Joy

April 25, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and the Word

Joy and the Word

Life happens and our joy is sucked right out of us. We’re blindsided by getting fired, losing a good friend, receiving a call from our child’s principal’s office, or . . . you fill in the blank. 

You might be in that place right now.

I understand.

I remember one of my most heart-wrenching moments. I heard about the death of a friend. He was only in his 30s and I learned the details on TV. The shock just killed me. I dropped to my knees in anguish before God and sobbed.

“No, no!” I shouted. “No, no!” Still, to this day, I grieve over the sudden loss of this dear friend.

How can our joy be restored when we are suddenly thrown to the depths?

The same way our joy is restored when we are lackluster, lukewarm or indifferent towards God and life.

I believe the Word of God is our anchor. There is something about his Word that feeds us supernaturally. Jesus said it himself, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

Every single word of Scripture is from the mouth of God. We have a treasure trove of nourishment for our soul. This nourishment builds and restores joy. I can’t explain how it happens, but it does.

How about this truth? Jesus rose from the dead. “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”  (Matthew 28:6) Now that really makes me happy. Not the world’s kind of happiness. Joyful! As only God can produce!

There are thousands of truths in the Bible that are foundational for our joy. I just mentioned one.  Centering on that truth alone will drill deep into your soul and produce a consistent joy.

Whatever has robbed your joy, it’s no match for God’s Word. I encourage you to feed on God’s Word today. Dwell on the truths that will build a deep joy in your life. A joy that will help you cope strongly with your current struggles.

Here are some promises you can read, think about and pray through. Feed your soul. Feed joy.

God’s inseparable love: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV)

The power of God’s Word to change your life: “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 relieves your fear: “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)

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Day of Joy. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback).

April 18, 2019 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and the Resurrection

Joy and the Resurrection

The resurrection is the most joyful event in history.

Think about the contrast felt by Jesus’ followers. He was crucified on Friday. The hopes that they had for their king to rule were dashed. They were banking on an earthly rule and being rescued from the oppression of Rome. Now their king was dead. Their expectations died with him.

The disciples scattered. Their faith vanished in a day. They didn’t want to be caught as one of Jesus’ followers. Three years of their lives were wasted following a dream. The foolish eleven shamefully faced going back to their jobs.

Then came Easter.

The two Marys were at the tomb and witnessed the supernatural:

“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.” (Mathew 28:2 NIV)

If that wasn’t astonishing enough, the angel spoke to the women:

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” (Matthew 28:5-7 NIV)

The two Marys were the first to experience what all believers have experienced since that day.  Absolute . . . incomprehensible . . . outrageous . . . overflowing . . . JOY!

“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” (Matthew 28:8 NIV)

They were filled with joy. Sorrow, depression and hopelessness were chased away by a God-given joy that reigned inside them. 

How long has it been since you’ve taken time to consider the miracle of the resurrection? Not just a passing intellectual acknowledgment, but immersing yourself in the contrasting scenes: the crucifixion and the resurrection. You’ll understand why the two Marys were filled with joy.

That same joy can flood your soul. 

Pull out or click on your Bible. Slowly read through Matthew 27 and 28. View the stark contrast between the dashed hope of the crucifixion and the renewed hope of the resurrection. 

Let God speak to you in this unhurried space. Allow your senses to go to those scenes two thousand years ago. Be wrapped up in the wonderful story of Jesus’ resurrection.

Our joy rests in the truth that we, too, will be resurrected to be with Jesus. Forever. There is no greater blessing we can experience. It transcends any earthly pain we are suffering now.

May your joy be renewed today in such a way that every destructive thought or emotion is chased out of your life . . . just as they were chased out of the followers of Jesus two thousand years ago. Happy Easter!

(From my devotional Your Life With God: 30 Days of Joy. Available on Amazon in Kindle and Paperback.

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

August 28, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and Rest

Joy and Rest

The alarm goes off in the morning and the race is on.  You crawl out of bed at a turtle’s pace and make it to the shower.  As you run the upcoming day through your mind, your senses come alive. In fact, it becomes intense as you think about it.

Kids to school, Jamie to the dentist appointment, report due today for my boss, meeting where I’m presenting, two after-school practices for soccer in two different places, get dinner done tonight in time for Bobby’s lessons… just pick up burgers…

It’s no wonder that joy has escaped the average Christian.  There’s no room for it in the schedule.

But the problem is deeper than that. You don’t rest.  You’re chasing life, whether it be a full schedule with kids or activities of your own.

The truth is that anxiety, fear, rushing and striving take the place of joy.

Instead of kicking yourself and being disappointed in your lifestyle, here’s a suggestion.

Rest.

Yes. Rest.

“But I don’t have time!” you say. “You just described my life to a “t”.

Not a good excuse.  Jesus had one of the most demanding schedules I can think of and he found time to rest.  Even in crisis.

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’”  (Mark 4:35-38 ESV)

Can you rest when the constant winds and waves of life smack you around?

I think it’s time to change your schedule so there’s room for rest.  You’’ have margin in your life to recuperate, refresh and rejuvenate.  You must find the time.

Start today and carve out 20 minutes to rest.  It may come at lunch, where you simply go to your car and sit there, emptying your heart to the Lord.  Or even taking a nap.

Jesus invites you.  “”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 ESV)

Give yourself permission to rest today.  And tomorrow.  And the next day.

We are finite creatures and we need the replenishing practice of rest. Without feeling guilty for enjoying it.

If you practice rest on a daily basis, I know that the joy of the Christian life will seep back into your life.

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

August 21, 2018 Jfuglerwriter Comments Off on Joy and Laughter

Joy and Laughter

They say that laughter has a healing effect on the body.  In fact, the Bible tells us, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” –Proverbs 17:22 NIV. Laughter may even release some happy hormones.

In any case, laughter is indeed good for the soul.

When was the last time you had a real hearty laugh?  What brought it on?  The thought of that memory makes you smile, I’m sure.

I think we all need to set everything aside and laugh.  Not just a snicker.  But the kind of laugh you just remembered.  One that’s out of control.  Even embarrassing.

Why is it that Christ-followers are often the least happy people in the bunch? We have the living God inside of us.  That alone should bring us great joy.  And joyful laughter.

Speaker and comedian Ken Davis has a radio feature called “Lighten Up.”  No matter what the topic that day, he would always end the show with, “Lighten up… and live!”  You see, Ken has a joyful perspective on life, even when telling tough stories.

So how do we manage to laugh when we’re faced with the realities of life that aren’t funny at all?

Work challenges don’t make you laugh.  Family conflicts aren’t funny.  Health problems are painful.  The thought of the destiny of the unsaved isn’t laughable.

Yet, because these very things surround us, we need to find time to laugh.

In fact, you may need a good laugh right now.  You might be in a funk and laughter is the prescribed medicine.

Can I give you permission to laugh today?  Will you give yourself permission to laugh?

I guarantee that a good laugh will chase away the spirit of bitterness, sadness or anger that you might feeling right now.  Laughter and bitterness can’t co-exist.  Laughter pushes sadness away. Laughter beats anger every time.

What is it that will bring laughter into your life?

For me, it’s crazy comedy.  Most anything with Kevin James will make me laugh on the spot.  King of Queens reruns, Mall Cop, Kevin Can Wait (sadly cancelled).

Not real spiritual, is it?  That’s ok.  Yours doesn’t have to be either, as long as it doesn’t dishonor God.

Laughter is a joy trigger.  It takes your mind off the things that rob your joy and opens the door to consider those things that bring you joy.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is… think on these things.”

In Ken’s words, “Lighten up and live!”

Consider today…

  • What makes you laugh? I mean really laugh?  Whatever it takes, spend some time diving into one or more of those things as soon as you can today.
  • Do you take yourself too seriously? Become a person who laughs… regularly.
  • On the other hand, you might already be a laughing fool. How can you make someone else laugh today? Be one who releases the joy trigger in their life.

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

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