Author: Jfuglerwriter

June 3, 2020 Jfuglerwriter 1 Comment

Where Does Christ Fit In? Where Do You Fit In?

If you have a pulse, you’ve been affected emotionally by what has gone on the past several days in our country. I can’t think of one positive emotion.

Anger. Fear. Heartache. Discouragement. Hopelessness. Uncertainty. Confusion. Just a few that come to mind.

Flooding the hearts and souls of believers and non-believers, these painful emotions are crushing.

This week, I’ve found it hard to concentrate when I read my Bible. I pray but my mind drifts. Can you relate?

When we see upheaval all day and night on the news, it dominates our thinking. From the initial, graphic videos of George Floyd to the destruction of our cities, the terror captures our hearts.

If our faith in Christ is to be real, now is the time. Our relationship with the Savior is tested in turmoil. Will we look like the world or look like Jesus? Will we take sides and shout? Or stand in the center, side-by-side with Jesus who offers hope, peace, love, grace and life-transformation?

We should be driven to our knees in prayer. A desperation that makes us cling to Jesus, not expressed in hostile thoughts, words or actions.

My life is dedicated to helping 1 million believers know the Christ of the cross.

Not knowing about. But knowing him intimately. It starts with me. How well do I really know my Savior? Crises like this make me ask that question. It’s easy to be a believer when everything is fine. But how about now, when the nation seems to be crumbling?

Am I seeking more news to feed a craving? Or am I so moved I cannot get enough of Jesus? I’m afraid I’m somewhere in between, and certainly not pursuing Christ like I should.

God is watching how we respond. First, how we respond to him. Then, how we respond to others. How do our conversations with the Lord go? And when we’re with friends and family, what do we say to them?

Two hours ago, a friend tweeted a verse that opened my eyes. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

I have to admit, I’m not sure how well I am reflecting Christ. If my relationship with Jesus is deep, the evidence will be clear. The fruit of the Spirit will sprout for all to see. How much is evident in your life?

  • Love
  • Joy
  • Peace
  • Patience
  • Kindness
  • Goodness
  • Gentleness
  • Self-control

I can’t tell you how to live out your relationship with Christ in this upheaval, on the heels of the Coronavirus.

But I do know God has our attention and wants us to do business with him. Each one. Personally. And as a church.

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).

April 23, 2020 Jfuglerwriter 1 Comment

How are You Doing?

When someone asks how we’re doing during the continued lockdown, we might say “fine” but really mean frustrated. As Christians, we’re supposed to keep a stiff upper lip and quote all the right verses, like “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

In reality, we might really feel like saying, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (Psalm 43:5 NIV)

As the Corona crisis drags on, God continues to get our attention. If we are feeling discouraged, cold, fearful, anxious or uncertain, it’s the right time to run to Jesus. Pain has a way of showing us our helplessness. We can’t fix ourselves. And this is where we’re living right now.

What does God want to change in your life? Are you willing to let him?

God’s Word is filled with treasures for you at this time. Pour over chapters and passages, seeking God in it all. He’s there. It’s his living Word.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

God might want to do some character surgery on you, working in your soul, spirit, thoughts, attitudes and heart. And that takes time. However, when you emerge, you’ll feel brand new. You will have been pressed on by God himself.

When this season comes to a close, I want to be a different person. I want God to have worked permanent change in my heart through his Word. His living Word. I know I have to spend hours in my Bible for that to happen. It’s my choice.

Have you had a mini-retreat with God since the lockdown began? There are a lot of good things you can do with your time, but none better than being with Jesus and in his Word.

Soon, we will emerge on the other side of the Corona crisis. You still have time to invest in your most important relationship before the rushed life resumes. Don’t miss this opportunity.

I’d love to hear what God is showing or teaching you these days? Comment here or email me at jon@yourlifewithgod.com.

Take time to download my new book so you can maximize your time with God. There are five experiences inside that will help draw you closer to Jesus. Download it at www.GetFreshFaith.com. And share the link with your friends.

April 8, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Good News in Trying Times

Good News in Trying Times

I’m no theologian, but my ears perked up this morning when I read the final chapter of 2 Peter. Here’s one gem of a verse:

“In keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 2:13 NIV)

I read that verse as I was sitting on my back deck surrounded by gigantic North Carolina trees. I looked up and saw the beauty of God’s creation. I looked down and re-read the words “new earth.” All I could think was that this is a taste of what God’s new earth will look like when all is said and done.

And I’ll get to live in it!

The absolute beauty of the new earth is something beyond my imagination, but that will be my residence. I can’t wait.

In this season of global crisis, we need to go straight to God’s Word to soak in his truths. When we do, our hearts and minds rise above the circumstances. Even dire ones like we are in now.

Here’s what we can look forward to . . .

All sin, destruction, pain, death, sorrow, hatred and conflict will be gone. The new earth will have none of that. Instead, we’ll enjoy the fullness of Father, the presence of Jesus, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the marvelous beauty of God’s creation, green trees, vast oceans, crystal clear skies, majestic mountains and whatever else God throws in.

The colors will be perfect, the smells ideal, the sights awesome. And relationships? Every one of them will be perfect. Rich. Satisfying. We will enjoy this new earth in every way.

Righteousness will dwell in the new heaven and new earth. Whether I’ll commute between the two, I’m not sure. Righteousness will fill it.

A lot has been written about the new heaven and new earth. You should read up on it. Of course, you’ll read a variety of opinions, so the Bible is the place to go to get a taste of what God has in store for you. You don’t have to know all the details. You’ll marvel with just a taste.

I hope this encourages you in these trying times.

(My new book is available: FRESH FAITH: Leaning on God in the Corona Crisis. It’s Free. You can get it HERE.

March 16, 2020 Jfuglerwriter 2 Comments

Coronavirus: A believer’s response

The Coronavirus pandemic has rocked our world. Not just the globe, but our personal lives. Everyone is talking about it. Opinions are flying everywhere. Fear has nations in its grip.

As believers, how are we supposed to respond? Our faith is certainly put to the test. If we believe God is sovereign, ruler of everything (including the Coronavirus), fear shouldn’t even be in our vocabulary. But, for many Christians, it is.

That’s easy to understand. Wherever we turn, news of the Coronavirus pops up. Every third email is about the Coronavirus, sent by my bank, airlines, department stores, my church, hotel chains and my financial advisor.

Our emotions are frayed. On the outside, we appear calm, but our intense discussions say otherwise. In all of this, we might find it hard to shut out the world and open our hearts to Jesus.

Everyone is talking about the Coronavirus.

And so is God.

He has been talking about it for centuries. It may have been under a different name, but this crisis is not new to him. Imagine the lepers of the New Testament, the Bubonic Plague centuries ago and Ebola that is wreaking havoc in Africa. The Swine Flu over a decade ago. And there are other earth-shattering crises I could name.

God has been speaking about calamities since the beginning of time. These upheavals get our attention. And the attention of the world.

God’s timeless words reach us in the pandemonium of the pandemic. Jesus said, “ Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

The early church was encouraged by the Apostle Paul, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

For the first time in my memory of 60 years, our world has come to a halt. It won’t be for a day, or a week, but it could be for months. Who knows?

Your social life is on hold. Your church life, too. And any sports or cultural events on your schedule are cleared out. Trips you’ve planned are likely pushed back indefinitely. Schools are closed. Workplaces are resorting to remote officing.

I just had a conference postponed, as well as an international visit from a colleague. We’ll meet by Zoom.

Life is at a crawl. This is a serious thing for many businesses. My son works for an airline. That industry has been quickly crushed. Your own work situation might be tentative.

In the midst of this crisis comes opportunity. You now have the time to spend with God. Your schedule has opened up in a way it may never have before and may never open up in the future. The blocks of time you had set aside for events, trips, gatherings and other activities are now wide open.

John Piper wrote a book over a decade ago called Don’t Waste Your Life. A few years later, he came down with cancer. His pulpit message soon after was, “Don’t waste your cancer.” His message was that everything in our lives can be used for God’s glory.  Even bad things.

Let’s not waste the Coronavirus. This evil disease will not beat us, but it is a trigger to get our relationship right with God. We can experience a renewed intimacy with the Lord, going deeper than we ever have. Not for temporary results, but lifelong.

(Taken from my new book, Fresh Faith: Leaning on God in the Corona Crisis. Available NOW. Free).

February 24, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Courage from Within

Courage from Within

One of my weaknesses is storming into the day in my own power, keeping God at a distance. I have my time with the Lord in the morning, centering my heart on him, then I exit that “meeting” with my marching orders to live for him. There’s a disconnect between my time with God and my life with God.

No wonder I often lack courage and conviction.

Do you experience the joy of living with Jesus throughout the day, including him in every step? Or do you unwittingly keep him at a distance, as if he is a spectator cheering you on?

Today the light went on. Jesus lives in me. Not a big revelation, but one that smacked me in my spiritual face. C’mon Jon, it’s so obvious. I have the God of the universe living in me. He’s not just walking beside me, but in me. He fills my heart with courage and conviction.

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)

God is alive in me. He is alive in you.

It’s fantastic news! Close your eyes, take a deep breath and smile.

This truth has incredible implications.

It means you’re not supposed to perform for God, but to let him live through you. Instead of relying on your gifts and abilities, live fully dependent upon God. After all, Jesus did say, “For apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV) Relying on Jesus puts you in the center of his will.

Not that you disregard your talents, but you yield them to God. He’ll use your gifts with his power for his glory. That’s an exciting thought!

God is your friend. He is your Father. The Lord Jesus is your brother. The Holy Spirit is your power. This is a personal relationship. How can you not have courage in whatever you’re facing? You’re on a winning team. You are equipped to live for Jesus by living in the relationship you have with him.

Today, remind yourself that God lives inside you. This will change the way you approach people, challenges, decisions, pain, opportunities and whatever is ahead. You have Jesus. And he has you.

Lord Jesus, please grant me courage from within. I know that you live inside me through your Holy Spirit. I rely on You. Amen.

(From my new Devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Courage. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback).

February 18, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Courage and Forgiveness

Courage and Forgiveness

Looking at the final hours of Jesus’ life, I can’t imagine going through what he did. The beatings, humiliation, torture and, of course, those agonizing hours on the cross. It’s sickening to think about.

Jesus was the most courageous man I know. He wasn’t forced to go to the cross. He went willingly. He was God and could have vanished from sight. But he was on a mission to save the world.

Jesus went to the cross to forgive. He extended forgiveness to you, me and all of mankind. We didn’t deserve this priceless treasure.

His gift was made real when he sacrificed his life for us. Without the cross, there would be no forgiveness.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV)

Jesus said that about his torturers, but he also said that about us who wrong him every day. What a courageous man offering forgiveness to that magnitude.

Do you need to forgive someone? Are you finding it hard to get over a sinful act someone committed against you? Have you turned your back on forgiveness? On that other person?

If so, you’re human. It’s the natural thing to do. However, it’s not what God wants you to do. Just like Jesus, you have a choice to forgive.

You’re not being asked to go to the cross, but it might feel that way. Your pain of being wronged seems too much to bear. You can’t bring yourself to forgive that person.

What gave Jesus the courage to go to the cross? What empowered him to face the pain? How in the world could he extend eternal forgiveness to mankind? To this humanity that has wronged him since the Garden?

Love.

Jesus loves you. He loved you on the cross when he saw you way back then. He saw everyone throughout history. He witnessed all our sin, which pained him to the core. Yet, despite the horror of the cross, Jesus went there to deal with our sin, to heal our relationship with him. And with his Father.

Love gave Jesus the courage to face the cross, where he poured out his blood. Even more, he poured out his forgiveness.

Love will give you the courage to forgive. Love that person as Jesus did. He went to the cross for them and for the very act you’re forgiving.

Oh, how you’ll need the power and grace of God to forgive. That’s why it comes back to your love relationship with Jesus. Approach your Savior. Thank him for his forgiveness. Ask for his power to love the other person. That’s your only hope.

Forgiveness will follow.

(From my new Devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Courage. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback).

February 11, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Courage and Health

Courage and Health

My dad’s words ring in my ears, “If you have your health, you have everything.” Personally, I wouldn’t go that far, although good health is a great blessing.

When we tie our value to our health, we’re on dangerous ground. I’m especially sensitive to that as I witness several of my friends afflicted by high blood pressure, heart problems, bad knees, cancer and other maladies.

For some of them, I sense their fear. For others, it’s worry and discouragement. The steadiness of good health isn’t so steady any more. There’s a shakiness as they grapple with the uncertainty of their future. I have to wonder if some of them feel less valuable, too.

We all have to come face to face with our humanity. When we’re hit with a surprise diagnosis or a pain that lingers, our mind should go right to God. Our dependence on him should deepen, our hope in him should spring fresh. Instead of fear, confidence in God can grow.

That looks good on paper, but it’s not easy to live out.

Paul was plagued by a secret illness or disease that theologians have been trying to figure out for centuries. It was so intense, Paul describes it this way, “I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” (2 Corinthians 12:7 NIV) Not every illness is Satan’s tool in our lives, but it was for Paul in this instance. And he knew the reason, stating in the same verse, “In order to keep me from becoming conceited.”

A friend of mine has a painful, Paul-like reminder that plagues him every waking moment. I marvel at how this has drawn him close to his Savior, with a dependence I wish I had. However, I don’t want the classroom lesson – pain.

Because Paul was a spiritual giant, the pain didn’t bother him, right? Wrong. Paul wrestled with it and wanted it to go away. He was human like we are. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV)

Whether our health is good or bad, we can choose to focus on it or turn it over to God. The latter will build our confidence in Jesus. This courageous faith is needed when our health does fail.

Paul understood the lessons God was teaching him, which drew him closer than ever to Jesus. Like my friend, he held on to the Lord and experienced intimacy with him.

Paul’s words were not academic, but birthed from experience: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” (2 Corinthians 1:3 ESV)

Your comfort comes directly from God. In the midst of your pain, cling courageously to him. He is there.

(From my new Devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Courage. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback).

February 4, 2020 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Courage and Parenting

Courage and Parenting

I’ve never heard the phrase “courageous parenting,” but it’s certainly a quality moms and dads need for their overwhelming roles.

When our twin sons were two, they gave my wife a big scare. She was in the kitchen and heard an unidentifiable sound. A rumbling followed by a patterned thunder of some kind. Perplexed, she walked outside. Gazing upward, Noonie saw our young whippersnappers running back and forth along our slightly angled roof.

Terrified, yet with a calm voice, my wife ordered them to “come down at once, exactly the same way you got up there.” That was courageous parenting at its best. Of course, I had to exhibit a form of courageous parenting when I arrived home to discipline them.

Looking through Scripture, even kings had varied results raising their kids. This is what I found:

“Joram son of Ahab became king of Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and he reigned twelve years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Kings 3:1-2 NIV)

“In the second year of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel, Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah began to reign. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Kings 14: 1,3 NIV)

“Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel became king in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Kings 14:23-24 NIV)

Whether or not the parents were to blame, I’m not sure. We know that our kids can stray despite our great parenting efforts. One child might thrive but the next one can go off the rails.

I reflected on my own parenting history with our three kids. Let me share my limited wisdom about what we can do to be courageous in raising our children.

Admit our mistakes. The natural tendency is to look perfect to our kids. We want to appear to have it all together. You know as well as I do that we make thousands of mistakes as parents. By the time we get this role figured out, our kids are gone. It takes courage to admit our mistakes, especially our sins against our kids. When it’s necessary, coming to our child and asking forgiveness is a towering act of courage. Let’s make it a habit any time we fail.

Be honest. As our kids get older, it seems like we get dumber. They stop asking for advice. We need to be ready when they do ask. It might be about a relationship, crisis, failing, big decision or some other issue they’re grappling with. Ask God for wisdom. Be honest with them, even if you need to tell them something they may not want to hear. It takes courage to do that. Be sure to speak with a heart of love.

Discipline well. When our kids get out of line, we have a choice. Will we let it go, punish out of anger or discipline out of love? The third is the right choice. It takes courage to carry out discipline that’s not driven by anger or other destructive emotions. At the end of a long day, this is especially challenging. Be intentional about exercising courage in those frayed moments.

Have courage. Raise your child wisely. Admit your mistakes, be honest in giving advice and be faithful to discipline in love.

Make your connection with God your top priority. Your parenting depends on it. It’s a big job.

(From my new Devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Courage. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback formats.

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