linda David reminds us that we should first and foremost Wahr, Marya Preston, Robert Jones, and Roger Sipes to your cry out to God. He is faithful! He provides light for list. May the Lord encourage them each day, and He cares deeply for us. Praise God with His love and care as they for His faithful provision. Even as the sun rises study the Bible together during each day, God will be present for us. their department devotions.

18 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 2 CHRONICLES 1:717; 1 KINGS 4:2934

God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, SUNDAY and a breadth of understanding as measureless APRIL as the sand on the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29 14

A King’s Request In the story of Aladdin, a young man for knowledge. Wisdom is marked by finds a mysterious and tarnished golden obedience to God. “Wisdom makes one lamp. When he rubs it, a genie appears, wise person more powerful than ten granting him three wishes. In that rulers in a city” (Eccl. 7:19). Knowledge moment, Aladdin’s world is changed refers to the accumulation of facts. As because he has the ability to receive one person said, if you have knowledge whatever his heart desires. but no wisdom, you are merely a walking encyclopedia. While knowledge might Maybe you have wondered what you help you win at the game Trivial Pursuit, would request if you had the opportunity wisdom brings discernment and helps to receive anything your heart desired. put knowledge into action. In today’s passage, God gave King Solomon the opportunity to make such God granted Solomon’s request: a request. His answer may surprise you: “wisdom and knowledge will be given Solomon asked for wisdom. you” (2 Chron. 1:12). But God also gave the new king unprecedented Solomon was now king, taking over wealth, possessions, and honor: 1,400 from David his father. The people he chariots, 12,000 horses. Gold and silver would lead were “as numerous as the were “as common in Jerusalem as dust of the earth” (2 Chron. 1:9). Surely stones” (2 Chron. 1:15). The request for the prospect of this responsibility was wisdom was met with great pleasure daunting, so Solomon asked: “Give by God. It was an indication (at least in me wisdom and knowledge” (2 Chron. the beginning) that this king not only 2:10). Wisdom is referred to throughout wanted to rule but that He wanted to Scripture, and it is not just another word follow God.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Today ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to direct your Greg Thornton, senior vice path and guide your steps. Ask Him to help you president of Media, will be make the best choices and decisions for your grateful for your prayer support today. Ask the Lord to guide future, and even for your day. Before you step into his efforts and bless the fruit any confusing situation, take a moment to pray for of his ministry at Moody. May God’s wisdom. Just as He granted King Solomon’s many know the love of the Lord request for wisdom, He can grant yours today. because of Greg’s faithful work.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 19 QUESTION AND ANSWER by Dr. Rosalie de Rosset, Professor of Communications and Literature

Many have debated the It’s because I care that I judge reality of hell. Will God their work as less than worthy if it Q release those who do not is irresponsible or substandard. A believe in our Lord Jesus Christ? student’s niceness or generosity is And what about those who practice not the issue. The standard is. humanitarianism? They aren’t mean people; they just don’t practice The familiar verses in John 3:16–18 Christianity. are plain: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that The biblical answer to your whoever believes in him should not question as to whether God perish but have eternal life. For God A will “release those who do not did not send his Son into the world to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ” is yes, condemn the world, but to save the and that includes everyone who does world through him. Whoever believes not believe in the reality of personal in him is not condemned, but whoever sin and in the truth of Jesus Christ’s does not believe stands condemned death and resurrection to atone for sin already because they have not believed before a holy God. The watering down in the name of God’s one and only Son.” of the doctrine of eternal punishment occurs not because of some newfound Someone asked the question understanding of Scripture. Instead, it in our Bible study group is the result of minimizing the doctrine Q about the kind of body the to satisfy the current desire for a user- believer would have in heaven if she friendly theology, to accommodate died right now. She expected to take people’s feelings, rather than insisting her current physical body to heaven on an absolute standard. It also with her as Jesus did at His ascension. shows a diminished understanding of The teacher agreed. Is this correct? the holiness of God, a holiness that should inspire awe in us and fill us with We know from Scripture that caution. One of my theology teachers in Jesus Christ is the “first fruits” seminary once said, “It matters to God A of those who have died (1 Cor. what we do and what we believe.” 15: 20, 23), so He is the example of what will happen to those who believe. To illustrate, as a teacher, I have a Thomas touched the physical body of standard I expect from my students Christ after He was resurrected (John because I care that they be well- 20:27). Furthermore, Job said that “in educated and responsible individuals. my flesh I will see God” (Job 19:26).

20 TODAY IN THE WORD Gratitude is a discipline of the spirit that we must cultivate and practice.

The answer depends on what is meant Probably many of us have by “current.” If your teacher means that wondered the same thing, How we will have the same body, she is right. A often have we in our relief after When our bodies are resurrected, there an answer to prayer just kept going will be no discontinuity between our without acknowledging the wonder of bodies and our resurrected selves. This what happened? We give ourselves so comes as a profound comfort to those many reasons for failing to say thank who have lost family and friends. We you. In fact, we are living in a time when will know each other. Paul writes that writing thank-you notes even for things “the dead will be raised imperishable” like wedding gifts or generous financial, (1 Cor. 15:52). Our bodies are an integral emotional, or physical help is the part of our identity. If, however, by exception, not the rule. “current” your teacher means the body is resurrected in the state that it is on A friend who has been in cancer earth, she is wrong. How depressing it treatment puts it this way, “While I’m would be if our bodies were resurrected thankful I finished my last treatment with all the marks of aging, sickness, and that my doctor says I’m in re- weakness, or other flaws that come mission, I find I want more instead with being human. That’s what the word of focusing on being thankful. I want imperishable means, followed by the to be back to normal; I want my hair assertion that “we will be changed.” and my eyelashes and my eyebrows Imperishable means, first of all, back. I want my fingers and toes to no “honorable, trustworthy, good, virtuous,” longer be numb. I want to be doing my and in a second definition, “not subject responsibilities like I used to. I want to death or decay.” Paul is declaring that to feel energetic. I want, I want.” She both the characters and the bodies of summarizes her thoughts about that believers will be perfected. story by asking two questions: “Do you think the lepers had been beaten down When I look at the story of so long that once they experienced the ten lepers whom Jesus some normalcy, they rushed to enter Q healed in Luke 17:11–19, I real life quickly? Is it possible they were wonder how nine of those lepers thankful in their hearts but forgot to could have been so ungrateful and practice it in the moment?” Of course thoughtless since they had been we don’t know. What we do know is delivered from so much. How could simple but profound: Gratitude is a they not even think to come back? discipline of the spirit that we must cultivate and practice.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 21 READ ECCLESIASTES 2:1726

MONDAY APRIL To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. 15 Ecclesiastes 2:26

The Gift of Wisdom King Solomon was the third king of Ecclesiastes repeats the theme that Israel. Known for his incredible wealth life “under the sun” is vanity. By and power, Solomon reigned for 40 acquiring everything commonly desired years during one of the most prosperous by humanity, the writer learned that times in Israel’s history. According to bounty does not equal happiness. Scripture, “The king made silver and Both the rich and the poor meet a gold as common in Jerusalem as stones” common end. No amount of wealth (2 Chron. 1:15). Solomon was known or possessions guarantees happiness. for his extravagant lifestyle, taking Even accomplishments, of which he 700 wives and 300 concubines. He had many, did not produce joy (v. 19). is credited for the building of a lavish palace and the temple to house the Ark Notice how many times the word of the Covenant. But perhaps most of all meaningless is used. Again and Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, again, Ecclesiastes reaches the same which we learned yesterday was a gift conclusion. The one who is wise, seeing (at his request) from God. life through a godly lens, can view the end result of earthly labor. It will According to rabbinic tradition, Solomon not produce eternal results. The key penned the dismal reflections in the verse and the hope is found in verse book of Ecclesiastes in his old age. This 25. Without God, “who can eat or find may be especially shocking, considering enjoyment?” God is key to life’s purpose. the source: “So I hated life, because the It is not enough to work hard, to chase work that is done under the sun was pleasure, or even to achieve greatness. grievous to me” (v. 17). Rather, a life spent pointed toward God will bring wisdom and happiness (v. 26).

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Too often we fill our days with what Ecclesiastes Food Service provides meals for would call “chasing after the wind.” Wisdom students, faculty, and staff in The encourages us to look at life differently. What will Commons, Moody’s cafeteria. We thank God for the nutritious food count for eternity? What are you passionate about prepared and served by its staff: that will produce fruit for the kingdom? This is a Louis Ballasch, Lillie Hill, and challenge for us, not just for today, but throughout Todd Sacco. our life: to chase not after the wind but after God.

22 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:2631

TUESDAY You are in Christ Jesus, who has APRIL become for us wisdom from God. 1 Corinthians 1:30 16

The Value of Wisdom When David was chosen by God to be But God does not choose His children Israel’s king, he was not the obvious because of their outward appearance pick. The prophet Samuel was sent or status: “God chose the foolish things to the family of Jesse. At first glance, of the world to shame the wise” (v. Samuel thought God would want 27). What does this have to do with Jesse’s oldest son, Eliab. Samuel said, the gift of wisdom? Paul is reminding “Surely the L †‡’s anointed stands us that God’s wisdom and His way here before the L †‡” (1 Sam. 16:6). But of thinking do not align with our own. God did not. “The L †‡ does not look What the world admires is not the at the things people look at. People same as what God holds valuable. look at the outward appearance, but In our connection to Christ, being the L †‡ looks at the heart” (1 Sam. made new, we have been given access 16:6–7). to His divine wisdom. Through Christ, we are made right with God and set In today’s passage, Paul says, “Think apart. We are holy! of what you were when you were called” (v. 26). Most of us were If we are to boast of anything in probably not notable according to the this world, we are not to boast of world’s standards. We were not born our wealth, degrees, or popularity. into wealthy families. We might not Our value is based solely on our claim a huge social following or have connection to Jesus. In Christ, we are achieved multiple degrees that mark chosen and given wisdom, confidence, our intelligence. and a certain future.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Thank God today for the precious gift of wisdom As you pray today, thank God given to us through Christ. What circumstance are for the work of Bruce Everhart, you facing that needs God’s gift of wisdom? Today, VP of Donor Development and Channel Strategy at Moody. ask Him to help you see the way through and We are grateful for his skill in make wise decisions. Pray, knowing that you will caring for friends who financially definitely receive it! God’s wisdom will be given support Moody and for effectively to you. He always desires the best for us. managing his team.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 23 READ ROMANS 5:617

WEDNESDAY APRIL But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 17 Romans 5:8

The Gift of God’s Love Talifolau Veikoso survived five heart undeserving in our sin, rebellious attacks by age 39. In 2016, he became “enemies” of God (v. 10), Christ gave the recipient of a donor heart. “I got His life for us (v. 8). a second chance,” said Veikoso. “Without that donor heart, I wouldn’t This undeserved gift of God’s love be here. It’s the best gift anyone can rescues, saves, and transforms us. As have.” A single organ donor has the the passage explains, we existed in a potential to save up to eight lives state of death since Adam. Through and transform as many as 100. The the fateful act of Adam and Eve, sin beautiful gift of organ donation saves came to all people, and therefore the lives of thousands of people we were all condemned. Sin is the every year. common denominator of humanity, the common ailment of us all. No one In today’s passage, we are reminded is exempt (Rom. 3:10). of an even greater gift. God gave us the incredible gift of His love. He gave The good news is that God provided the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, so we an incredible gift of salvation through could live. There is an urgency to this His Son. We didn’t have to become gift. Just like a donor heart arriving good enough to deserve God’s when a patient is about to die, God’s love. It was freely given to us. Every gift came “at just the right time” (v. 6). sinner can receive “God’s abundant provision” through Jesus Christ (v. Consider the fact that rarely will 17). “But God demonstrates his own anyone willingly give up their life for love for us in this: While we were still another person. Yet, while we were sinners, Christ died for us” (v. 8).

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Have you received this gift? God’s gift of His Son Join us in prayer today for Jesus Christ will transform your heart and save Moody Radio’s administration your life. It is a gift that is offered freely. You do team. Thank God for the diligent service of Elsa Mazón, Lucrecia not need to do anything to earn it. Pray to God Lopez, Maureen Ber, Scott Krus, today asking Him to forgive your sins. Trust in and Tinakka Johnson. May their Him as your Savior and accept His gift of love, radio ministry bring glory to God! forgiveness, redemption, and salvation today.

24 TODAY IN THE WORD READ PSALM 136:126

THURSDAY Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. APRIL His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 18

God’s Love Never Fails What lasts forever? You may be hard- placed the sun in the sky and lit the pressed to think of anything that night sky with the moon and stars (vv. matches that description. But today we 7–9). The same God whose outstretched know of one thing that is never-ending: hand formed the universe promises to God’s love. In today’s passage, the same love us. “For as high as the heavens phrase is repeated 26 times: “His love are above the earth, so great is his love endures forever.” Again and again, the for those who fear him” (Ps. 103:11). The chorus reinforces the central thought: expansiveness of creation reminds us God’s love will never fail us. This gift of that God’s love for us endures forever. God’s love will never end. The third section focuses on the history This psalm or song is divided into of God’s relationship with His people distinct sections. You can recognize the (vv. 10–24). We see specific times when pattern by looking for areas of repetition. God delivered His people from danger, For example, in verses 1 through 3, we guided them through difficulties, and see the character and person of God. eliminated their enemies. He gave them The identity of God as not only “a god” the Promised Land as inheritance (v. 21). but “God of gods” and “Lord of lords” enables us to trust His promises (vv. The final verses return to the gift of 2–3). We worship a God who will never provision. God does not forget those go back on His word. whom He has given life. He provides for “every creature” and nourishes us. His The second section focuses on God love endures forever! To the Giver of the as Creator (vv. 4–9). This is a God who very best gifts, we should respond with made the heavens and the oceans. He thanks.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Today’s psalm provides a wonderful way to Praise God today for the celebrate the gift of God’s love for us. First, thank service of Moody Radio’s vice God for His character. Second, reflect on who president, Doug Hastings. God uses his diligent and discerning He is as exhibited by the beauty and vastness leadership to enable Moody of creation. Third, thank Him for guiding and Radio to keep sharing Christ- protecting you. And finally, thank God for His centered content with listeners eternal love: “His love endures forever.” across the globe.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 25 READ 1 JOHN 4:7 21

FRIDAY This is love: not that we loved God, APRIL but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 19 1 John 4:10

How Great a Love According to the book and movie Love results in our own lives. It should Story, “love means never having to change the way we act toward others. say you’re sorry.” A chart-topping pop God’s love “is made complete in us” song declares “love hurts.” If popular (v. 12). This does not mean that God’s entertainment is any indication, we are love is lacking but that others can more obsessed with love. One researcher fully experience God’s love through us. asserted that 60 percent of songs in When God’s love changes our hearts the modern era were devoted to the and behaviors, others get a glimpse of subject of love and relationships. who He is and how He loves. Certainly, this should affect the way we live. Today’s passage defines love from God’s perspective. John explains Fear has no part in love (v. 18). The that being loved by God shapes our atoning sacrifice of Christ has removed behavior. John says love can be a fear from our lives. We no longer fear gauge to reveal if you know or do not judgment. We can face the future know God. If your life is marked by without fear of failure. Finally, we are hate and disgust for others, it indicates only able to love because we have that you do not fully understand God’s been given the supreme example. “We love. God demonstrated His love to us love because he first loved us” (v. 19). through His Son Jesus, and by sending As God’s children, we should reflect Him into the world as an “atoning through our lives what He has modeled sacrifice” to pay for our sins (v. 10). so clearly for us.

We were not deserving of that gift. This act of God’s love should produce

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Let today’s words sink deep into your heart: You Will you pray for Moody Radio’s are fully and completely loved. No matter how programming team: Chris undeserving you feel, God sees you and loves you. Papendick, Daniel Anderson, Dan Craig, Danielle Kerschhackl, and This gift is completely undeserved. We did nothing Deborah Solomon? Thank God for to earn it, yet it was freely given. And God’s love is their contribution to the creation life changing! Relish the gift of His love for you. and development of Moody Radio’s programs.

26 TODAY IN THE WORD READ JOHN 3:121

For God so loved the world that he gave SATURDAY his one and only Son, that whoever believes APRIL in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 20

The Gift of God’s Son The television game show Jeopardy One of the most well known verses has been on the air since 1964 and in the Bible, John 3:16, appears in hosted for the past 30 years by Alex the context of this conversation. First, Trebek. To win, contestants are given God loved the world. This includes an answer and must come up with the Nicodemus and it includes you. God’s corresponding question. In today’s gift of love exemplified through the gift passage, Jesus and Nicodemus, a of His “one and only Son.” Through the member of the ruling religious leaders, gift of Jesus, God has provided a way have a private session of questions and of salvation. Whoever believes in Jesus answers. Their conversation centers on will be born again; they will not perish one key question that even Nicodemus, but receive eternal life. We are born an esteemed religious teacher, could again spiritually and resurrected bodily not answer: “How can someone be at Christ’s second coming. born when they are old?” (v. 4). Although we do not hear the end of this Nicodemus was right. Physically, such conversation, we know that Nicodemus’ a thing is impossible. But Jesus was life was forever changed. In John pushing Nicodemus to understand 19:38–42, we see Nicodemus again, deep spiritual truth. In a sense, they this time to bury Jesus and to wrap His were having two different discussions: body with myrrh and aloe. What Jesus one based on the truth of earth, the had explained to Nicodemus had now other based on “heavenly things” (v. come true. God’s love had provided 12). Jesus was pointing Nicodemus to a way for Nicodemus and for us to be spiritual truth: through Him would come born again. eternal life.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US We all have questions about the things of God. Please continue to pray with us Nicodemus asked Jesus the questions that were for Moody Radio’s programming troubling his heart. And by asking, Nicodemus team: Jon Gauger, Judy Kron, Kurt Goff, and Stephen Johnson. discovered truth. Never hesitate to ask difficult They work hard to ensure that questions of God. But as we ask, we need to pray Moody Radio has quality content that our mind and our heart will be open to His to share with the world. May God truth. We believe in a God who holds the answers. bless their ministry!

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 27 READ ROMANS 6:123

SUNDAY APRIL For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. 21 Romans 6:23

The Gift of Eternal Life As we celebrate Easter Sunday, let’s Notice Paul’s exclamation: “By no examine how the death and resurrection means!” (v. 2). As a believer, we enter of Jesus Christ make possible God’s gift into the death of Christ. We declare of eternal life. In the words of the apostle ourselves dead with Him so we Paul, this was certainly an “indescribable can share in His resurrection (v. 5). gift” (2 Cor. 9:15). The fact that God As our old self is crucified, we end would give His own Son to die on our our allegiance to our sinful nature, behalf is unimaginable. How could we, eliminating its control over us (v. 7). as sinners, ever deserve such a gift? Through Jesus, we are given freedom The fact is: we don’t! Paul reminds us of not only from the consequences of the severity of the consequences of our sin but also from sin itself! We are no sin and the amazing gift we have been longer enslaved to sin’s power. given. We must never take this gift for granted. Paul talks about breaking the habit of being a slave to sin. Instead, we The beginning of the passage focuses are to refocus our obedience on on the temptation to believe that since righteousness. His use of the phrase our sin has been paid in full, we can live “the pattern of teaching” emphasizes how ever we please. But we are not to that we are to follow a new pattern treat salvation like a “get out of jail free” with our lives, forming new habits as card in the classic Monopoly game. a result of Christ’s transformation. This Salvation does not mean freedom to indescribable gift has a transforming live any way we please. effect on those who accept it.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Have you accepted the gift of eternal life? Today’s As we pray together this Easter, verse is a beautiful depiction of this indescribable will you join us in asking God gift of God, “eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” to reveal himself to many around the world? May they (v. 23). As you worship this Easter Sunday, take also experience the new life this time to thank God for this incredible gift, and if holiday symbolizes, and may we you’ve never accepted Christ as your Savior, there boldly share the joy of knowing is no better time than today! the Lord and His love!

28 TODAY IN THE WORD READ EPHESIANS 2:110

For it is by grace you have been saved, MONDAY through faith—and this is not from APRIL yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 22

Made Alive in Christ In our passage today, Paul tells an We are cut off from Him and upside-down story. In an ordinary spiritually dead. biography, the author begins by telling when the subject was born. We read Can the dead rescue themselves? about how the person grew up and Certainly not! Paul describes the note the key accomplishments. Finally, incredible gift of God, a miracle that we learn how and when the person brings to life what was dead. While died. Here, Paul tells our story, but it we were still dead, God loved us is told in reverse. We were dead in sin and made us alive in Christ. This but have been made alive in Christ removes any notion that we can earn (vv. 1, 5). our salvation or do anything to make God think we are worthy. Twice in this There is no in-between. If you are not passage Paul declares, “it is by grace made alive in Christ, you are “dead you have been saved” (vv. 5, 8). in your transgressions and sins” (v. 1). Those who are dead in transgressions Giving credit to God means realizing and sins do not operate under God’s we are not in control of our own guidelines. They follow their own destiny. God loved us when we were desires and satisfy their own cravings. still dead in our sins. He paid the Whether they realize it or not, they penalty and raised us with Christ. It is follow “the ruler of the kingdom of the only because of this transforming gift air,” which is the Devil or Satan. In this that we, who have been given life, can condition, we deserve God’s wrath. do good works through God’s power.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US When you accept Christ as your Savior, you are Join us in prayer today for the a miracle! You have been brought to life! Today, Satellite Network Operations thank God for His incredible gift. And if you have team. They work behind the scenes to keep Moody Radio never accepted this gift, do so today. As we reflect on air. Thank God for the work on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and of Andrew Dhuse, Sam Beiruti, His glorious resurrection, thank God that He Benjamin Fredricks, and David willingly paid the penalty for our sin. Woodworth.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 29 READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:19

TUESDAY APRIL I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 23 1 Corinthians 1:4

The Gift of Grace “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound in any way. We could not even lift one / That saved a wretch like me. / I once finger to save ourselves. was lost, but now am found / was blind, but now I see.” The words of this God’s grace provides a way. In our text famous hymn were penned by John today, Paul thanks God for the grace Newton. In the mid-1700s, Newton that saved the church in Corinth and worked on a slave vessel and was brought them together as the body of described as the most profane man the Christ. We are joint recipients of this captain had ever met. During a storm, grace, united by this act of divine mercy, Newton advised his fellow sailors to tie a gift we all share. And this grace themselves to the ship to avoid being produces results. Paul says by grace, washed overboard. He begged God for we are enriched in every way, including mercy. God found him in his wretched our speech and the way we think (v. 5). state and redeemed him. Newton Grace produces changes in our lives experienced the gift of God’s grace. that are visible to others.

Grace is the unmerited favor of God. And grace will see us home! “He will We were once condemned because of also keep you firm to the end, so that our sin, but we are now saved by God’s you will be blameless on the day of our grace (see Rom. 3:24). We did nothing Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 8). Not one of us to merit this act of mercy from God. We could appear blameless before God did not prove ourselves good enough without this amazing gift of grace!

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US The words to “Amazing Grace” may be familiar to Today let’s keep praying for you. If not, find a copy of this treasured hymn and the Satellite Network Operations pray over it today as you seek God. Thank Him team: Jose Lemus, Phil Shappard, Rodney Simon, and Thomas for His gift of grace, completely undeserved yet Svoboda. Their ministry helps so treasured. And rest in the assurance that He is bring the truth of the Bible enough. He has given you unmerited, undeserved to listeners who tune in to favor, and He will keep you blameless to the end. Moody Radio.

30 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:111

WEDNESDAY There are different kinds of gifts, APRIL but the same Spirit distributes them. 1 Corinthians 12:4 24

The Gifts of the Spirit Have you ever opened a gift so spiritual gifts are important to the perfectly chosen for you that it brought body of Christ. God uses your gifts you to tears? Maybe it was a gift you “for the common good” (v. 7) to build received as a child—something you His church. longed for—or a gift given to you as an adult that demonstrated how well your The primary spiritual gift that Christians loved one knew you. receive is the Holy Spirit, who empowers us for ministry. He enables In today’s passage, we celebrate the all believers to serve God in a variety gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. of contexts and ways. The Holy Spirit The word used for spiritual gifts is works in supernatural ways and also charisma, the Greek word for “gift.” It is enables us to use our natural abilities similar to the word charis, which means for God’s glory. “grace” in Greek. Grace (charis) is God’s gift given to us for our salvation; The gift of the Spirit’s indwelling and charisma, the gift of the Spirit, is is given to us at conversion. As we used not to save us but to enable us to mature in our faith and grow in our edify others. Both are freely given and experience of serving God, He enables life changing! us to recognize these gifts and use them to build up the church for the Our spiritual gifts are given to us by glory of God. To begin exploring how God and individually selected. For God has gifted you, ask the following: additional reading on spiritual gifts, What do I enjoy doing? What ministry in see Romans 12:6–8 and Ephesians my life does God seem to be blessing? 4. In these passages, we see that our What gifts do others see in me?

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US If you would like to understand more about the Holy Please include Debbi Zelinski, Spirit and your gifts, we suggest these resources Moody’s VP of Human Resources, from Moody Publishers: The Baptism and Gifts of in your prayer time today. Her leadership in strategic and the Holy Spirit by Merrill F. Unger and an ebook The operational planning helps Moody Person and Work of the Holy Spirit by Rene Pache. to steward the skills and talents These are available from the Moody Publishers of our faculty and staff in a way website or your favorite book retailer. that honors God.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 31 READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:1226

THURSDAY APRIL Now you are the body of Christ, and each one is a part of it. 25 1 Corinthians 12:27

The Gift of Unity The human body is a complex, intricate culture: the mistrust between Jews and system. The basic parts include the Gentiles and the division between slaves head, neck, torso, arms, and legs. But and free people. In Christ, even these that is only the beginning. There are extremely divided groups of people five vital organs: brain, heart, kidneys, become one (v. 13). liver, and lungs. We have 650 muscles that help our body move, 206 bones, Diversity of the members is a gift to 78 organs, and 30 to 37 trillion cells. the church. We should be thankful Each part works together to make our we are not all hands or feet or body function. eyes; “there are many parts” (v. 20). Differences within the body of Christ Paul compares the church to the should not be ignored, and in fact physical body. Each member plays an should be celebrated! Spiritual gifts important part, and the church would not are mentioned here as an example of be the same if you and I were not in it. how our differences work together (vv. You are a gift to the church! As different 28–31). We are created together to as we each may be, we are created to serve the church. work together, grow, worship, and serve. This unity, given through the Spirit, is a Paul insists that this variety within wonderful gift of God. the body of Christ is necessary and important. It is God’s intention that there Being made new in Christ and baptized is “no division in the body” and that we in the same Spirit enables diverse have “equal concern for each other” individuals to form one new body. Paul (v. 25). The church should model unity highlights two divisive issues in his to the rest of the world.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Think about the church you attend. Consider the Dr. John Jelinek would wide variety of people God has drawn together. appreciate your prayers today. As you pray for unity today, why not name each As the vice president and dean of Moody Theological individual who comes to mind? Thank God for Seminary, he shoulders a lot of their unique characteristics and the gift they are to responsibilities. May God provide your congregation. Ask God to bless them and to him with wisdom and strength preserve and grow unity within your church family. to continue leading well.

32 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 1 CORINTHIANS 13:113

FRIDAY The greatest of these is love. APRIL 1 Corinthians 13:13 26

The Gift of Love Never has there been such an the greatest commandment, Jesus extraordinary act of love as the death answered: “‘Love the Lord your God of Jesus on the Cross. Hymn writer with all your heart and with all your Isaac Watts penned an emotional soul and with all your mind and with response to this gift: “Alas! And did my all your strength.’ The second is this: Savior bleed and did my Sov’reign die? ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ / Would He devote that sacred head There is no commandment greater for such a worm as I? / Was it for crimes than these” (Mark 12:30–31). Love that I had done He groaned upon the is the central building block of the tree? / Amazing pity! Grace unknown! gospel and the Christian life. And love beyond degree!” Love is more than an emotion. God- Jesus’ death was truly an act of love given love considers others more beyond our comprehension. Not only important than oneself (v. 4). It is should we marvel at this gift, so freely forgiving, generous, and rejoices in given, but we must consider how God’s truth (vv. 5, 6). We see clear distinctions love, freely given to us, provides an between what love is and what it is not. example for us to follow. Love is essential, and without love, all other gifts are worthless. In our text today, Paul focuses on three gifts of the Spirit: faith, hope, Our love becomes complete as we and love—and “the greatest of these grow in Christian maturity (v. 10). As is love” (v. 13). Paul’s teaching here we grow closer to God we realize the aligns with everything Jesus did depth of His love for us and grow in and taught. When asked which was our ability to truly love others.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Is your heart full as you consider God’s love for Let’s pray for the students you, displayed by the sacrifice of Jesus’ death on at Moody—both in the the Cross? If God loved us in this extraordinary undergraduate program and in Moody Theological Seminary. way, how can we fail to love one another? Pray that May they follow God’s leading as God’s love will grow in your heart and be displayed they devote themselves to a study in everything you say and do. May His love be so of His Word and preparation for clearly reflected in your life that others take notice. ministry after graduation.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 33 READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:3558

SATURDAY APRIL But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 1 Corinthians 15:57

The Gift of the Resurrection About a year and a half ago, I was given Paul explains Christ’s resurrection using five orchid seeds. They were brown the example of a seed. When you plant and dry and each about the size of a seed, you don’t expect the seed to a nickel. I soaked the seeds, planted look the same when it grows. In the them in soil, and then transferred the same way, our new heavenly body will saplings outside. I watched as a small no longer resemble our physical or plant began to grow, and then, this year, natural body. We who are perishable I discovered delicate purple blossoms will receive a spiritual body that is growing on the small orchid tree. Those imperishable (v. 42). flowers looked nothing like the dry brown seed I planted! Our earthly bodies are frail. We become ill. We experience pain. We are In this chapter of Corinthians, the wounded. We die. Our new, resurrected apostle Paul speaks of how we, too, body will be imperishable. Notice the will be transformed. When we die, beautiful contrast between our old our bodies are sown like seeds; but and new bodies. Dishonor is changed as believers, we will be raised again to glory. Weakness is transformed and receive new bodies. All of this is to power. When we die, our bodies made possible by Jesus Christ and become the dust of the earth but will be patterned after His example. Jesus raised in the glory of heaven. Once frail died as payment for our sins, was and destructible, we will no longer be buried, and rose again, conquering subject to corruption. We will be made the grave. He died and was new, perfected in Christ, no longer resurrected so we could live! broken but whole and complete.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Thank God today for the gift of the resurrection. Today we ask that you pray for We thank Him first for His Son, Jesus Christ, who Moody Radio’s WRMB and its was resurrected from the dead to guarantee our staff: Audrey Altman, Brigitte Sylvestre, Dolores King-St. future. Also thank Him for what the resurrection George, Eric Johnson, and Becky means to you and those you love. Our human Borgstrom. May their ministry bodies will one day be forever replaced with bring the good news to many imperishable ones! listeners in South Florida.

34 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 1 PETER 3:8 17

Always be prepared to give an SUNDAY answer to everyone who asks you to give APRIL the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15 28

The Gift of Hope Author Maya Angelou said, “Hope responses. We are to watch the way and fear cannot occupy the same we speak (v. 10). We are to avoid evil space at the same time. Invite one to and choose what is good. We are to stay.” Today, we celebrate the gift of be known as those who pursue peace hope, and biblical hope is linked to (v. 11). confidence. This hope is more than wishful thinking. When we hope our As we follow God’s commands, our favorite team wins, we are expressing relationship with Him changes the ways a wish that the odds will tilt in their we respond to hardship as well as our favor. But biblical hope is marked by adversaries. We are not to follow what confident expectation based on the most feel is a natural instinct to “repay promises given to us by God. This evil with evil or insult with insult” (v. 9). hope casts out fear (see 1 John 4:18). The hope we have in God changes the way we live today. Peter returns our attention to the subject of suffering. Christian hope Hope gives us confidence in our does not exist in an atmosphere of heavenly future, therefore realigning perfection. Rather, hope walks us our hearts and minds from earth to through the difficult circumstances heaven. Knowing we have a certain of life. Our passage today consoles destination beyond this world lessens believers who are enduring trials. “The the impact and our fear of temporary eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” trials and threats. We know that our (v. 12). God hears our prayers and purpose and God’s plan for us extend knows His children. This hope affects beyond this physical life. Our hope is our behavior. Notice the series of in the Lord!

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Hope and fear both have exactly four letters. Yet Will you uphold in prayer these small words have powerful consequences in Frank Leber, VP of Information our lives. Is your life characterized more by hope Technology Services? Please pray that Frank’s leadership would or by fear? Today, ask God to give you His hope, continue to foster good teamwork a confidence in His care and in your future. May within the IT department and it change the way you live today and set you free good communication with other from fear. teams they serve.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 35 READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:128

MONDAY Rejoice always, pray continually, APRIL give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 29 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Give Thanks Always As we marvel at the incredible gifts joy is not merely being happy or living God has given to us, what should be life blindly, but finding contentment and our response? Paul has three excellent hope in God Himself. suggestions: rejoice, pray, and give. Second, we are to pray continually. The day of the Lord is drawing near! We are to remain connected to God In this life, we cannot expect that life through prayer. How can you possibly will always be tilted in our favor. God’s pray like that? We give each and people will face difficulty, trials, and every situation over to God. Praying persecution. Suffering is a reality. But continually is an ongoing conversation because of who we are in God and with God. We give each worry and what we have been so freely given, we concern to Him. do not have the same perspective as the rest of the world. “He died for us so Finally, we are to be people marked that, whether we are awake or asleep, by thankfulness. We are to count on we may live together with him” (v. 10). our blessings, recognize the gifts we Our lives are transformed, not just for have been given, and be ready to eternity but now. praise. Paul suggests that as we live in the will of God, we are thankful Verse 16 offers three ways to live each for His care and guidance of each day mindful of our new life in Christ. moment of our life. Whether or not the First, we are to rejoice always. We are circumstance seems to our liking, we to be people who find joy despite and are thankful that He is in control and through all of life’s circumstances. This that He will see us through.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US Let’s follow Paul’s urging to rejoice always, pray Please add Moody’s sponsorship continually, and give thanks. Write those three and underwriting team to your words where they will be noticeable: Rejoice. Pray. prayers today, thanking God for the service of Bryon Poirier, Thank. No matter the circumstances, remember Charles Sheldon, and Jamin who you are in Christ. Through Him, we are made Baxter. May they experience the new. He meets our daily needs. He gives us His goodness of God both in their wisdom. We have so much to thank Him for! work and personal lives.

36 TODAY IN THE WORD READ 2 CORINTHIANS 9:116

TUESDAY For God loves a cheerful giver. APRIL 2 Corinthians 9:7 30

His Gifts Inspire Us to Give A study in Scientific American tested This passage reminds us how to give. whether it is better to give than to First, we are to give deliberately and receive. Participants were given a thoughtfully “what you have decided choice between receiving a monetary in your heart” (v. 7). We are to carefully award or donating money to a charity. consider the needs of those around us The result? “Our brains seem to and determine how God would want us suggest that the joy of being a gift’s to help from all that He has given us. giver may eclipse that of being Second, we are to give not just from its recipient.” our wallet but from our hearts. We are to be generous in spirit: “God loves a As we conclude this month’s study cheerful giver” (v. 7). Finally, we are to on the incredible gifts God has given give as an appropriate and necessary us, what is our response? If God has response. God has provided for us given us everything from breath to “abundantly,” so how can we not give nourishment and from love to hope, willingly to others? (v. 8). it should be clear that we too are called to give. The Corinthians had When we give, God promises that our faithfully supported Paul with finances needs will be met and our storehouse and assistance. “For I know of your will be resupplied. Paul assures us eagerness to help,” said the Apostle that gift giving produces tremendous (v. 2). Their giving supported the results, “overflowing” in thankfulness Lord’s work and Paul’s ministry. He to God (v. 12). God’s gift to us is encouraged them to be consistent in “indescribable”; how can we not be their giving and not to neglect those people marked by generosity (v. 15)? in need.

APPLY THE WORD PRAY WITH US As we come to an end of this month’s devotions, In conclusion of our study this celebrating the indescribable gifts of God, take month, let us thank God for who time to thank God for His blessing in your life. And He is. As a good Father, He gives good gifts to His children! That perhaps consider a special gift you can give to itself is a gift—to have a God who mark the end of this study, a gift that will result not cares for us and loves us. Praise in thankfulness toward yourself but “overflowing in His holy name! many expressions of thanks to God” (v. 12).

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 37 Moody Radio host Jon Gauger reveals 26 life lessons he’s learned from his unfiltered conversations with children. Each humorous and moving story will help you rediscover truths about yourself and your Savior that only kids can teach you.

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