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CONTENT FOR YOUR SOUL

November 13, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Prayer and Pain

Prayer and Pain

I just finished the morning listening to story after story of brokenness. The stories came from men and women who shared their experiences of broken lives. Then they went on to tell of other men, women and children all over the world who have suffered unspeakable pain and anguish.

We are all broken, aren’t we? Some more than others. A fallen world brings sin, pain and suffering. As you reflect on your past, I’m sure there are some pain points. Yet, as believers, we feel like we’re supposed to cover them up and live some magical Christian life.

That’s not why Jesus came. He came for the broken.

Jesus met the woman at the well who had gone through several husbands and was now living with a man who wasn’t her husband. Yes, she was living in sin, but did Jesus thrash her for her lifestyle? Sure, he brought it up, but he didn’t shove it in her face.

Instead, he offered her living water. He offered her eternal life. “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14 NIV)

Friend, whether it’s your own doing or your pain has been caused by someone else, Jesus is there for you when you call on him. He heals from the inside out. He draws you to himself, the water. He brings life to your soul.

Isaiah describes Jesus in this prophesy:

“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3 ESV)

Jesus knows your grief. He hung on the cross. He was betrayed. He was mocked, tortured, beaten. He was humiliated. Abandoned. He experienced the highest limits of physical, mental and emotional pain. He knows you and he knows your pain. He can relate.

He can also restore. He is your healer when you call on him in prayer. You may feel like God is distant right now because of the pain and abuse you’ve experienced, but he’s waiting for you to speak to him.

Prayer not only opens the lines of communication with God, but it opens the lines of healing. Your healing might take a long time and that’s ok. You’re not on a timer.

Do you need to cry out to God in your pain? This is a prayer from your heart, and it’s your heart that God wants to hear. And heal.

(From my upcoming devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Incredible Prayer. Releasing 2019)

November 6, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Faith and the 5,000

Faith and the 5,000

The feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most famous miracles in the New Testament. If you were there to witness it, wouldn’t your faith be solid and thriving for the rest of your life?

The disciples were there with front row seats, yet their faith waned in the future. But that’s another story.

Today, let’s look at this miraculous event as if you were there yourself. Among other things, Jesus used this to teach his disciples about faith . . . in him.

Here’s how the lesson progressed, as told in Luke 9 (NIV):

Stating the problem. The disciples saw the crowd and were helpless to feed the 5,000.
“Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provision, for we are here in a desolate place,” they said.

Solving the problem. Jesus responded, “You give them something to eat.” I can imagine dead silence for a few moments as the disciples looked at each other, confused and bewildered. “In all due respect, sir . . .” would be today’s translation. They actually restated the problem and offered a solution, “Unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” In reality, they knew that was financially impossible.

Jesus comes alongside. We serve a loving God who doesn’t leave us on our own and say, “Get it done!” He joins us in our faith struggles. Jesus took the lead and gave this simple instruction, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” It wasn’t a mind-blowing, life-altering request. It simply showed the disciples that he was in there with them and that he had a plan. They needed that reassurance, so they followed his direction and organized this massive crowd.

Jesus performs a miracle. We know the rest of the story. The catering truck showed up out of nowhere and everyone was fed. Actually, we don’t know how Jesus did it. What we are told is that “they all ate and were satisfied.” Somehow, the supply of five fish and two loaves of bread never diminished. Show me that trick, David Copperfield!

Can you imagine the buzz in the crowd? Or the offline conversations the disciples had as they served the food?  “John, can you believe this is happening? I wonder what’s going on in Peter’s quadrant?”

Jesus wants to join you in your faith struggles. He loves to immerse himself in your problems.  He doesn’t want to be a spectator on the outside and leave you on your own.

Your prayer may sound something like this:

“Jesus, I have a problem. And I’ve been facing it on my own. Today, I want to let you in. I call on you to work your will and your miraculous power. I know you fed the 5,000 and I don’t know how you did it. Thank you for joining me in my challenge today. I trust in You.”

(From my upcoming devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Faith. Releases January 1).

October 30, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Faith and Family

Faith and Family

Why do we have the hardest time sharing our faith with family members? We want them to come to know Jesus, but we don’t know quite what to say. Or when a golden opportunity arises, we say the wrong thing. Sometimes, we even create conflict and arguments.

Can I make a suggestion? It’s not what you say. It’s what you do. Show them Jesus.

This blog centers on our life with God. Our faith walk is a result of our relationship with Christ.

If you have a strong, vibrant, fresh relationship with Christ, you’ll show Jesus to the ones you love most. There’s no way around it. They’ll notice the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

It almost always takes a long time for a loved one to come to Christ. You must be willing to endure years as you show them Jesus. Instead of being frustrated with their way of life, be the light of Christ to them. Consistency over a long period of time is the genuine faith they will recognize.

You might not think you’re having an impact at the time, but hang in there. They’ll notice.

Sure, it’s a lot easier to talk about Jesus than it is to show Jesus consistently. Our family members know us best, so they quickly see the sin in our life. They notice hypocrisy.

It comes down to how we’re nurturing ourselves in our relationship with the Lord. Be careful here, because I’m not talking about doing all the right things to be a good Christian. I’m saying that you must feed your faith if you expect to be the light of Christ to your family.

How are you doing with internalizing the Word of God? How’s it going connecting with the Lord in extended times of prayer? Are you being taught the Word in church and/or small group? Are you being mentored in your faith?

This isn’t a list of to do’s. This is a survival list when it comes to your faith.

If the salvation of your unsaved family members is a desire of your heart, begin with your walk with God. Then you’ll show them Jesus.

And at God’s appointed time, they’ll come to you. It may be in a crisis. It could be when they’re searching. Or it may simply be a random discussion on faith.

Prepare yourself by nurturing your relationship with God.

(From my upcoming devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Faith. Releasing January 1).

October 23, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Faith and Fear

Faith and Fear

“Fear not, for I am with you.” (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

My wife and I were at a crossroads two years ago that defined our faith.

She was diagnosed with cancer. The word itself can send chills up and down your spine. It stops you in your tracks. It puts life on hold.

Fear tried to show up, as it often does when cancer strikes. If you’ve been there, you know what I mean.

Miraculously, God spared us from fear. I can’t explain it. I can’t say our faith was so well grounded it couldn’t be shaken by the news of cancer. However, I do know that was part of the reason.

So you don’t assume we are some super-faith couple, I will tell you we experienced many other hard emotions. Like trauma, discouragement, heartache and sorrow. Thankfully not all at once!

We had a choice. Would we let God into our experience, or would we bear cancer on our own?

We invited God to walk with us. We experienced his presence through his Holy Spirit, the Bible, each other and hundreds of other friends. We were not alone.

Cancer isn’t the only thing that can bring fear into our lives. I could list a dozen other things and so could you.

Fear paralyzes our faith. Other than unforgiveness, I can’t think of anything that puts an instant deep-freeze on our faith.

Why is that?

Fear is most often tied to the unknown. My wife and I had never done cancer before, so as we walked through it, we rarely knew what was next.

Your teenager is out with the car at night. You fear what could happen out on the road. When he pulls into the driveway, there’s immediate relief.

Things are unstable at work and many co-workers have been laid off. Could you be next? How will you provide for your family? Where will the next job come from? An unknown future can cause fear.

The doctor ran tests and you won’t get the results for three days. Those three days can be agonizing if you let fear take over. It’s hard not to!

The key to chasing out fear is to invite Jesus into your experience. Then your faith can thrive. It’s the only way.

Jesus himself said, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

He comes into our situation with his perfect love. Then we experience this truth: “Perfect love casts out fear.” (I John 4:18 ESV) God is The Perfect Love that expels fear from our life.

When you live in God’s perfect love, there’s no room for fear.

The darkest, most fearful experiences don’t have to be absent the love of Christ. He will banish your fear.

Invite Jesus into your fears. Please don’t go down this road without him.

(From my upcoming devotional, Your Life With God: 30 Days of Faith. Releasing January 1.)

October 9, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Praise and Joy

Praise and Joy

As you read my posts I hope you’re learning that joy isn’t something that you can produce yourself. You can’t talk yourself into being joyful. That lasts about a day.

Joy is something that God forms inside you through his Holy Spirit. We can know it, but experiencing it is another thing.

Today, let’s consider how praise is connected to our joy.

In fact, praise leads to joy and joy leads to praise.

They are siblings. Like two brothers who play well together for hours.

When I say praise, I’m referring to praising God for who He is. When you think through the character of God, and praise him for his character traits, your spirit will be lifted. Joy will emerge. Joy centered on the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

When you give God praise for who He is, there’s no room for anything but Him.

God’s faithfulness chases away doubt.

The Lord’s power overcomes fear.

His Spirit’s holiness pushes out sin.

Christ’s love melts indifference.

The Father’s goodness destroys our evil thoughts.

Here’s an example of how your prayers centering on one attribute of God, his faithfulness, can completely transform your thoughts, spirit, emotions and soul:

Lord God, I praise you for your faithfulness. I can always count on you. You never leave me or forsake me. In my hardest times, you are there. In my happiest times, you laugh with me. When I sin and let you down, you stay with me. No matter what, you are faithful. I lift up my heart to you and honor you for your faithfulness. When people disappoint me, you don’t. 

Father, I look around me and see a world that seems out of control. But you are a faithful God who is ever-present and in control. You are true to your Word. Praise you for your faithfulness. I will never doubt you. Oh Lord, may I keep my eyes on you, the faithful Father that I know. What a blessing to know that I am a child of the faithful God. Amen and amen!

As you praise God for trait after trait, your heart will be filled with joy. Take your time and let the reality of each character quality sink in. Enjoy your time of praise, whether it be silent or aloud. God’s Holy Spirit will give you a heart of joy.

That joy will lead to more praise. It’s a wonderful cycle.

Set your alarm to pause at times during the day. Choose one attribute of God and get lost in praise.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

October 2, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Practicing Joy

Practicing Joy

A surgeon practices his profession. It doesn’t mean he is rehearsing, experimenting with a few things here or there. That would be scary. A surgeon who is practicing is one who has completed his training and is now doing the real thing.

Contrast that with an athlete. He must practice over and over again so he will be fully prepared for competition.

We need to practice joy like an athlete or musician, not like a surgeon. Again and again, doing what it takes to get better.

“Practicing joy?” you ask. “How hard can it be?”

It’s a challenge to be joyful. Just observe your world as you go through the day today. At work, in the store, even at church. Count how many times you spot “joy.” Not Joy the cashier, but “joy” the fruit of the Spirit.

How about joy in your own life? How much of your day yesterday was characterized by joy?  Was it 20%, 50%, 70%?  Off the top of your head, pick a number. Your first thought is probably the right number.

I believe we need to practice joy in order to experience it as a way of life. Not as a counterfeit, self-made joy, but one which is Christ-centered and Holy Spirit fed.

Today, let me suggest the first step to practicing joy. Tomorrow, we’ll explore the second.

Hebrews 12:1 is our starting point, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” (NIV)

Your life might be weighed down by heavy things. The stuff of life. What comes to mind when you think of the weights that hinder you? Write them down. Throw them off your mind and on to that piece of paper, phone, or tablet.

Then send an email to God with this short list of things that are weighing you down, hindering you. Yes, I know you’ll get the email back. Just delete it. This exercise of releasing these things to God is the act of “throw(ing) off everything that hinders.”

Next, throw off the sin that is entangling you. It’s killing your joy. Confess it to God, claim the forgiveness of our Savior. Cast it to Jesus. You don’t need to email this list to God – I don’t recommend memorializing it.

These two simple acts will take just a few minutes. They will cleanse your heart, mind and soul.  You’ll be released from the things that hinder and entangle you.

The freedom and relief you’ll feel will open the door to joy.

Let’s talk about the next step tomorrow and what it really means to practice joy.

Enjoy your day of freedom today!

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

September 25, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy in a Toxic Workplace

Joy in a Toxic Workplace

Are you in a workplace that robs your joy?

I was talking with a friend this morning who said that on Sunday afternoon he had a pit in his stomach thinking about work the next day.

He had started the day in worship with his family of believers. But, whatever joy he had experienced at church was wiped out with the thought of tomorrow.

Your work situation may not be that bad, but you may still sense a loss of joy almost daily.

You wrestle with that reality against a statement like this, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” (Romans 15:13 NIV) And “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-17 NIV)

Reading those verses doesn’t lift you up at all. Instead, you feel worse because you’re failing to do what they say. You may even question your spiritual maturity.

A toxic work environment can bring down the strongest of believers.

It doesn’t have to be that way with you. Consider this: You’re not in your job by accident. God has chosen you to be there in his divine plan. That simple realization takes you out of your world into his.

Now imagine the possibilities! You’re Christ’s ambassador in your workplace.

I challenged my friend with one question. And I challenge you with the same one.

“What is one thing you can do to change the culture of your workplace?”

Whether you are in leadership or you’re down the ladder, you can make a difference.

I’m not asking you to turn the company around. I’m asking you to consider the one thing you can do to change the culture in your sphere of influence.

Jesus changed the world one person at a time, one group of people at a time. He did some of his greatest work apart from large crowds. And his influence caught fire.

Your influence can catch fire, too. Not in your own power, but as the Holy Spirit uses you and He works in the hearts of people around you.

Start every day with the One Thing Challenge and watch joy re-enter your life.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

September 18, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Feeding Your Joy

Feeding Your Joy

Have you ever met someone who is constantly happy, smiling, laughing, looking on the bright side—always? You’d think this person would bring joy to our lives, but they often annoy us.

It could be that they aren’t joyful at all, even though they appear to be.

Joy is not a constant emotional high. Yet, we expect it to be. We beat ourselves up when joy seems to leave us. We whisper to ourselves that we aren’t living up to God’s standards because we aren’t joyful.

Joy is deeper than an emotional high. The roots of joy run to our soul, just like a flourishing tree has roots running deep underground. Sometimes joy is expressed in peace, contentment, assurance, faith or a relaxed spirit.

Joy has to be fed. Where do you turn to feed your joy?

I can easily turn to the things of this world to try to feed mine. It doesn’t last long, because my soul has an insatiable appetite that temporal things can’t satisfy.

God’s Word feeds our joy. Not a surface reading, but an immersion into this Holy Book.  And that takes time.

Immerse yourself into one of these passages of Scripture today, then the others in the days ahead.  These truths will feed your soul.

  • Philippians 4:4-8. This passage starts with, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (NIV) In these five verses, you’ll find encouragement. You’ll also receive instruction on how to keep godly thoughts on the forefront of your mind. These thoughts will fill your soul and bring joy.
  • Luke 24. The resurrection of Jesus. This is a detailed account of his appearance to many and their reactions. Luke writes in a way that draws you into the story and makes you feel like you are right there with him and the others.
  • John 14:1-4. Jesus promises his disciples that he is going to prepare a place for them in heaven. The same is true for us. Read this and let your mind focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal here on earth. Your heart will be lifted up as you meditate on these verses.

You may want to approach the passage in this way:

  1. Read the passage.
  2. Silently think about it and see what God brings to your mind.
  3. Read it aloud a few times.
  4. Pray whatever comes to mind in response to God’s Word.

This practice should never become a ritual. It’s a great way to slow down and let the Word penetrate your heart. Feed your joy.

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

September 11, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Lift Someone Up Today

Lift Someone Up Today

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

One of the best ways to experience joy is by getting our eyes off ourselves.

We did an exercise at work recently that was downright encouraging. We were sitting at round tables with a sheet of paper in front of each of us. A co-worker’s name was printed at the top.  Our task was to write down one compliment about that person and then pass the paper along.

This exercise went on for 20 minutes as we wrote and passed, wrote and passed. A word, a phrase, a sentence for each person.

When we were finished, every sheet was filled with compliments. The leader then gave each person their sheet.

I read mine and I was instantly uplifted. No matter who you were in that room, no matter what your emotional state was when you walked in, you were feeling better when you left.

Two things happened that morning. Each person received encouragement reading their sheet of compliments, given by those they worked with every day.

I think a more important thing also happened. Each one of us was encouraged by giving compliments. We took our minds off ourselves for 20 minutes!

Self-centeredness can absolutely rob us of joy. We think we’ll be happy by concentrating on our own needs. But the opposite happens.

Dwelling incessantly on personal struggles or being preoccupied with achieving great things lead to the same place. Isolation. And that’s a joy killer for anyone.

Who comes to mind when you think of someone struggling right now?

A neighbor? Co-worker? Family member? A good friend?

Get that one person clearly pictured in your mind and answer these questions:

  • What’s their name?
  • What’s their struggle?
  • How are they feeling right now?
  • What is one thing you can do for them to lift them up?

Becoming the answer to that last question is your joy assignment today. It may simply be a phone call. It may be stopping by and praying for them. Or bringing a meal. It may be cleaning their house. Or sending them a card. For a co-worker, inviting them to lunch . . . and listening.

This person needs to know someone cares. They need someone to walk with them. They need encouragement.

Today, make someone’s day. As a result, you’ll be encouraged, too.

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (I Peter 4:8-10 ESV)

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

September 4, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and Your Thoughts

Joy and Your Thoughts

What’s on your mind these days?

I remember a lengthy season in my life when I was wrestling with some professional and personal issues that left me drained at the end of each day.

Over and over, I would play things through my mind. There was no resolution. I was plagued with the same thoughts day after day.

Have you ever had a season like that?

During those weeks, which stretched into months, I leaned into the Lord. I got more serious about immersing myself into his Word. I studied passages, even the entire book of Luke, in depth. I knew I had to wash myself with God’s Word.

My prayer life became more intentional and regular. I often journaled my prayers to the Lord. I poured out my heart as I sought God’s solution to my tough situation.

I can honestly say that despite the heartache, there was a sense of joy in my life. I could still face the day, laugh now and then and enjoy time with people. Despite everything pressing in on me, I had joy.

Yes, there was an underlying sense of angst. I won’t kid you. But joy was still present.

I experienced what Nehemiah 8:10 clearly states, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”

So I ask again, “What’s on your mind these days?”

If joy escapes you because something is consuming your thoughts, I want to encourage you. Be intentional about your study of the Word and your attention to prayer.

If you’re on top of the world right now and joy is filling your life, praise God! I still encourage you to go deep with God in the study of his Word and enjoy rich prayer times.

You see, it doesn’t matter whether we’re up or down, joyful or not, we need the food of the Word and oneness with God.

Meditate on this verse today. Use it as a trigger for your prayer time. Even now.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

(Experience more joy when you read my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy).

Your Life With God - 30 Days of Joy

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