Month: May 2020

May 22, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Out of Step

Out of Step

Have you ever had one of those days where you felt out of step? Things just weren’t quite right. You were a little “off,” reacting instead of taking the initiative on things. Overall, you were “blah.”

I feel one of those days coming on today. It’s just the beginning of the day and I’m not walking on solid ground. I started with my devotions, but they were interrupted. The time was cut short and I never settled into deep fellowship with the Father. I read Scripture, studied it, but had to pick up and leave for work before the Word of God deeply penetrated my heart.

Maybe that’s the key. If we are a little off in the day, we can look back at how we started. Was that time with God rushed and shallow? Were we too interested in getting something done instead of settling in with the Lord?

I confess that this morning, before my devotions, I spent 10 minutes adjusting the sprinklers in my lawn. You’d think that’s no big deal, but it stole precious time with God. On top of that, it occupied my mind as dawn arrived.

Settling in with God. The sound of that feels comforting and right. Unrushed. Listening to the Lord. Reading his Word. Praying. Not cutting it off early. Perhaps God wants you to spend an extra 10 minutes with him. Those 10 minutes could be soul refreshment. It could be the time you need so you don’t feel “off” that day. I needed it today.

Jesus is our anchor, our rock, refuge, fortress. Starting the day immersed in him is the steadiness we’re seeking. The Bible says, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV) When our minds are occupied by the cares of life, we can’t walk with confidence. When we’re grounded in Christ, we know where our confidence is. We know we’re right with God. And when that happens, nothing can push us around.

Set your feet upon the rock today. As for me, I need to go back and get alone with God. Almost like a do-over. That might not be possible for you. So I recommend finding Scripture you can think about during the day. Write it down. Post it where you’ll see it. Read it. Pray through it. Quick prayers in the middle of a hectic day will bring you back to your Savior. And he is your rock. (1 Corinthians 10:4)

I have to remind myself that I live for the Lord, not for me, my organization, my dreams and goals, not even for my family. When I live for the Lord, my loyalties fall in place so I serve my company, goals, dreams and family even better.

It’s a matter of priority. Will I choose to put God first, giving him the first minutes of my day? Or will I let other tasks, thoughts, responsibilities and distractions get in the way? That’s what happened this morning.

Take a deep breath right now. Then another. Relax in the Lord. He has you. Now ask him to fill you with his Holy Spirit. He’ll give you power for the day, free you to center your thoughts on him and enable you to exercise faith for whatever is ahead.

Get in step with Jesus. You can’t go wrong by going to Jesus first.

May 2, 2020 Jfuglerwriter 3 Comments

Light of the World

Most of us have been “sent to our room,” except for the occasional trips to the store or a walk around the neighborhood. We’re pent up, longing to eat at a restaurant instead of claiming a take-out meal in a bag or box.

If we think we have it tough, people in one Asian country have been starving. Their leaders suddenly declared a strict lockdown. All work ceased. Citizens are being beaten when they break the curfew.

In one European nation, you have to text a number for government permission to go grocery shopping or visit the doctor.

And on another continent, the country’s lockdown dictates that people can’t walk outside for exercise and fresh air. Indoors means indoors.

This is wearing on us. It’s oppressive, depressing. Fear and frustration have risen to the surface. There’s no escape.

With churches closed, it raises the discouragement level among believers. We’re realize how much we need each other. Zoom services don’t quite meet that need.

It feels dark these days.

In reality, we’ve lived in a dark world all our lives. Sin has been all around us. The current global situation only makes things feel darker.

This is the time we need to believe Jesus when he says, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12 NIV) It was true 2,000 years ago, and it’s true today.

He goes on to say, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

When we follow Jesus, we come alive. Our spirit is renewed. This renewal filters into our heart, emotions and entire being. Our outlook changes. We are filled with hope, because Jesus is hope. He is a supernatural God who imparts life into us through his Holy Spirit.

When we follow online news feeds and TV anchors and commentators, we’re letting the darkness of this world fill our minds. When our conversations always center on the latest bad news about the Coronavirus, we’re dragged into the fog.

Soon, we will be free from the strict limitations. We will come through the pandemic.

But, until that happens, will you spend an entire day in the light? Schedule a retreat with Jesus, pouring over the Word of God and praying. Have a getaway with your Savior. Be energized by the light. Be renewed.

That’s what Michael has discovered. He texted me, “I’m finding that God is answering my prayer to get back to spiritual growth. It just took a global pandemic to keep me home for weeks on end. I have a burning desire for knowledge of him.”

Follow Jesus. He is the light of life.

(Here’s a video I watched over and over again the other day. I know you’ll be encouraged).

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